Page 6 of Kismet

Catherine's melodious laughter spilled out before she said, “I have only recently begun studying brothers as I have none of my own. Lizzie's recent marriage has gifted me a taste of what you must enjoy.”

Both girls laughed softly, and Theodore felt drawn by Catherine's smile once again. Lost in thought, his brother startled him by stomping on his foot under the table. Looking up, he saw Cedric gesture to Miss Burgess and realized what he was implying. “I know I did not say so before, but it is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Burgess. It is nice to have a second moon goddess seated at the table. I am sure Artemis will love the company.”

Tilting her head, Miss Burgess looked at Catherine before asking, “Oh, should I assume you are Artemis? Something to do with your love for archery?”

“The colonel was witness to a very good shot of mine a couple of years ago and has referred to me as Artemis ever since,” Catherine replied, while a blush spread over her cheeks.

After taking a bite of his meal, Theodore washed it down with some of the lukewarm lemonade. “An excellent shot indeed. You shot him in the hand at thirty yards. I know soldiers who are not that accurate with their rifles.”

Miss Burgess's eyes widened in astonishment and there was a piece of asparagus speared on her fork, paused midway to her mouth. “You shot someone? I think I am missing the full story here.”

Catherine sighed, but Theodore caught how she seemed to sit taller before she responded. “There was someone on our estate that was trying to harm one of my sisters. He happened to make the ill-conceived attempt while I was practicing my archery. I am not sure if he realized the error of his ways, but he suffered some painful consequences. Without going into details I will only say that someone swiftly took him away, and he became someone else's problem.” Turning to glare at Theodore, she called him out for his behavior. “If you keep bringing things like this up, people will get all sorts of ideas about me. If you continue along this line, I am going to have to force you to learn archery in compensation.”

The laughter of everyone at the table, including his brother Cedric, made Theodore smile as well. For as horrible as his day had started, he was happy that it had improved as much as it had. It was nice to be able to experience the camaraderie, even if the food was subpar and the drinks warm.

Theodore stood by the edge of the dancing with his brother, watching Georgiana, Mary, and Catherine dance. He suspected his brother was watching Miss Burgess dance. “I enjoyed meeting Miss Burgess. How long have you been hiding her and how come I never noticed?”

Cedric tugged at his cravat with a finger. Seeing Theodore's quirked eyebrow at the action, he sighed and responded to the query. “It appears your keen observational skills have dulled, but you have not been quite yourself lately. I met her at the start of the season but have been biding my time.” Watching the woman in question dance with some young buck, he frowned. “This is her third season. Her father is a viscount in Northumberland. Her twin brother is his heir. I think you would like him. I met him at Gentleman Jack's, and he has a remarkable right hook.”

Scrubbing his face with his hand, Theodore wondered where his mind had been. Lost in his struggle to rebuild his life and haunted by nightmares, he now found himself failing his brother. “I know I was off, but that is a lot to be missing. I am sorry I have not been paying attention lately.”

Cedric shook his head and grabbed his brother by the shoulder. “I am only encouraged to see you doing better this evening. After all, you are my baby brother. I only want you to find your way to happiness.”

Despite the odd pressure in his chest from the comment, Theodore smiled at his brother. “So, is Miss Burgess your way to happiness?”

“She might just be, though I have had to be careful. It would not do for Mother to catch wind and turn nasty. You know she only wants weak-willed, timid things for us so that she may maintain her position. I asked a friend of mine to see to it that she was invited to play cards. She is thoroughly distracted and did not notice us eating together.” Cedric’s smile was practically triumphant. It appeared that he was rather proud of his schemes regarding their mother.

Theodore looked at his brother in consideration. He was grateful that Cedric seemed to be finding happiness. His life as an earl was not conducive to finding those who genuinely cared for him, and Theodore was glad that he was making the effort to protect that. Cedric certainly had a handle on their mother that Theodore did not feel he himself possessed. “I have to give it to you, Cedric. You fight an entirely different battle than I am used to. Point me at an enemy that I can attack outright, and I am confident in my ability to win the day. You have an amazing ability to confront problems in a roundabout way.”

Shrugging, Cedric smiled sardonically. “I have been immersed in society since I left Cambridge. While you were off fighting and figuring out how to stay alive while people were shooting at you, I was here. I was studying how to sway people's opinions without causing any friction or hostility.”

As he gripped his brother's shoulder, a playful chuckle escaped his lips, filling the air with warmth and laughter. “I must say you have succeeded. You are a master at it. You handle people like a chess master handles his chess pieces. Each of your moves is calculated and intentional.”

“Yes, you could look at the maneuverings in the ton and see the similarities to chess. In fact, people like our mother look at people like pawns to be manipulated and cast aside at her whim.” Cedric looked over to the doorway that led to the card room. Their mother would be occupied there for some time but would eventually come out to gossip with her friends.

Shaking his head, Theodore watched the swirl of glittering gaiety with palpable distaste. “I cannot like it. Since Badajoz, my time has been mostly dedicated to recovering or being in the country. I have lost touch with what you have been having to deal with. How have you endured society so long?”

“I use what I have learned to help those that I can. There are always people that need help when you look for it.” Cedric cast a glance at his brother.

“I think I am beginning to see what you mean. We might need to keep an eye on Deerhurst. He was trying to pull Miss Catherine out on to the balcony.” The recollection of the rogue’s despicable actions made Theodore's pulse quicken.

Cedric swiftly looked at Miss Catherine, seeming to also check her over for harm. Theodore followed his gaze and noticed that she was smiling kindly while moving through the motions of the dance. Her partner appeared slightly clumsy, though she was reassuring the lad despite his latest misstep. “You must have come to her aid in time. She looks to be well enough.”

“She intentionally ruined his perfectly tied cravat with a glass of red punch, forcing him to release her. He left to attend to the stain. I think, however, that he will try to make trouble for her, or at the very least, other young debutantes, in the future.” Theodore's voice seemed to end in a growl. He told himself his anger that someone would try something against Miss Catherine was not completely unexpected. He was very protective of those under his care.

“It's evident that the Bennet ladies are not to be underestimated when it comes to their ability to defend themselves and each other.” Smiling, Cedric turned his attention back to Theodore.

Theodore did not look at his brother, but out at the dancers instead. One dancer in particular. “Yes, but she is only a girl. She should not have to fight to protect herself while at a ball.”

“At nineteen, she's no longer a girl but a young woman. Actually, she's participating in the season to find a husband, so she's not just a young woman, but will soon be someone's wife.” Cedric's laughter towards his brother's confusion was inexplicable, or at least Theodore thought it was. Seeming to take pity on his younger brother, he composed himself. Then, looking serious, Cedric stared off in thought for a moment. “But yes, no one should have to worry about their safety while enjoying the festivities of the season. I will have to make sure the viscount is not making a nuisance of himself.”

“And how, pray tell, will you be doing that?” Theodore knew his brother was all about connections, but what connection could help him with a dastard like Deerhurst?

“His father, who holds a seat in parliament, is an acquaintance of mine. He controls the purse strings. If that does not work, I have other connections that might be useful.”

Theodore abandoned his reply as his attention caught on Darcy rushing towards them with a worried frown. “Darcy, what is wrong?” he questioned.

“Someone delivered a message just now that Artie has developed a fever. I am taking Elizabeth home so we can care for him. I know his nanny is a wonderful woman who adores him, but we would like to see to him ourselves.” Looking out to the dance floor, he spotted his charges all in the middle of the dance. “I do not want to disrupt the night for Georgiana, Mary, and Catherine. Mrs. Ansley is here to chaperone them, but I would feel better if you could escort them home. If you are willing, Theodore, I will send my carriage back for you to use once we get home.”

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