Page 24 of Loving a Dowager
Theo puffed out her chest. “I’ve been told I’m rather good at devising schemes and finding solutions.”
“Have you deciphered the key to love?”
She scanned the surroundings. “We shall need to relocate to somewhere more private for such discussions.” She wagged her brow at him. “Nothing to fear, Lord Weathersbee, I’m well aware your heart and attentions belong only to one woman—my dear Aunt Henri.”
“Have I made it that obvious?”
“Not at all.” She maneuvered them to stroll along the perimeter headed toward the back gate where a non-descript coach was waiting. She paused by the gate. “You see, I’m quite observant and have the added benefit of wide and varied sources.”
Mute, he held open the gate for Theo. He rolled his eyes heavenward. Theo was a PORF and had an entire Network of informants at her disposal. There was no telling what information she’d managed to obtain.
Waiting by the coach steps, Theo looked over her shoulder. “Will you be joining me or not?”
He slid the iron latch into place and turned to vault up into the coach. Seated on the rear-facing seat he said, “Lady Archbroke…”
“Please, call me Theo.” She tapped the heel of her foot twice and the coach rolled into motion.
“Very well—Theo, why did Hadfield send you?” He jutted out his chin and continued, “And why did you opt to come in disguise?”
“Landon is a man of few words, but especially so when it comes to his mama’s… personal affairs. He determined it best if I handle the situation, and I agreed.”
“And as to you arriving in costume?”
She ran a hand over her gray ensemble and smiled. “Purely for my own benefit.”
Theo was a delight to converse with normally but even more so when she let her guard down, which had never been the case before. “Do tell—what is it that you and Landon believe is the issue I need assistance with?”
“It is always difficult to know for certain what goes on in my cousin’s head; however, I’m fairly certain I’m correct that you are struggling to reconcile the depths of your affection for Aunt Henri and your loyalty to a dead man.”
“I believe you are speaking to the wrong party. It is your aunt who is struggling with her attraction to me verses her wish to remain faithful to George. I’ve had several years of practice…”
Theo interrupted him exclaiming, “Balderdash! If that were the truth, why were you milling about and talking to a dead man?”
He took a moment to consider whether or not he should remain silent and let Theo come to her own conclusions, but the determined set of her features told him she’d patiently wait for his response. “For the majority of my life, Henrietta has been unattainable for one reason or another. To have held her in my arms and not merely in my dreams is rather disconcerting.”
She pulled back the coach curtain briefly and peered out before returning her attention to him. “Did reality not live up to your fantasies or did the experience exceed your expectations?”
Having Henrietta come undone before him had been magnificent. This conversation was terribly uncomfortable, yet Theo’s features were set with resolve and sympathy.
She leaned back against the coach squabs and rubbed her protruding stomach. “I fully understand how unusual this is, but I would strongly encourage you to allow me to assist.”
Walter nodded and waited for Theo to continue.
“I know what it is like to sit on the fringes and observe a life you wish was yours. I watched and aided Lucy, Lady Devonton, for years in her role as the Home Office’s primary decoder. I admit there were times when I was insanely jealous, but my love for her meant I only wished the best for her. I would never want to deny another their happiness.” She let out a deep sigh. “After my papa made the extraordinary decision to leave to me responsibilities that rightfully Landon should have assumed and now does, my perspective on what I thought I’d always wanted and the reality of it were…”
Walter finished her thought. “Were vastly confusing. Exhilarating yet frightening.”
“Frightening only because it was more than I’d hoped. My fear of loss and rejection was paralyzing. It resulted in me nearly losing the man I love dearly. I hope it doesn’t do the same for you.”
Walter stared at the young but exceptionally wise woman before him. “I shall endeavor to heed your advice.”
“Wonderful. I shall drop you off in town. I have a suspicion my aunt will be in the mood for some sweetmeats today.”
The woman was nothing if not strategic in her timing as the coach rolled to a stop a few yards away from Gunter’s tea shop. With the coach door open, Walter shifted to leave. “I would like for you to become better acquainted with my nephew.”
Theo had a playful smile upon her lips “Pfft. Lord Darlington has more important matters to attend to than tea with the likes of me. However, I do wish him the best in his search for a marchioness.”
“I shall convey your wishes to him.” Walter dipped his head and then stepped down to the street.
