Page 36 of Loving a Dowager
“Perhaps we should share a small repast before I depart.”
“That is a grand idea.” Theo’s maid took the sleeping babe from her niece’s arms. “Wallace, will you please ask Cook to prepare a tray for Aunt Henri and me?”
“Yes, my lady.” Wallace bobbed and left the room with the baby.
As soon as the door closed, Theo’s intelligent eyes fell upon Henrietta. “What is troubling you?” Theo shifted and made room for Henrietta to sit next to her upon the bed.
“Where shall I start?” Henrietta leaned back against the headboard and stared down at her hands clenched in her lap. “I’m uncertain if I will succeed in orchestrating a suitable match for Bertha. None of the gentlemen she mentioned appear to have any interest in remarrying. I want her to experience love—or at the very least genuine affection.”
“Not everyone is as fortunate as our family.”
“I don’t believe it is by pure happenstance that we find our mates.”
“Perhaps we are overlooking someone obvious.”
Theo was right. She needed to be on the lookout for a gentleman who may be admiring Bertha from the shadows. She should consult Walter.
Wallace entered with a tray and placed it on the table close to fireplace in Theo’s bedchamber. “Cook and the staff are taking their fill of Lady Abigail. She has already charmed her way into their hearts.”
Theo smiled like the proud mama she was. “I know she is in capable hands, I’m not worried.”
Wallace curtsied and left them alone once more.
Henrietta rolled out of the bed and assisted Theo to don her robe. Together, they padded over to the table and settled into their chairs. Theo reached for the pot of tea but winced.
Henrietta swiftly shooed Theo to sit back. “You are still recovering. Let me.” She poured them tea and continued, “Without you present tonight, it will be up to Bronwyn and me to manage both the scouting expedition for Bertha and ensuring Lady Irene’s reentrance is a success.”
“Might I suggest you allow Bronwyn to handle Lady Bertha’s dilemma while you oversee Lady Irene.”
“Do you think that wise?”
“You can’t oversee both, and Bronwyn is a keen observer.”
“Yes, you are correct.” Henrietta munched on an egg and cress sandwich.
Theo, as always, was right. Archbroke and Landon would have their hands full dealing with Prinny this eve. The uncertainty surrounding the king’s health, coupled with Prinny’s increasing unpopularity due to his continued dastardly immoral behavior and poor treatment of his wife, had led to a number of threats resurfacing. Threats both Archbroke and Landon took most seriously.
Henrietta lifted her napkin to her mouth. “Hmm… that still leaves the matter of identifying someone suitable for Nicholas.”
“The solution to that is simple; Lord Weathersbee—”
Mid-chew, Henrietta caught Theo staring at her collar bone.
“Aunt Henri, do I need to instruct the maids to check your bed linens for mites?”
A frisson of embarrassment rolled down Henrietta’s spine. “No need.” She adjusted her gown. She’d have to remember to wear a shawl this evening.
“Does Weathersbee make you happy?” Theo asked.
Happy. Youthful. Giddy. Walter made her feel all those things and more. The combination of emotions he conjured within her was far more complex than Henrietta was ready to examine. Henrietta’s steadied her hand and lifted her teacup. “Yes.” She took another sip and added, “I rather enjoy his company.”
“Apparently so.” Theo snorted. “But why do I sense you are not totally at peace?”
“Because you are entirely too perceptive.” She had been widowed at fairly young age, granting her freedom to do as she pleased. Prior to Walter, no man had ever tempted her to consider the possibility of relinquishing her independence. “As a widow, there are a multitude of issues to be considered.”
Brows furrowed Theo said, “Either I need more rest, or having given birth has muddled my mind. I don’t understand your conundrum. It seems to me a wonderful position to be in. No societal pressures to marry. Everyone understands and accepts Weathersbee to be a confirmed bachelor.”
“Walter mentioned he was no longer willing to love me from a distance. What if he wishes for more than I am willing to give?”
