Page 31 of The Lady Glass
“His Grace and I have taken the liberties of creating all of that for you. If you agree, I will meet you here tomorrow. We will apprise you of the details, arrange for some borrowed gowns to be brought over, and host your grand arrival at dinner.”
Theresia looked at Mrs. Bedrich, who was surprisingly silent. “What do you make of this?”
“I think... if you must go, I wish I could come with you.”
Rolland interjected. “I had hoped you would act as her chaperone.”
Mrs. Bedrich gave Theresia a sorrowful look before facing him. “I must return on the morrow for London with my son. We have a small tenant home there. While I would like to let him live his own life without me, acting as a temporary chaperonecan offer me no stability. It would be better for me to leave and find employment so I can care for Theresia when she is finished here.”
Leave? Rolland couldn’t imagine the older woman abandoning Theresia. “Then, Miss Dvorak had planned to go with you?” But there was no way she would leave without her vase. Not the Theresia he knew.
Mrs. Bedrich lifted her hands in a helpless manner. “I’d hoped you would ask for her hand before then. I did not think I could convince her to leave without her crystal. Can you not marry first and simply present her at the house party as your wife?”
He ignored Theresia’s groan, disappointed to hear Mrs. Bedrich would not be joining her. The weight of his plans pushed him deeper into his seat. He was taking full responsibility for a woman unrelated to him. If they were found out... no, that wasn’t an option. He could, however, address this romantic fantasy Mrs. Bedrich had once and for all.
“I have no intentions to marry at present, and when I do, it will not be a match of my choosing. My father is already in the process of securing me a wife.” He avoided Theresia’s eyes. They had no understanding, but the admission still filled him with guilt. He cleared his throat. “So you see, I cannot offer for Miss Dvorak. I also cannot guarantee she’ll receive her vase for her endeavors. I can only offer the opportunity and my assistance.”
“No wedding at all? Of all the high-handed methods to secure a mistress.” Mrs. Bedrich clamored to her feet. “Next you’ll be telling me that you’ve had the vase all along, keeping my dívka tied to you and this place.”
Rolland stood too, his hands out to calm her. “You read me wrong, madam. I swear on my position as a gentleman and as an officer of the British navy, I won’t do anything to compromise Miss Dvorak. She will be properly chaperoned and in the company of my own mother. My friends are relentless in theirintelligence efforts and will be fully on her side. I myself will offer my full protection and see her returned safely to your care in...”
“London,” Mrs. Bedrich reminded him with a huff. With her hands on her hips, she faced Theresia. “Well, if I refuse him, will you?”
Theresia shifted in her seat.
“I thought not.” Mrs. Bedrich sighed. She tapped her foot for a moment before her shoulders sagged. “My zlato is meant for more than the Roma life. Beyond her Bohemian heritage and impulsive ways is a kindhearted, intelligent woman. Anyone who cannot see her worth is blind.”
Rolland believed every word. He glanced at Theresia to see the brave, spirited woman he knew blushing and avoiding his gaze.
“Regardless of my foolish dreams for her, Captain,” Mrs. Bedrich continued, “I cannot force a grown woman to obey me. I’ll have to hold you to your word, won’t I?”
“I won’t disappoint you.” He’d been trained for this. Nothing would keep him from showing Theresia the same level of protection he would his father. The undefinable tie he felt to her wouldn’t let him if he tried. He held Mrs. Bedrich’s gaze, but a thought caused his confidence in his promise to suddenly waver. How many people was he capable of protecting while in the same house as a murderer?
Chapter 15
Lord Cadogen arrived like acat in the night, slipping through the window in the library and surprising them that evening. It was just like old times. Rolland had never known then or now when he would see the man again. Once he was inside, Lord Cadogen reached his hand back outside and helped his wife over the ledge. Would wonders never cease?
Rolland studied the window before joining the others. How Cadogen had unlocked it from the outside was beyond him. No one could get around quite like the Masked Baron.
The other guests were dressing for dinner, including Her Grace, and it was the perfect time for a quiet meeting. When they were finished greeting each other, Rolland squeezed Cadogen’s arm. “I’ve never seen you without your mask. I might have nightmares tonight.”
Cadogen ruffled his blond hair, and his blue eyes glinted with amusement. “Not everyone is convinced it’s an improvement, but my wife seems to think it’s better.”
“I do indeed.” Lady Cadogen was a dark-haired beauty and not at all shy.
Rolland studied Cadogen again. It wasn’t just his mask that was different. He was freer, more relaxed... happier.
Marcus and Lewis had flanked their sides, the group forming a loose circle. Lewis asked what Cadogen had discovered, for once eager to get straight to business. Anticipation for dinner and time with the other guests no doubt motivated him.
“I’ve eliminated all the other leads as suspects,” Cadogen answered. “Our connection in London will keep watch in case we missed something. At this point, I am convinced the greatest suspects are still the ones attending this house party.”
“What now?” Marcus asked.
“I meet the guests, I suppose.”
Lewis shook his head. “So much for setting our guests at ease and lulling them into revealing as many clues as possible. The sight of Cadogen in our midst will strike fear into their hearts.”
Marcus scratched his cheek. “Weweremaking progress in building a sort of comradery amongst the group.”
