Page 31 of Loving a Dowager
“Aye.”
Theo released her hold on his wrist and twisted to address her cousin. “I believe him.”
Archbroke smiled at his wife and turned to address Landon. “I concur.”
Unlike Theo and Archbroke’s quick declarations, Landon’s assessing gaze remained upon him. His breath caught in his chest as he waited for Landon’s decision as Head PORF. Walter did not envy the boy—to segregate his emotions and roles must be extremely difficult. He wanted Landon’s approval but more as Henrietta’s son than as Head PORF. Perhaps in this instance, the man’s approval was one and the same. Finally, Landon gave the briefest of nods, spurring the Archbroke family into motion. Like a hive of bees, they fell into formation and headed for the door. Amid the chaos, Theo grabbed Walter’s arm. “Lord Weathersbee, I need your assistance.” The woman was going to leave a bruise, she was squeezing his arm so hard.
He asked, “What is it you need?”
“I need you to tell Landon to take his wife home immediately, have my aunt assist me to my rooms and you…” She shut her eyes and pressed her lips together tight. “And you… you must distract Archbroke until I send for him. Do you understand?”
Walter nodded. Theo was obviously in discomfort and she wanted her succinct orders to be executed immediately.
He rose, made haste to Henrietta’s side and bent to whisper. “Theo needs you, now.”
Henrietta calmly took his proffered hand and rose. “Archbroke will be a bear, but you must keep him company until it is time.”
“I shall do my best.”
Henrietta smiled and placed a chaste kiss upon his cheek. A burst of joy hit him at the realization she had dared to show him affection in front of her family. Granted they were all bound to secrecy, but he dared not think what it all meant this moment.
Walter moved to speak to the men huddled in deep discussion.
Bronwyn reached him first. “What is the matter? Why did my mother-in-law just give me the most peculiar look?”
Altering Theo’s request to his advantage, he replied, “Theo has asked you take your husband home.” He’d much prefer to deal with the countess than attempt to order Henrietta’s son about.
In true Neale fashion, Countess Hadfield questioned, “Why?”
“My guess is that Theo does not wish to subject you to her screams. Although, she doesn’t strike me as the sort to yell no matter the provocation.”
Acknowledgment registered on the countess’s features. “Are you to remain and deal with Archbroke?”
“Aye.”
She gave her head a slight shake and then smiled. “You are a brave soul.”
Walter followed Bronwyn as she made her way to Landon’s side.
“Husband, perhaps you could allow Archbroke to explain everything to Lord Weathersbee.”
Landon peered down at his wife.
The curl of Bronwyn’s lips, and the devilish wink she hid from Archbroke, had Landon bidding them a hasty goodbye and ushering Bronwyn out of the room.
Archbroke glanced about and narrowed his eyes. “What the devil is going on, Weathersbee?”
“I’m to keep you company until...”
“Until my wife summons me.” He walked over to the sideboard and poured drinks for them both. “Why I ever agreed to remain in town, I shall never know.”
Walter took the glass full with liquor. “It’s extremely difficult to say no to a Neale woman.”
Archbroke laughed. “Weathersbee, I understand why Theo’s uncle trusted you. You are an extremely astute gentleman and one with much courage.”
“That, or I’m merely a fool in love.”
Archbroke raised his glass in the air. “To fools in love.”
