Page 21 of The Marquess Method (The Beautiful Barringtons 3)

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The Dowager Duchess of Averell awaited them, her features pale and drawn, a glass of brandy sitting on the table before her. She looked up as Theo and Tony came through the door.

“Come, dearest,” she said, patting the space next to her on the settee. “Poor Winnie is beside herself.”

A disgruntled sound came from Tony. “I asked Winnie to go straight home.” At least his annoyance was now directed toward their cousin and not Theo. “As usual, she completely disregarded my instructions. What is the use of being a duke if no one obeys you?”

Mama gave him a tired smile. “She feels responsible since Theo was in her care. I dare not even allow Winnie to take Olivia and Phaedra to Gunter’s. They’d both be ruined before the ices melt.”

Theo bit her lip and looked away. On top of everything else, her foolishness had hurt Cousin Winnie.

“I had to keep waving smelling salts beneath her nose just to keep her upright,” her mother continued. “I didn’t wish her as a guest for the night. Rosalind finally led her away.”

Tony went to the sideboard and poured himself a healthy glass of brandy. “First piece of good news I’ve heard this evening.”

Mama turned to look at Theo. “Compromised? By the Marquess of Haven? The very same gentleman who would call on your sister before she and Granby were married? The desperate gentleman in need of an heiress?” She shook her head. “I didn’t believe Winnie at first.”

“It was an accident, Mama.”

“A happy one for him, I’m sure. I recall that on the one and only occasion we met, outside of seeing him at Romy’s wedding, his coat was worn so thin, I could see clean through to the linen of his shirt.”

“That’s the one.” Tony hoisted up his glass. “I’m thrilled.” He paused. “Haven was at Romy’s wedding? We weren’t introduced.”

“He arrived late,” Mama said. “And disappeared promptly after the ceremony.”

“Probably snuck about trying to pry the jewels from some of the statuary once we were all occupied. I should check to make sure the church wasn’t sacked.”

“Tony,” Mama admonished.

Theo shut her eyes, wishing this entire evening to be over. Or that she’d awaken in her bed knowing it had all been some awful dream.

“I’ve only been concerned with Blythe, but it appears I should have looked further afield,” her mother said.

“It was anaccident,” Theo whispered again, opening her eyes to face Mama’s disappointment.

“Yes, brought on by your uninvited presence in Blythe’s study. At least according to Cousin Winnie, who was informed by Lady Blythe.” Mama’s voice held a note of dislike. “It is my understanding that Haven was there awaiting Blythe and his mother to ask their help in speaking to Lord Emerson about courting his daughter. Were you invited to give your opinion as well?”

Her mother knew that wasn’t the case. “No.”

“I can think of no other reason why you would be present in Blythe’s study during a party given in his honor, Theodosia. Except the obvious. We are very distressed by your lack of judgement. You’ve done irreparable damage to yourself.”

We. Her mother at times spoke as if Papa were still with them. But she was correct. Papa would be terribly disappointed in her. He’d had such faith in her intelligence.

Tony took a chair across from Theo, his long legs stretching out before him as he sipped at his drink. “Lady Blythe claims she caught Haven and Theo in a torrid embrace.”

“Yes, Winnie said as much. And what did Haven say?” Mama held up her hand when Theo tried to speak.

“Theo tripped, and he caught her. Nothing more, despite Lady Blythe’s claims. Blythe confirmed that he did ask Haven to meet him in the study.” Tony paused and looked into his glass. “I don’t think he lured her there or took liberties.”

“But?” Mama said.

“Haven is only too happy to do the right thing. I’d feel better if he’d made a squeak of protest. Or at the very least, mentioned he needed to speak to Miss Emerson. The situation only seems a bit convenient, I suppose. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume he intentionally compromised Theodosia, except it would have been impossible for him to guess she was there.”

“I agree, but we cannot condemn Haven for being impoverished. And it is Theo’s own impulsiveness for seeking out Blythe which resulted in this mess.” Mama turned to her.

“I—merely wished a moment alone. His study seemed convenient—”

Mama made a sound of disbelief. “Theodosia.”

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