Page 7 of Kismet

“Of course. You get home to my little namesake. Do not worry too much if you can help it, for Artie is a tough little tike. I am sure he will quickly recover from whatever this is,” Theodore reassured him, hating to see his cousin’s panic.

After Darcy expressed his gratitude and rushed off, Cedric spoke up. “I am not certain Artie could quite be called your namesake. His name is Arthur.”

“His name is Arthur Theodore,” Theodore proudly clarified. “He is my namesake and will most likely be the closest I will come to a legacy.”

“At least until you have children of your own,” Cedric said with a certainty Theodore certainly didn’t share.

Shaking his head, Theodore denied the possibility. “I do not know if I will ever have children. Who would have me? I am a discarded soldier. I have no estate, and no true prospects for my future.”

“You are not yet thirty. Soon, but not yet, and you are the brother of an earl. That means a lot to many people. I know both Darcy and I have attempted to give you an estate, but you have repeatedly turned us down,” Cedric pointed out, clearly attempting to dismantle Theodore’s argument with one swift speech. “You are an intelligent man and I know that with time, you will find your own way to establish yourself. Despite your assertions, I have hope for your prospects yet and will be here to support you along the way.”

Elizabeth took advantage of the empty carriage to lay her head on William’s shoulder, snuggling her forehead into his neck. She needed the comfort his presence gave her and knew he would appreciate her closeness as well. “I know he will be fine, but I cannot help but worry.”

“That is because you are a good mother.” William laced their fingers together, his thumb stroking her skin in reassurance. “We still have some time before we can see him for ourselves. Let us talk of something else before you start worrying yourself about possibilities. What did you think of Theodore’s behavior at the ball? He has been…off lately.”

Sighing, Elizabeth tried to force her muscles to relax, and thought back to recall what she had seen of the colonel. “Theodore seemed well enough, but you are right. During his unguarded moments, he appeared more pensive than usual.”

“I have always pictured Theodore as the perfect knight-errant roaming the countryside, looking for battles to win and people to save. In the regulars he had a purpose, and I think he is somewhat lost without it.” Leaning his head down to rest on Elizabeth’s, he continued, “London society is not something he fits into well. He has always had a distaste for superficial drama.”

“I would not worry about him too much. I’m sure he will find his way and you will help him. Besides, did you see him at supper? He looked to be enjoying himself with Catherine and Cedric.” Elizabeth closed her eyes, savoring the comfort of being held by William.

“I will trust your faith in him.” After being silent for a moment, he asked, “Did you see Mary with Goulding?”

“Yes, I did. He always tries to dance the supper set with her when they are at a dance together.” Laughing with an undignified snort, she continued, “I do not think either of them realize how obvious they are to us. He should be finishing Oxford soon. I wonder how long it will take for him to propose.”

Chuckling softly, William pressed a kiss into Elizabeth’s hair. “Ah, to be young, though he does not have the best of prospects.”

Leaning back, Elizabeth looked at her husband, her eyes narrowed. “Fitzwilliam Darcy, you know Mary does not care about prospects and we could very well provide a number of places for them to live. One of your satellite estates, or even Pemberley. Mary would live in a hovel if she felt she was loved.”

William leaned in and nuzzled Elizabeth’s nose with his own. “I very well know that Mary would live anywhere if there was love in her life. I was simply worried about Goulding. Young men are often proud, you know, and he may hesitate to propose if he feels he cannot offer her what he thinks she deserves.”

Elizabeth giggled with a roll of her eyes. “Oh, you young men and your pride.”

Heading away from the gaiety of the ball and into the hallway with Georgiana and Mary, Catherine tried not to worry for Artie. It was rather silly that William would think they would want to stay and enjoy themselves while their little nephew was home sick. Besides her dance with Colonel Fitzwilliam, she could have done without the whole experience.

Between the pettiness of women like Miss Eliss and the vile actions of Lord Deerhurst, the evening was a complete waste of time and a good dress. Thinking about the dance with the viscount made Catherine suppress a shudder. Just what percentage of the men she met would prove themselves more like him than the more stellar examples of their kind?

For a moment, she considered the possibility of wearing shoes with a better grip to the next ball. Perhaps with some kind of reinforcement in the top of the shoe? That way, she would be better protected from clumsy dancers stepping on her feet, not to mention they would certainly make a better weapon if she was forced to kick someone. Grinning, Catherine rolled her eyes at the absurdity of her thoughts.

Looking ahead, she saw the colonel standing in a pool of light at the entrance speaking with his brother and hoped the candlelight would conceal her blush. Though she could easily do without most of the experiences she had that night, she would never have traded away her time with Colonel Fitzwilliam. The time with him was something she would cherish, even if she wasn’t sure what to make of that realization.

He had come to her aid and reassured her. Supper had been thoroughly enjoyable and chatting away with everyone made for a special meal. The dance, however, had been something else altogether. Never before had a dance evoked such feelings. She knew debutantes who absolutely loved to dance and though she had always found it enjoyable, she would not have pined had she missed the opportunity to dance.

She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was an unmistakable shift in the experience that made her feel off-balance. His eyes held a mischievous glint, and the way his deep chuckle reverberated through her left her stomach in a constant state of flutter. Somehow, the dance had created a thrilling anticipation within her, leaving her uncertain of her desires. Did she hope those new feelings would gradually fade away? Or did she want them to intensify?

Standing at the entrance of the building, Theodore spoke with his brother, who wanted to leave before his mother made herself a nuisance. “You go ahead, Cedric. I am sure Darcy's carriage will be here shortly, and then I will see you at home. All these lovely ladies will keep me company while we wait. Isn't that right, Mrs. Ansley?”

“More like keep you in line,” Catherine’s cheery response came from where she stood between Georgiana and Mary.

Seemingly reassured, Cedric bowed elegantly in their direction. “Ladies,” he said as way of farewell before turning his gaze to his brother. “I will see you at home, Theodore. Please tell Darcy that I hope young Artie recovers swiftly.” Climbing into his carriage, he disappeared into the foggy London night.

Wringing her hands, Georgianna peered into the darkness as if trying to spot their carriage. “I hope Artie is all right. I could never stay and enjoy myself, knowing that he was unwell.”

“We will be home shortly, and you can check on him yourself. Between all the maternal figures in his life, I am sure that he will have plenty of arms to hold and care for him,” Mrs. Ansley reassured Georgiana.

Mary wrapped an arm around Georgiana's shoulders in a comforting gesture. “Children are always coming down with one thing or another. I am sure he is fine.”

It was only a matter of minutes before their carriage arrived and they all piled in. Conversation was quiet as the hour was late, and despite their concern, they were all tired. Sitting in the quiet allowed Theodore to contemplate the evening. While he would never say that he enjoyed balls, the night had progressed better than he had hoped.

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