Page 14 of The Earl's Error
“Then I am not surprised that you found yourself a touch confused,” Lady Rosalyn said, gently. “Though I know that we all are grateful indeed for gentlemen such as yourself, who have such a good opinion of bluestockings.”
This shamed Theodore a little, for he was not entirely certain that he did have as good an opinion as the lady suggested. “I thank you,” was all he said, however, unwilling to say anything more than that.
“I do value your willingness to come and talk to us,” Miss Trentworth echoed, as Lady Rosalyn was greeted by another acquaintance, pulling her a little away from Theodore and Miss Trentworth. “It is not every gentleman who would do such a thing.”
Theodore opened his mouth to say that he did not mind in the least, only to catch sight of his mother walking into the drawing room. The words he was going to say died on his lipsas he saw not only the earrings flashing in her ears but also the emerald necklace that now adorned her neck. His heart began to hammer furiously, anger burning through his veins as he fought his instant response, aware that Miss Trentworth was speaking but struggling to comprehend what she was saying.
How? How did she find them?
Closing his eyes, Theodore could not help the groan which broke from his lips, realizing that he had quite forgotten to go and close the safe, as he had told the butler he would do. No doubt his mother had gone in search of the heirlooms, expecting them to be in the locked drawer of his study but had found them, instead, in the open safe. Quite what she had intended to do if theyhadstill been in the locked drawer of his study, Theodore did not know, but he had every expectation that she would have found a way to gain access to them. That was why he had wanted them in the safe, knowing that there was no possible way for her to gain access to them that way. Was that why she had not been ready to leave when he had sent for her? Had her intention always been to go in search of the heirlooms?
“Lord Albury? Are you quite all right?”
Theodore swallowed hard and looked back at Miss Trentworth with an effort, aware that his gaze wanted to do nothing more than to fix itself furiously upon his mother. “Miss Trentworth, forgive me. I have only just now seen my mother’s arrival at the soiree and I was not certain she would be attending.”
“Oh.” Miss Trentworth frowned. “The invitation did extend to her also, I am sure.”
“I mean only that she was feeling a little… fatigued. But,” Theodore continued, gritting his teeth for a moment in an attempt to contain all that he felt, “it seems as though she has rallied and will now be able to join us all.”
Miss Trentworth smiled. “That is good.” Her smile dimmed a little as Theodore glanced at his mother again, his jaw set tight. “Are you quite certain all is well?”
Theodore cleared his throat, clasped his hands behind his back, and tried to smile, a warning in his mind that he was on the verge of behaving poorly in front of the lady again. “Yes, of course. You must forgive me, Miss Trentworth, for becoming so distracted.”
Her smile was warm and, for the first time, Theodore noticed how there were hints of blue in her green eyes. This, in turn, pulled his thoughts away from his mother, a sense of appreciation in her gentle expression. An explosion of warmth in his chest made his heart quicken and he swallowed hard, not certain what it was that he was feeling.
“I should go to speak with some of the other guests.” Miss Trentworth’s smile lingered, as though she knew what it was that he was feeling. “Thank you again for coming to speak with me about this, Lord Albury. You have made me very happy this evening, truly.”
“Thank you, Miss Trentworth.” Theodore was not certain what precisely it was he was thanking her for but it appeared to be the only thing that he could think to say. With another smile, the lady turned away and walked from him, and Theodore’s eyes followed after her… only for them to catch sight of the flashing emeralds.
Fury descended upon him in a cloud, his hands curling into tight fists as he saw his mother throw her head back and laugh, all the while flickering her fingers towards the necklace as if to draw as much attention toward them as she could.
“My friend.”
Theodore felt a hand on his arm, a familiar voice in his ear.
“Your anger is obvious for everyone to see. Please, take a moment.”
Closing his eyes so he did not see his mother’s face, Theodore clenched his jaw tight.
“I know this must be more than a little infuriating but there is nothing that can be done this evening,” Lord Castleton continued, speaking in a low voice. “You must speak of it to her once you are alone.”
“I am going to do more than speak,” Theodore answered, his voice a hoarse whisper. “I am going to demand that she leaves London.” Opening his eyes, he saw his friend’s startled expression but shook his head. “What else is it that I am to do, Castleton? Again and again, she defies me and pours shame upon my head.”
Lord Castleton opened his mouth and then shut it again, looking towards Lady Albury for a moment. “I cannot tell you what to do. The truth is, I have very little thought as to what would be the right thing to do. My only advice is to be cautious.” He held Theodore’s gaze firmly. “You do not know what she will do if you try to bring any consequences down upon her. She is good at garnering sympathy from others and, no doubt, you will be the one who appears to be in error if you go about this the wrong way.”
His friend’s words made sense and, with a slow breath, Theodore nodded and then closed his eyes to get himself back under control. Yes, it was now time for him to consider what he had to do about his mother’s continual disrespect towards him but this was not the time nor the place. He had to make certain that, for the time being, he showed none of his true emotion and, if he could, try to enjoy the remainder of the evening.
“Thank you for your help, my friend,” he murmured, as Lord Castleton nodded. “I have regained my composure.”
“That is good,” Lord Castleton said, slapping Theodore on his shoulder. “I am sure that this evening will be –”
A scream broke through his response, making Theodore’s heart thump wildly. Silence fell across the room as another sound – a cry of seeming desperation – now flooded through the room. Theodore and Lord Castleton stepped forward as one, only for Lady Albury’s voice to break through the room.
“My necklace! My necklace has been stolen!”
7
“My necklace! My necklace has been stolen!”
