“Well, Isaac spoke of her beauty, hence I believe we shall not be disappointed,” she said and stood up. “Rest now my lord while I make preparations for the incoming wife. Oh! I am so delighted! Everything is going as planned!”
Barton watched as his sister left. Even though he was relieved that he would get a wife who may help him retain his properties, a part of him was jittery. What if she hated him? What if she was not his match?
He stood up, draining the content in his glass. Tomorrow, he would get the answers to everything.
Parrish Quarters
Theodosia watched as Sophie was busy packing her things in the bag. She knew that this was really happening; she was leaving her father’s house for the unknown. It was still a shock for her that her father could decide to give her away, just like that.
She inhaled sharply. There was only one thing on her mind, and that was that she hoped that her husband-to-be would not be someone like her father. Still, she doubted that. If he had won her hand through gambling, then he must be a gambler just like her father.
“Miss, are you still thinking?” Sophie asked.
“What better thing do I do if not to think, Sophie? I am being forced out of my father’s house to go to a place I do not even know.”
Sophie dropped what she was doing and walked closer to her. She held her hands.
“I believe that everything would be better if you would just see this in a positive light.”
“How? Tell me how, Sophie.”
“You have always wanted to leave your father’s house. You have always craved an adventure which would sweep you off your feet. Maybe this is your chance to get everything you want.”
Theodosia was quiet; she really hoped that Sophie was right.
***
Harold kept pacing to and fro, busy murmuring. He had been really reckless and drunk. All his plans had gone down the drain.
Elizabeth was still busy knitting quietly.
“I shouldn’t have done what I just did,” he kept on murmuring to himself. “I would have made lots of money if I had not been stupidly drunk. Who would have thought that the Earl would come?”
“After everything, you ended up losing,” Elizabeth said, without looking up.
“I should have been a wee-bit more patient Lizzy. What do I do? I cannot give my daughter to such a man freely? The town would mock me!”
“Well, then, that should serve you right. You never asked me what you should do before you ended up using our daughter in a bet, now you are asking me what you should do. I’m afraid I cannot help you.”
Harold watched as his wife stood up and walked out of the room. He knew he was in so much trouble. He had carefully planned everything, especially, knowing full well what the earl had left in his will for his son. He had hoped that he could give his daughter in hand to him in marriage so that he could at least retain his properties. Now, not only would he be getting his daughter freely, he would still get to keep his properties.
He walked to a nearby seat and sat down. He needed to do a deep thinking. There should be a way around it.
***
A knock sounded on the door. Both Theodosia and Sophie exchanged glances. One thing Theodosia was certain of, was that it would never be her father. She couldn’t even bear to look at him that moment.
“Go open the door,” she said to Sophie.
Sophie opened the door and Theodosia was surprised to see her mother. She wasn’t happy to see her.
“Sophie, leave us,” said her mother and Sophie left. After this, her mother walked over to where she was lying on the bed.
“I know you are not happy with me,” her mother started. “I would be angry if I were you as well. Nevertheless, I hope you would forgive me, I didn’t know what to do. Your father was behaving irrationally and was not listening to me.”
“Mother, you didn’t make any effort to stop him,” Theodosia stated. “I still remember the look on your face when I came to your room, asking you to do something.”
Her mother smiled. “You must know, that when someone has been trying something for far too long and it refuses to yield, one gets tired easily. That was the case with what happened earlier. I was fed up.”
“And now, I hope you are happy that your daughter is being shipped off to an unknown place.”
Her mother smiled. “I am happy because you would be leaving your father very soon. I have confidence that your husband shall treat you with the love and respect that you deserve and hopefully, you would get the fairytale love that you have always craved.”
Theodosia was quiet, especially now that her mother had tears in her eyes.
“Everything will be just fine. Luck has found you dear, you are not going to marry just anybody, you are marrying the Earl of Barton.”
When Theodosia heard this, she gasped. “The Earl of Barton?”
Her mother smiled and nodded. “Yes, dear. I have heard so much about him and I know that he is a reputable man. I hope you will give him a chance to take a very good care of you.”
Theodosia sighed. She wasn’t sure whether to be sad or to be happy.
“So, Father lost to the earl? Does that mean he wouldn’t receive payment for me as well?” she asked.
“I believe so. That serves him right, doesn’t it?”
“But, Mother, how are you going to survive?” she asked.
“Do not worry too much about me, dear. Now, sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.”
Theodosia sprang up and embraced her mother, then she pulled away and made herself comfortable on the bed.
Shortly after, her mother left. There was only one thing on Theodosia’s mind and that was, how the Earl would look like.
***
That night was perhaps the longest night ever, for Theodosia. She could hardly sleep. So when the day broke, she heaved a sigh of relief.
“Morning, miss, hope you slept well,” Sophie said some minutes later after coming in.
“No, Sophie. I could hardly get a minute’s sleep.”
“You are nervous?”
“Yes, I believe any lady in my shoes ought to be nervous,” Theodosia said, standing from her bed.
“How did it go with your mother last night?” Sophie asked while laying the bed.
“As a matter of fact, it went well. I understand her better and I have to get used to the fact that I am leaving this place after all. I will go take my bath now, Sophie.”
“Alright, Miss.”
***
An hour later, Sophie was busy with Theodosia’s hair when a knock sounded on the door. The two ladies exchanged glances.
“He must be around,” Theodosia stated; her heart was beginning to beat faster.
“I will find out,” Sophie replied and headed towards the door.
Theodosia couldn’t hear what Mr. Jones was telling Sophie but when she closed the door and saw the look on Sophie’s face, she knew that her fiancé was around.
“Well, Sophie, hurry up with my hair. We both knew this moment would come, eventually.”
***
Lord Barton sat at the table with both Mr. Parrish and his lovely wife. Barton had only come with his trusted servant, Isaac while his sister was back at home.
“My lord, forgive me but I never knew you are a gambler yourself,” Harold stated. The cook was coming in with a tray of food in her hand.
“Well, I used to gamble a lot as a child while growing up but I stopped,” Barton replied.
“It was a good thing you stopped, my lord,” Elizabeth who had been quiet all the while stated. “Some men would gamble to their death.”
Harold looked at his wife but said nothing. Instead he faced the Earl. “So, if you had stopped during your childhood, why did you decide to do it again? What had brought you to my house my lord? Or was it just a mere coincidence?”
“Well, my sister had sent for you,” Barton explained. “But my servant whom she sent came back to report all that he had heard and seen. You know the state
of things concerning the will, so I will not say much. Nevertheless, it was an opportunity which came at the right time for me.”
While they were talking, he kept hoping his bride would come soon else he might just end up dying from anxiety.
“I see. I wish I had not been that drunk that night,” Harold said. Barton could catch the hint of regret in his voice.
“You are not saying that you regretted your action, are you?” Barton asked.
“Well, not quite so, my lord. But if I had known that someone of your caliber would come, I would not have done such a thing,” Harold replied.
“Well, let’s just say it’s my luck,” Barton replied. “I hope you are not trying to take back your words?”
“My lord, he would do no such thing!” his wife stated abruptly. “The Parrish are known for their word. He had said he would give our daughter away to a man who would beat him at the game and there is no way he would change that. As a matter of fact, my daughter is getting dressed right away to go with you–oh! Here she comes.”
Barton could hear footsteps descending the stairs and he stood up.
She walked down the stairs in a red satin dress with sleeves that were decorated with lace ribbons. Her arms were covered in a pair of long white gloves and her hair which was as black as a raven was parted at the center, falling loosely around her shoulders. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.
She was looking at him just as he was looking at her, but she immediately looked away, coloring a bit. Barton bit his lips; he hoped he had not been too forward by starring at her like that.
“Theodosia, this is Lord Barton, your fiancé, and my lord, here is my daughter, Theodosia Parrish,” Harold said.
She curtsied while he took a slight bow. Some minutes later, everyone was busy eating.
***
It was probably the most awkward meal Theodosia had ever tasted. She was sitting right opposite the young lord and was also battling with herself not to stare so much at him. However, she couldn’t stop herself. He wasn’t bad looking at all. Everything from the way he dressed spoke of nobility and wealth. His brown curls and thin lips gave him a dashing appearance. He was indeed a fine looking man, and he was to be hers. Still, it was still embarrassing for her that he had merely won her hand through a gambling game. Would he even respect her?
Minutes later, she was saying goodbye to her parents and to her maid. The man waited patiently for her before she followed him into his carriage.
Chapter 5
Settling Down
When they got to the Barton estate, Theodosia couldn’t help but gasp. It was built more like castle. Built with metal, concrete, and glass. It was surrounded by beautiful ornaments and flowers. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
“Here we are,” said Lord Barton as the carriage came to a halt. He climbed down from the carriage before extending his hand to hers.
While she climbed out, she was met by a young lady who looked like her age and who seemed to bear the same resemblance with him.
“You are welcome, my lord. I have been expecting you,” she said, bowing a little to him before facing her. “And you, my lady, are welcome to the Barton’s estates.”
“Oh! I’m no lady, my lady,” Theodosia said with a slight curtsy.
“Nonsense, you are going to be married to my brother, which makes you a lady. Allow me to take a proper look at you,” the lady said. Theodosia was surprised as to how nice she was to her.
“You are indeed as charming as described. Come with me, your room has been prepared for you.”
Theodosia followed the sweet woman to the room. The room was thrice the one she had back at home. There was a large bathtub which stood by the rectangular window. There was also a desk with some books in a corner. Out of everything, what caught Theodosia’s attention was the four-poster bed with silken white curtains. She wondered how soft they actually were
“Would you like to give it a try?” the lady asked.
Theodosia nodded excitedly.
“Well then, go ahead,” said Luanne.
Theodosia walked to the bed and touched with her finger. It was indeed soft. When she caught the look on the lady’s face, she flushed in embarrassment. The lady must think she wasn’t used to luxury.
“Oh! Come now, don’t be embarrassed Theodosia, it is alright. I assure you, you are in good hands and we are going to be great friends.”
While they were talking, the door opened and two maids entered with buckets of water which they poured into the tub until it was filled. Other servants also came in, bearing her bags which they placed beside the bed.
“Now, take a warm bath, there are new cloths in the closet for you. Once you are done, Hanna here will bring you to the dining room. She will also pick a dress for you,” Luanne explained, pointing to one of the female servants. She looked like almost the same age as Sophie, and Theodosia liked her immediately.
“Thank you so much, my lady,” Theodosia said gratefully.
“Oh! Stop the formality. We are going to become a family very soon, we do not need such formality.”
Theodosia smiled as the lady with the rest of the servants except Hannah left.
“Would you like me to arrange your bags, milady?” Hannah asked.
“Yes, thank you very much, Hannah. Please do that while I take my bath.”
***
When Barton raised his head to see her as she approached the table, he was impressed as to how different she looked. She had looked beautiful back at her father’s house but right that moment, she looked ravishing in the white and green dress she was wearing.
He could feel his sister’s intense stare so he immediately looked away, he knew he had exposed himself.
“You are welcome, Theodosia, please, feel at home,” Luanne said nicely.
Theodosia sat right next to him and they began to eat.
Barton felt he needed to say something to her, but he could not think of anything to say. He was certain that the young lady was either embarrassed or afraid of him. He sought for a way to make things better.
“I hope you like everything you have seen so far, my lady?” he asked in a voice that seemed not to belong to him.
“Yes, my lord. Thank you,” she said.
What followed was an awkward silence. He looked up to see his sister who kept throwing him several looks to say something.
What exactly did she expect him to say?
“Do you like music?” he finally was able to ask.
“Yes, my lord but I have not actually indulged myself in it,” Theodosia replied.
“Then you are in luck,” Luanne replied. “Tomorrow, I shall teach you everything you need to know.”
***
“What other things do you enjoy doing?”
Theodosia knew that the Earl was trying to do everything to make her feel comfortable, she wished he could just allow her to eat in silence.
“I love reading,” she replied.
“Great! You should find the books in the room quite interesting. My lord also loves reading, finally something you two have in common,” Luanne said, making her more uncomfortable. Of course, the Earl was supposed to be her husband-to-be.
The rest of the food was eaten in silence. Theodosia was grateful for this.
Later when she retired to her room that evening, she couldn’t help but wonder how the whole thing would work out. How long would she keep seeing him as s stranger and when would they get married? What would happen on the night of their wedding?
She sighed until she could sigh no longer. For what it was worth, she was glad for the peace and quietness. There would be no more trouble with her father. Once she got to understand her husband very well, maybe being married would not be as terrible as she had thought.
***
“Are you certain that we are doing the right thing?” Barton asked his sister. They were both in his study.
Luanne nodded. “Yes, I believe we are. No one knows wh
en our brother will decide to show up. It is better to be prepared than to be caught unaware.”
“So what do you think of the lady?”
“Well, it doesn’t matter what I think of her. In fact, I believe what I think of her is quite obvious with the way I have spoken to her. She seems very reserved and shy. But hopefully she will get over it soon.”
“I fear she may hate me,” Barton replied.
“Why would you think that, my lord? She barely knows you.”
“If I were to be in her shoes, I would hate me and I would hate my father. What kind of father would gamble his daughter away just like that? It is unheard of.”
Luanne sighed. “You are right, my lord. Still, she cannot hate you. What choice does she have? She is going to be your wedded wife, she will forgive you eventually.”
“I hope you are right. Why, may I ask, did you send Isaac in the first place?”
“Well, on the day the lawyer had come to read the will, he said something about having a daughter of a marriageable age, I merely asked Isaac to fetch him so we could come to an agreement. I never knew that he was planning to bet her away.”
“Oh! Now I understand why the man was giving me a cold attitude.”
Luanne frowned. “A cold attitude?”
“Yes. He seemed to be regretting the whole bet. He said something regarding someone of my caliber. He never knew that I could show up at the game.”
“So, was he not willing to give her away again?”
“It appeared so, if not for the intelligence of his wife, I think he would have made things a bit difficult.”
“He seems to be a deceitful man; I wouldn’t trust him. I also think that he may have gone through the condition of the will before we actually got to know of it. That was why he was really prepared to release his daughter at once.”
“However things turn out to be, I hope it will be for the best.”
Luanne stood up. “So, how do you plan on courting your wife-to-be?”
He shrugged. He hadn’t even thought of that. “I need to get to know her first, and then I will know what I need to do. First, she needs to be comfortable; you shall be responsible for that.”
“Oh! That wouldn’t be a problem, my lord. You can leave that to me.”
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