Page 52 of Kismet

Despite appearing chagrined for a brief moment, Lady Matlock pressed on seemingly undeterred. “Yes, well, beyond that. They obviously still got things wrong. I am not going to Wales.” Once more, his mother could not maintain her deceptive act, and her tone was on the verge of reaching the extreme end of the screech spectrum. She would soon make the dogs howl.

As he intertwined his fingers with Catherine's on the table, he met his mother’s gaze. “Mother, do you remember our conversation when I told you I knew you had been the one spreading rumors about Catherine? I emphasized the need for you to apologize and rectify your actions.”

Lady Matlock sniffed and looked haughty. “I remember that conversation and I have every intention of—”

“Pretending to apologize. Yes, I know that you would do something of the sort. But that option is no longer open to you, not when I know that you are still actively attempting to hurt Catherine.”

Lady Matlock slammed her teacup onto the table as she tried to defend herself. “I do not understand how you could believe such a thing about me!” In a sudden shift from rage to sorrow, she added, with tears welling up in her eyes, “I have been trying to draw closer to you. Has this woman been turning you against me? Against your own mother?”

In the face of his mother's dramatic and ever-changing behavior, Theodore stayed composed and responded with a calm demeanor. “If you had read further, you would notice that Lord Deerhurst is being prosecuted for blackmail, among other crimes. He told us that you were paying him to ruin Catherine.”

Lady Matlock cried, her hand clutching her heart as she desperately tried to elicit their empathy. “What!?! And you would believe his lies over your own mother?”

“Yes, Mother,” he confessed, his voice trembling with anger. “I can't deny that I suspect my own mother of paying someone to injure the woman I hold dear. I will not tolerate the deceitful behavior that you have consistently displayed. This is not up for debate, and I will not argue with you about it. From this day forward, I will no longer have you in my home or, for that matter, any of my properties.”

Lady Matlock's mouth flapped for a moment, and then she let out a shrill, incomprehensible sound that made Theodore and Catherine cringe in unison. Theodore watched her carefully; it was obvious his mother was trying to come up with some plan to stymie him. She had painted herself into a corner and had been found out. There would be no escape from the consequences of her actions.

Ignoring his mother’s attempt at interruption, he continued. “The maids are packing your things, and you will be on the road by mid-day. There is enough light in the day for you to get several hours out of town by nightfall.”

“I am your mother. You cannot do this to your nearest relation.” The warmth and emotion drained from her voice, leaving behind a hollow emptiness that exposed the artificial tears she had been using.

“I protect those I love, Mother, and while I thought I could love and trust you, you have proven me wrong. I no longer acknowledge you as my mother. Thankfully, in just over a month, I will be marrying an incredible woman.” Looking to Catherine, he gazed lovingly at her. “Her mother has graciously given me permission to call her my own, easing my feelings of being an orphan.”

Standing up, Lady Matlock stomped her slippered foot. It was quite ineffectual. “That woman is the daughter of a solicitor! Nobility runs in your bloodline. You cannot possibly be glad of such a relationship!”

“There is no questioning the amount of respect I have for Mrs. Hawkins. Formerly known as Mrs. Bennet. I will gladly take her as mother over you.” Theodore stood up, his fists pressing into the table as he faced the irate woman. His gaze was as frigid as the coldest winter’s day. “You are a disgrace to the title, Mother.”

Theodore could feel the warmth of Catherine’s hand on his arm. When he turned to her, she smiled reassuringly. Without a word she was showing him that he was not alone in his struggle.

“You are running out of time, Mother. You will be in the carriage in a few hours. I suggest you change into traveling clothes and supervise the packing of any items you want to bring. You may take anything you own. All items that belong to the family must stay at Matlock House. Any personal belongings that cannot be packed today will be sent to you separately.”

With one last screech, Lady Matlock angrily hurled her teacup towards her son, narrowly missing him. Her anger was evident as she stormed out of the room, her footsteps resonating with intensity. The crash of a door slamming closed soon followed.

Theodore turned and looked at the man who had been standing behind him throughout the entire encounter. “Barnes, could you follow her with the butler and make sure she neither steals anything nor starts breaking things? I would hate to lose a family heirloom if we can help it.”

“Of course, sir.” With a bow, he left, following the sounds of discord.

Catherine watched Theodore almost deflate. It had been a lot to confront his mother about her transgressions and finally force her from his life. She knew she needed to help him but finding a way to divert his attention from the events of the morning proved challenging. Getting up, she looked at the food still on display. Wasn’t the way to a man's heart through his stomach? “So what should I try? I did not eat before I came over. It all looks delicious.”

Coming out of his daze, Theodore smiled at Catherine. “Mrs. Goodwin is amazing. Her baked goods are a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that always leave me wanting more. Though to be fair, I have never found myself disliking anything she made.”

Catherine filled two plates with random bits of food, paying special attention to the baked goods. Bringing them both to the table, she put one in front of him and one at her spot. She ignored propriety for the moment and gave Theodore a hug. He seemed to need it desperately. “I know you did not eat before I arrived. You need to eat.”

“Yes, my love.” Nestled in her arms, Theodore inhaled deeply before responding. “In the years to come, I foresee a peaceful and harmonious existence. You will instruct me for my own benefit, and I will unquestioningly comply.”

Pulling back, Catherine rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips as she looked at the man she loved. “Eat your scone, you silly man.”

“Yes, dear.”

Neither of them could remain serious and they both burst into raucous laughter. When she was finally able to catch her breath, Catherine noticed Lambert smiling where she sat against the wall. It seemed they were all happy about how things were proceeding.

The morning passed by slowly. Catherine remained with Theodore as they waited for Lady Matlock to leave. He had told her she could go, that he would be well, but she pointed out that they were entering a partnership, and she would not leave him to take on his mother alone. After they finished their meal, they relocated, settling into the downstairs sitting room. Lambert stayed with them, as well as a footman, for propriety’s sake.

They used the time to engage in deep conversations and craft ambitious plans for their future together. Theodore finally admitted to himself, and Catherine, that parliament just was not for him. He could not abide the posturing and rubbing elbows with people to gain their votes. Catherine freely supported his decision.

Tilting her head seemingly in thought, Catherine said, “You know, if you want to do good, you could create your own charity. It is not like you won’t have the means.”

“Like the one Elizabeth is working on?”

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