Page 21 of The Marquess Method
“No.” Theo’s gaze shot back to her mother. “Of course not. He has never been anything but a gentleman.”
“Smarter than the average rake. I suppose I should be thankful. Is there any remaining idiocy I should be made aware of?”
Theo thought of the miniature, still in Haven’s possession. That would certainly qualify as idiocy. “No, Mama.”
“As I mentioned, I’ve met Haven,” her mother said. “Briefly. He’s certainly handsome in a rough sort of way. Charming when he chooses to be. Intelligent. We spoke about the stars, of all things. I can see why Miss Emerson found him so appealing. Perhaps having him in our family will not be as terrible as we all suppose. In spite of Tony’s feelings, Haven can’t possibly be any worse than Granby.”
“I wouldn’t be too sure,” Theo murmured.
“You realize, Theo, that you do not have to like or live with Haven after a time should you find your marriage intolerable. If you decide you don’t suit—”
“We don’t.”
“After a time, you might go your separate ways. Many marriages succeed in such a way. It isn’t what I’ve wished for you, but perhaps you might agree to such an understanding with Haven.”
Theo had never been more miserable in her entire life. Her future opened before her, empty of any love or affection. Her marriage reduced to nothing more than duty. A small whimper left her before she could stop it. This was all so unfair.
Mama took her hand. “What’s done is done, Theodosia. You must now decide whether you will choose to remain bitter or find your own happiness. As a married woman, you are afforded greater freedom to do as you please, especially if you and Haven are of the same mind.” She pressed a kiss to Theo’s temple. “Now, I think I’ve given you much to consider. It has been a long night.” Mama stood. “Don’t wait too much longer to seek your bed.”
She nodded, relieved to be alone with her thoughts as her mother shut the drawing room doors behind her.
Theo sat for a long time after, staring into the fire and contemplating the strange, horrible turn her life had taken in the last several hours. She hadn’t yet collapsed in a fit of tears. Or fainted. Both were points in her favor. Defiantly, she went to the sideboard and poured herself a finger of scotch, as she’d seen her brother do.
Bringing the glass to her lips, Theo tossed back the liquid, gasping as fire burned down her throat before warming her from the inside out. She didn’t even cough.
Straightening her shoulders, Theo set down the glass and proceeded up the stairs, determined to shed not one single tear until she was in the privacy of her room.
8
Theo pushed her spectacles further up her nose and stared at her younger sister from across the breakfast table. It had been two days since theRuination of Theodosia Barrington. The first night, after swallowing the glass of scotch, Theo had fallen on her bed, screaming and weeping into the pillows until she’d finally worn herself out.
Betts, her maid, had taken one look at her and quietly shut the door.
Last night, she’d merely tossed and turned. What little sleep she’d gained had been interrupted by dreams in which Haven walked into Blythe’s party and showed her miniature to the assembled guests.
Everyone laughed, especially Miss Emerson and Lady Blythe.
The lack of sleep had made Theo irritable. Phaedra staring at her from across the table this morning as if Theo had grown a second head only worsened her mood. Placing her fork down, she regarded her sister. “Is there something you wish to say, Phaedra?”
Her brother had already met with Haven. Solicitors had appeared. Contracts had been signed. The brief, private ceremony binding her to Haven would take place in a few weeks, after which they would immediately leave for his country estate. There were some vague suggestions about garnering support from Cousin Winnie and Lady Molsin before the wedding, but Theo had no idea what that entailed.
She was too upset about being banished from London. With Haven.
“No. I was only considering something.” Phaedra pushed her thick braid of red-gold hair, the same shade as their mother’s, over her shoulder. “You don’t lookruined.”She inspected Theo carefully. “I thought possibly you’d seem different. You know. Spoiled or something.”
“Spoiled?”
“Like pudding that’s gone bad. Or an apple with a worm at its center.” Phaedra’s nose wrinkled. “Or fish too long in the sun.”
“I see.”
Phaedra liked to provoke. Taunt. See how far she could push you. One day, possibly today, the trait would get her into trouble.
Theo glanced at Olivia who sat directly across the table.
Olivia pretended complete interest in her tea, drizzling a long strand of honey into the steaming depths. “I’m not part of this,” she said without looking up. “Only having my tea.”
“Has it driven you mad?” Phaedra blasted Theo with wide-eyed innocence. “The ruination, I mean.”
