Page 12 of Kismet

“I remain unable to sleep through the night, but I feel more settled after my exercise.” Theodore loosened his black neckcloth as he spoke. Sitting down, he began to pull at one of his boots before Barnes was there to help him remove them both. “How is the state of the house? Anything to be concerned about?”

Theodore watched as Barnes pondered his inquiries. One reason he appreciated Barnes so much was his innate ability to ferret out issues that needed to be addressed. His skills at reconnaissance were second to none.

“Your brother was well loved by the staff. He treated them well and they all seem to be mourning his passing. Your brother’s valet is looking for another position, but that was to be expected. Jones has been concerned of late, but he is staying attentive to his duties.”

Coming out of his fog upon hearing there was a need he might be able to help with, he looked to Barnes. “Oh, what is his concern? Is there anything we can do to assist him?”

“It seems that he has developed feelings for a maid named Sally, who works across the square, and she has been ducking the advances of the master’s son. He is rather worried that she is in an unsafe position. He does not make enough to support them both yet and so they are waiting to marry while praying she can find a new position.”

“No one should be forced to stay in such a situation. Speak with Timmins, I am sure we can find some sort of position for her,” Theodore said thoughtfully. “Then it will be possible for them to marry all the sooner.”

“I will do so. I believe that Jones will be very pleased to learn of it.” Getting up off the floor, Barnes carried the boots to the side of the room and opened the clothes cupboard. He began to rummage around for Theodore’s outfit for the day. Taking a dark waistcoat in hand, he laid it out on Theodore’s bed. “I will set out your clothes, unless there is something specific you want to wear?”

“I am only going over more paperwork with Darcy today, and maybe go to Whites later. Nothing special.”

Nodding his head, Barnes went back to composing the rest of an outfit, always meticulous about selecting each piece. “It will be good for you to get out of the house, my lord. Do you have something planned for the evening?”

“No, but I assume that Elizabeth will want me to come over for dinner. Despite the season, and it being Georgiana and Miss Catherine’s first season at that, they are staying closer to home since Cedric died.”

“They are a fine family.” Completing his tasks, Barnes moved to the door.

“Yes, they are,” Theodore agreed with a tired smile. “They’ve been inviting Mother, but she has refused, stating the need for solitude. Thank you for readying everything.”

Barnes left the room, allowing Theodore to bathe in peace. Theodore was aware that earls and other powerful men had valets to aid them in bathing and dressing, but he couldn't fathom the idea of being dependent on someone for such basic tasks. Stripping his clothes, he stepped into the hot water and sighed. Resting his head against the back of the metal tub, he closed his eyes, reveling in the fact that relaxing in the tub was so much easier than in bed lately.

The piano's last notes hung in the air before everyone broke out into applause. Over the last several years, Catherine had honed her skills to a remarkable degree. While Georgiana's pieces were flawless, Catherine’s had a certain charm and warmth that were hard to replicate.

“Wonderful, Kitty. I told you that you could do that piece justice,” Georgiana commended her from her chair by the fireplace.

“Thank you. I had to push myself to get started, but once I did, I found the challenge quite enjoyable.” Getting up from the piano, she approached Theodore and sat next to him on the settee.

“You did very well, Miss Catherine. It is a remarkable piece.” Theodore smiled at Miss Catherine as he spoke. It was an odd sensation to recognize that his own smile felt slightly stiff. He used to be such a jovial person—when had that changed?

Thinking back, he wondered when he had last felt most like himself. He had enjoyed staying at Netherfield and then afterwards, he was fine at Pemberley when Darcy married. London seemed to have sucked the laughter out of him but since his brother's death, he struggled to even find anything to smile about.

“Yes, though challenging, I enjoy most of Haydn’s works.” His smile was mirrored by Catherine, although her eyes seemed to hold a silent inquiry. “I have a request to make of you, Colonel.”

Surprised that she would request anything of him, Theodore sat up straighter. “And what would that be, Miss Catherine? Is my cousin overlooking something he should have in your care?”

“Lydia and I typically go to Lady Derby’s to practice our archery with Elizabeth, but she is unable to accompany us tomorrow. Would you be willing to accompany us?”

It felt like an age since he had done anything so carefree and though he would not do something so frivolous on his own account, he would not hesitate to help Elizabeth’s younger sisters. “Of course, I do not mind. Who would object to watching a goddess practice her sport?” Maybe it was time to step out of the dark, if only for a morning.

Chapter Six

Her plan was in place, and Catherine was happy that it was. Getting the opportunity to speak with Theodore the night before had been a wonderful opportunity to get the ball rolling so to speak. Cedric’s death had caused Theodore to change, and she watched as he drifted further and further away from who he used to be. It had to stop. She was uncertain why watching him flounder hurt her as badly as it did, but she could take it no longer.

She had found her strength on the archery field, and she had thought perhaps he could find his own there too. Thanking her maid for her help in preparing for the day, she left her room to join the others in the morning room for breakfast. “Good morning, everyone.”

“Good morning, Kitty,” came the swift reply from Lydia, who stood by the sideboard collecting her breakfast. “I am so happy you got Theodore to accompany us to archery. Archery is not something I would want to miss if I can help it.”

“I am sorry to not be able to go with you today, but I could not avoid the appointment,” Elizabeth spoke from her spot at the table where she was drinking her morning coffee. “Apparently, the charity that I am supporting is having some kind of issue. I need to meet with some of the other ladies to oversee some changes.”

“I do not mind in the least. You have responsibilities that you need to see to and besides, I am quite proud of my solution. Two birds with one stone and all that,” Catherine replied on her way to the sideboard to get some toast and marmalade. Gathering her plate, she put it on the table and went back for some tea. She noticed how Lydia had so casually said Theodore. For some reason, even referring to him as Theodore in her mind felt odd to Catherine, but Colonel Fitzwilliam felt too cold now, and Lord Matlock was even worse. She supposed that only left Theodore.

“Whatever do you mean?” The words were somewhat muffled as Lydia spoke while chewing on a piece of toast. Catherine watched as her sister caught the disapproving look on Ansley's face and swallowed hard. Hastily wiping her mouth, Lydia whispered an apology.

Catherine loved her little sister dearly. In a different world, one without all the individualized attention Elizabeth gave her to counteract her father’s cruelty, she could have been her bolder sister's shadow, imitating Lydia’s every move. Despite that, Catherine was glad she managed to find the way to be her own person. “I have been worried about Colonel Theodore and am hoping that by getting him out of the house, we can help him. Archery has been a source of strength and development for me, and I hope he will also find it to be a positive experience. I do not know why exactly, but it's painful for me to witness him so disheartened. He was not meant for it.”

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