Page 26 of A Duke's Wicked Secret
“God, you have the memory of an elephant! I cannot believe you remember that after such a full day with your fair lady.”
“Well, the fact that you would not tell me then when you first mentioned it this morning made me quite curious about what you wanted to discuss. So, come on, tell me,” Alex stated.
“Ahhh, yes, well, you see, I have actually developed affections for a young lady myself—”
“Ms Ainsworth, yes,” remarked Alexander. Theo gave his best friend a look of complete flabbergast at this statement, and his mouth even dropped open. Alexander saw his friend’s shock, laughed loudly, and slapped Theo on the back.
“Oh, Theo, I am sorry. I am not laughing at you, my good friend. It is just the way you look right now is too humorous!”
“However did you know? Are my feelings for her so apparent to everyone?” Theo asked with a note of concern in his voice.
“No, not at all. In fact, I did not even know, and I feel that I know you better than anyone else in the ton. I only found out when my poor sweet Ms Georgina accidentally let it slip.”
“Well, I suppose I should have expected this considering the two of them are like two spring twins, always attached to the other.”
“Well, at least she trusted her best friend to tell her about her romance with you. I must say I am a bit hurt you have not confided in me until now.”
“I am sorry, Alexander; you know that I trust you as though you were my own brother. I have wanted to share this with you; believe me, it is just that I know that the best way to keep a secret is to tell no one,” Theo said apologetically.
“That is true, but I think in this case, both of the other parties in this circle of secrecy understand the gravity of the situation and love you dearly enough never to tell anyone else, so you are safe.”
“It is truly a relief to finally be able to talk to you about this matter. Firstly, though, I need your assistance in devising a way to gain Ms Penelope’s father’s permission to court his daughter.”
“Well, I think it is safe to say that coming right out and asking his permission will be pointless, so I think we must gradually work up to it with the viscount.”
“True, but how?” Theo asked.
“I think we should have the girls suggest the idea of inviting me to dinner, and I will bring you as my guest.”
“Are you sure they would permit that?”
“Of course, they will. It would be terribly rude if I answered the invitation and asked that you accompany me, for them to refuse. Of course, it is also rude of me to invite someone else, but that is beside the point,” Alexander plotted.
“I suppose that will work, or at least be a place to start …”
“Exactly, but Theo, for this to be successful, you have got to force yourself not to behave as you usually do in public!”
“I know; I will try my best to be more like you are and treat everyone as though they are my long-lost bother!” Theo remarked, taking the opportunity to take a dig at his friend.
“Well, I understand why you are the way you are with the ton, but you also only perpetuate the rumours by being reserved and unapproachable all the time.”
“What you say is true. I just struggle to trust anyone of the ton so that they know who I actually am.”
“It will come easier with time. And as you have seen with Ms Ainsworth and Georgina, there are good people of the ton that can see past the lies and gossip; there are many more too. You simply have to give them a chance, Theo.”
“I will put my best foot forward. If this is successful and I can pursue Ms Penelope, I would not want her to be isolated from the ton by association with me,” Theo stated with determination.
“Perfect, I will inform Georgina of the plan tonight at the opera.”
“I will be accompanying you to the opera as well tonight.” Now it was Alexander’s turn to look wholly befuddled.
“You? At the opera? But you never go! They will have to beat the cushions and give the spiders notice of their eviction from your box. It has been years since you went to the opera!”
“Well, I do enjoy it. I just have tried to stay away from public outings, but as I just stated, I am going to be actively working to rectify that, and I meant it. Also, Ms Penelope will be in attendance tonight,” Theo replied.
“Now, that makes sense. I cannot believe how much this woman is changing you. Did she request that you go to the opera tonight?”
“Actually no, it was my idea.”
