Rogue Most Wanted, page 16
His cousin simply stared at him with a look that didn’t conceal her pain. “What about you?” she asked.
“It’s what I want too.” Even to his own ears, the words sounded lame—even weak.
Heavy silence descended in the room, reminding him that all the women in his family were strong and steadfast, like cornerstones of a building, always ready to bear the weight of keeping the structure sound.
Theodora possessed such strength forged from the trials she’d had to shoulder when her grandfather became ill. In a similar fashion, she’d support her family and husband. An image of Thea with their children flashed before Will. He pushed such thoughts away. Whoever was lucky enough to marry Thea would receive those gifts, but it wouldn’t be him.
“May I make an observation?” Emma asked. “You’ve always been admired by your friends. A natural leader who they emulate. With you escorting Thea to society events, it’ll appear you’re interested in her. But if The Midnight Cryer finds out you’re introducing her to potential marriage partners, it’ll hurt her. If there is even a hint that you’re jilting Thea or find her wanting, then your friends will also.”
McCalpin nodded. “She makes an excellent point.”
“Nonsense,” Will argued. “Everyone will think there’s something lacking in me. Once people meet her, they’ll see that she’s intelligent, warm, and generous. She’s a lovely woman who anyone would be lucky to marry.”
“With a fortune,” Claire added.
Will nodded once in agreement. “She just happens to have an ancient Scottish title with an accompanying grand estate and fortune.”
“Humph.” Claire brushed a loose lock of hair behind her ear. “How will you determine who wants the person you described and not her fortune? Remember how men treated me until Alex came along? He loved me for who I am, not what I owned.”
“The same applies to me,” Emma agreed. “Every man evaluated my value by the size of my dowry and the fact that I was the daughter of the Duke of Langham.” She sighed as if releasing a weight from her chest. “Until Somerton, no one believed in my ability to build a bank. Now, because of him, it’s a financial success that rivals the most prosperous financial institutions in all of London.”
“And your point, Em?” William drawled.
“Don’t be dense, William.” Claire’s retort sailed through the room. “We both found men who believed in us and, most importantly, looked beyond the trappings society tried to bind around us. Our husbands fell in love and married us for who we are, not what we own.” She held his stare as if challenging him. “How are you going to find a man worthy of her, and not someone who is only interested in her fortune and title?” She softened her voice. “I can’t help but think you do a disservice to yourself to not even consider marrying her. You deserve love, Will.”
McCalpin lifted an eyebrow in challenge. “Bad form, Will. You’re so worried you’ll get hurt that you don’t give happiness a chance. Be careful, Brother. This smacks of turning into an epic disaster, one of your own creation.”
“It’s not like that,” Will protested as he fisted his hands under the table. If he shared the humiliating fact that it was Thea who didn’t want him, it would cut him open and expose his failings. Was it a failing or just vulnerability? Perhaps he’d likened it to a twice-shy horse. He didn’t want to pursue Thea and experience rejection again.
It was simply easier to lose himself in his responsibilities. There was never a danger of a jilting or rejection when work waited for him with open arms.
Completely ignoring Will’s unease, his brother continued, “Aunt Stella isn’t squiring Thea around. You are.”
“Cavensham men fall in love—”
“We know the litany by heart. Quickly, thoroughly, and decidedly.” McCalpin waved his hand through the air. “The only one who believes that drivel is you. I didn’t love March until I came to know her as a person. How she thought. What she valued.”
“Though I’m not a Cavensham man, Cavensham blood runs in my veins,” Claire said. “Alex and I fell in love over the months after we first married.”
Emma smiled. “I knew Somerton for years before I realized we were destined for one another.” She wrinkled her nose. “I thought you were smarter than that.” She leaned close and stared him in the eyes. “I don’t think you truly believe it either. I think it’s an excuse.”
“Now see here,” Will protested. He pierced each of them with his gaze, though his defenses were weakening. “Thea and I will not suit.”
The bitter taste of bile rose in his throat, and he forced himself to swallow. God, he prayed they’d leave his affairs alone and not ask anymore.
“How do you know?” Claire’s eyebrows shot up, then she leaned forward slightly and narrowed her eyes.
“Claire, you know me. I’m not husband material.” He tried to take his cousin’s hand in his, but she drew away.
Will swallowed. He valued Claire’s opinion since she was one of the most levelheaded members of their family. However, her cheeks were stained scarlet, and the slight pursing of her lips gave him pause. He’d never seen her so angry—at least, never with him.
“Do you remember your eighth birthday?” Claire bit out.
McCalpin and Emma’s gazes bounced between the two of them.
Will shook his head.
“You asked the new cook to make you cherry tarts, knowing full well we weren’t supposed to eat cherries.” Claire shook her head slightly. “You knew that cherries didn’t agree with you, yet you proceeded without any thought to anyone but yourself.”
Will suppressed a shudder. After that birthday, he had never craved another cherry in his life. He’d been an itchy, miserable mess for days.
“Took full advantage of the cook, as I recall.” McCalpin chuckled. “Afterward, you resembled a swollen boiled lobster. Redder than the cherries you ate.”
“You were covered in hives.” Emma’s laughter joined McCalpin’s.
“Everyone except for the new cook knew you couldn’t tolerate cherries, including you,” Claire scolded. “Yet you proceeded to do as you wanted to the detriment of everyone else. The entire family had to postpone a trip to Falmont for a week. The cook almost quit, she was so upset.”
“I really don’t want to discuss it further.” Perhaps it’d be best if he just got up and left. He didn’t want to listen to his cousin’s litany, nor did he want to share anymore.
Claire stood also, then poked him in the chest to get his full attention. It wasn’t a hard poke, but the mere fact that she disapproved of his actions and thought to reprimand him was completely disconcerting.
“Be.” Poke. “Careful.” Poke. “What.” Poke. “You.” Poke. “Wish.” Poke. “For.” Claire squared her shoulders. “I’ll ensure that she has men following her like she’s the Pied Piper of Hamlin.” She turned, and the swirl of her silk skirts slapped his boots. With her ire high, she glided to the door, then turned and faced him. “Once I’m done, you’ll feel as if you’ve eaten a bowl of cherries.”
“Whatever she’s planning, I’m going to help her.” Emma stood and followed Claire out the door.
McCalpin shook his head. “What are you doing, Will? I’ve never seen you this out of sorts.”
“I’m not doing anything. It’s what Thea wants.”
McCalpin lifted a single brow in disbelief. “Oh, really?”
“She doesn’t want to marry me!” The sharp words ricocheted through the room.
There, he’d said it.
A beautiful, kind woman who he thought the world of didn’t want him. The Midnight Cryer’s words taunted him—he was a failure, a damp squib—and he’d finally admitted it. The pain in his chest threatened to bring him to his knees.
His brother simply stared at him.
“I apologize for my outburst.” He exhaled, wishing he was anywhere but McCalpin’s home. He threw his serviette on the table like a gauntlet. “Theodora’s an intelligent, affectionate, loyal, not to mention, lovely young woman. She deserves the best.”
“And you’re not the best?” McCalpin asked. His voice was low as if he were scared he’d poked the sleeping bear. “You have feelings for her.”
“It makes no difference.” He forced himself to hold his brother’s gaze. “She told me she doesn’t want to marry me.” He chuckled but it held no humor. “The first time I met her, she made it clear her thoughts on marriage to me.”
He’d never shared anything so personal with his brother or anyone else in the family.
“You can’t tell Emma or Claire. Let them continue to be angry with me. Perhaps they’ll be able to find someone whom Thea will love. But he needs to be a man worthy of her hand.”
McCalpin walked to Will’s side and clasped his shoulder. “Will, I’ll say it again. Admit it. You do have feelings for her.”
Will tried to tamp down the foreboding, but his heart was pounding in alarm.
He wanted to deny it, but he simply couldn’t.
Indeed, what had he done?
Will wonders ever cease?
Word has it that Lady Man-Eater can pour a cup of tea without spilling.
Amazing that it’s a fait accompli for most ten-year-olds.
Respectfully yours,
The Midnight Cryer
Chapter Fourteen
Later that afternoon, Thea poured the first cup of tea without incident. With a deep but silent sigh of relief, she gently handed it to Lady Pembrooke. With her confidence mounting, Thea didn’t hesitate to pour her own.
Unfortunately, she held the teapot a little too high, resulting in a tiny spill on her own saucer. At least the spill was on her saucer and not the lady sitting in front of her. Another week of practice in pouring tea, and she’d be serving it perfectly in no time. Instead of a defeat, Thea considered it a success. There wasn’t a hint of rattling china.
Or spilt cream.
“I’m so pleased you had time for me today.” Without even looking, Claire gently set her cup on her saucer. “Emma sends her regards. She wanted to come, but with two little ones and her bank, she couldn’t come today.” Claire smiled sheepishly. “But truthfully, I’m glad it’s just you and me.”
Her mood instantly brightened at the thought that the beautiful woman in front of her would be her friend. Someone she could visit and shop with. Someone she could share the everyday stories of her life as well as her troubles.
A sudden warmth welled in her chest. Will was her friend.
And now she could consider Claire a friend too. But her friendship with Claire would be a different type of friendship than what she had with Will. The bond she shared with him was something she’d never thought she’d find. It was deep and true.
“Thea, I’ll come right to the point. We Cavenshams are known for being direct.” Claire sat ramrod straight, and her soft musical lilt didn’t fool Theodora. The woman was made of steel.
“Please, I want you to be frank with me.” Thea matched Claire’s posture.
Claire’s gaze lowered to her hands that were neatly clasped in her lap. When she finally looked Thea’s way, her green eyes were gentle and kindhearted. “I took William to task for his ludicrous idea that he wants you to jilt him in favor of one of his friends. I’m here to offer you support and advice.”
Heat licked Thea’s cheeks. She swallowed in hopes that it would prevent her mortification from being recognized. She struggled to find something to say but finally responded. “I won’t jilt him.”
Claire let out a sigh. “I’m so happy to hear that.”
“We’re not engaged,” Thea said softly.
“Well, I know. But.…” Claire studied her with such an intensity that Thea was convinced she could see through her.
It was increasingly difficult to discuss what exactly her relationship was with Will. Never had she felt closer to another. There was a part of her—a big part of her that wanted Will. But she had no idea if it was friendship or if she wanted something deeper and more intimate.
She bit her lip. How to explain it when she wasn’t at all certain she grasped what they were to each other.
“Is Will planning to jilt you?” Claire asked.
“No.” Thea shook her head. “I want him to introduce me to his friends. Though I don’t want to marry unless it’s for love, I’ll do what is necessary to protect my estate and the people who live there.” She studied her clasped hands, then raised her gaze to Claire. “I told Will I didn’t want to marry, and I didn’t want to marry the first man I met. As luck would have it, Will just happened to be him.”
Claire elegantly stood, then rounded the small table between them. She sat next to Thea and took her hands in hers. “I have a plan.”
Claire’s soft skin belied her underlying strength. Thea squeezed Claire’s hands, hoping for some of the marchioness’s fortitude. “I don’t see how a plan is going to help me.”
Claire tilted her head and peeked at her. “Do you want to marry Will?”
Thea shrugged once. “Truthfully, it’s difficult to say. I admire him. He’s honorable, and more importantly, he’s my best friend.”
“I see.” Claire stood and pulled Thea to a standing position. With a gentle tug, Claire led Thea to a mirror in the sitting room that extended from the floor to the ceiling. Standing in front of it, Thea could see the entire room. She stood there without any idea what the marchioness wanted.
“It’s important to be able to recognize the right man when he comes along. I want you to be prepared, so I’m going to teach you society lessons,” Claire announced.
“Stella and Lady Edith have been helping me.” She blew a stray wisp of hair that had fallen down her forehead.
“And I’m sure they’re fine teachers. I’m only going to enhance the training a bit.” Several inches taller than Thea, Claire moved behind her and held Thea’s gaze in the mirror. “Think of it almost as flirting but more general. You need to communicate your interest in a man while showing your charm. If done in a playful manner, it’s completely harmless and amusing while teaching you confidence in talking with others.” Claire lightly rested her hands on Thea’s shoulders. “You learn how to engage another person’s interest. Think of it as a way to enrich how you talk to others.” She leaned close and whispered in Thea’s ear. “You, my dear, are going to drive every man invited to Langham Hall wild, including William.”
“I have no idea how to capture a man’s attention.” Thea shook her head. “I have no experience. Outside of Will, I haven’t had much contact with any men except my grandfather. Besides, The Midnight Cryer has made me out to be a murderer.” She let out a soulful sigh.
“The Midnight Cryer doesn’t care about the truth. They only care about making money. Trust me. I’ve had plenty of experience with that gossip rag. This is a way to rectify your reputation. You must practice your movements and sayings. Now, I’ve arranged for my husband, McCalpin, and Lord Somerton to come to the house tomorrow morning for a demonstration. Of course, Emma and I will be there to steer you and address any concerns you might have.”
“I can’t do that in front of them.” Thea shook her head vehemently. “They’ll see what a colossal fool I am.”
“I have the utmost confidence in you, Theodora. You’re a brilliant, not to mention capable person who happens to be beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. You just need a little practice. Shall we try?” The marchioness caught Thea’s gaze in the mirror and grinned. The slight smile bespoke a woman who was confident this plan would succeed.
“I suppose.” If this exercise held the promise of helping her with Will’s friends and others within the ton, then why not try it? It might also help her gain the approval of the committee if they see her self-assuredness and confidence.
“Excellent. The first thing you have to do when you’re introduced to a man is make eye contact and smile. It shows you’re interested enough that you’ll engage in a conversation with him.”
“Outside of discussing the expected yields of the various crops at Ladykyrk and the weather, what would I say?”
“You could start there. Most of the men you’ll meet have estates they’re responsible for. Tonight, I want you to make a list of things you could talk about,” Claire instructed. “Talk to your mirror as if it were a man or a stuffy society matron. You’ll grow more comfortable with hearing your voice and the words.”
“I’m responsible for an estate and approximately one hundred tenant farmers. I could debate the necessary qualifications of the new land steward I plan to hire.” She straightened her shoulders and smiled at the mirror. “I could tell them how beautiful Ladykyrk is.”
“See? You have more in common with these people than you think you do. These men face the same challenges and receive the same rewards as you do.” Claire gently squeezed her shoulders. “You’re a countess in your own right. Pick out your gown tonight. If you have the scene planned in your mind, it’ll be easier tomorrow.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little ridiculous that I stay in my room and talk to my mirror? Would you do it if you were me?” Completely bemused, Thea waited for Claire’s answer.
“In a heartbeat.” The marchioness grinned. “You’ll soon learn that people do whatever it takes to secure their heart of hearts.”
“Claire, I might have made a mistake,” Thea whispered. “Within the first five minutes of meeting, I told Will I wouldn’t marry him.”
She closed her eyes as the hot sting of tears burned her eyes.
“How did Will answer?” Claire asked.
“That he didn’t want to marry me either.”
Claire blinked twice as if trying to take it all in.
Thea glanced out the window to gaze at Langham Park hoping for clarity in her regard for Will. She had to concentrate on securing her title. Only then, could she consider marriage with a lifelong partner and a houseful of children. It would be in her best interest not to dwell on Will and her feelings. Truthfully, Thea had hoped for love, but she couldn’t expect to find a man who would fall head over heels in love with her while she was in London for this short visit. She also knew that no man would measure up to Will. His kindness, teasing, and comfort had made it so easy to share her past and its secrets along with everything she wanted in the future. She couldn’t imagine sharing so much of herself with another man.
