Page 24 of A Duchess to Unravel
Theo supposed they would know that as well, seeing as how Rose’s father and her mother’s husband had passed three years ago. According to the gossip sheets, Rose’s mother had bounced back quickly from his death. Now seeing her like this, though, Theo doubted that that was true. The woman was a mess.
“Yes, I suppose I will,” Theo agreed politely, thankful when Rose was able to pry her mother’s arms away.
“You know what I keep telling my Rose and I will tell you: what will help with that feeling of loss is the feeling of gain. Asin gaining a husband,” Lady Gravesmoor said matter-of-factly. “You two would be so much better off if you would finally marry.”
At any other time Theo might have enjoyed politely arguing that point, but today, for her sake and Rose’s, she chose another path.
“You are quite right, Lady Gravesmoor,” Theo replied, smiling wide as she took Rose’s hand. “In fact, that is what the two of us are about to do. Take a stroll and discuss such a strategy.”
“Oh, what fun!” Lady Gravesmoor exclaimed, clapping her hands, “Here, allow me to grab my hat I shall chaperone you.”
“My maid is just outside,” Theo lied quickly. “We are properly chaperoned, Lady Gravesmoor, I assure you.”
She then leaned close, putting on her most pitiful expression.
"I was hoping to speak to my dear friend about some very personal matters,” she whispered, adding a touch of sadness to her voice.
Lady Gravesmoor gave her a look that was both pitying and disappointed. Rose stood to the side. Silent. Waiting.
“I understand,” she sighed at last, “I had friends like that too, once. It saddens me how they all faded with time. Very well. Go on. Cherish each other.”
“Thank you, Mama,” Rose answered quickly, reaching for her own hat and parasol, “I will be back at an appropriate hour.”
Lady Gravesmoor only nodded as she turned away, her steps swaying lightly as she went back down the hall.
“Come,” Rose whispered to Theo, taking her hand, “Before she forgets.”
Theo let Rose rush her outside and was surprised when she did indeed find her maid, Norma, waiting for her. Tristan might not have followed her, but it was clear that he still wanted her supervised. She could not tell if she was annoyed or touched that he had sent Norma after her.
“I thought you were lying about your maid,” Rose murmured at her side.
Theo chose to simply push past it, and she gave a small smile as the two began to walk, Norma trailing a respectful distance behind.
“Rose,” she said, changing the subject. “Your mother is … is she in good health?”
Rose sighed, casting her eyes back toward her house.
“In truth I do not know. Her and Papa were not a love match that I know. And she’d seemed quite fine with his passing for some time. Now I cannot read her. Perhaps she is just strugglingwith the rumors circulating about her? Or perhaps she is overly worried about me not yet finding a husband?”
“How long has she been like this,” Theo asked, refraining from using more specific language. Rose appeared grateful for it.
“A few weeks now.”
“Rose, I am sorry,” Theo apologized, “I have been so wrapped in myself, I did not know that you were going through your own troubles.”
Rose’s smile was brilliant and pretty as she looped her arm around Theo’s.
“It is fine. Truly! Let us move on,” she insisted. “I am thankful you chose to stop by, but you seemed upset when you arrived. Pray, what is going on with you?”
Not wanting to pressure Rose any further, Theo moved on.
“At the dinner last night,” she began, “Was I awful?”
“I was!” She gasped when she saw Rose’s expression.
“It was not so bad,” Rose replied quickly. “You were just so…hostile. It was unlike you.”
Theo sighed.
