The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding (Millworth Manor)

by Victoria Alexander

  “There’s no way around it. I have to meet with him. His note says it’s a matter of urgency regarding Father.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that.” Mother rose and paced the parlor. “My first impulse is to insist you return to our house, I hate the thought of your being here alone and I would feel much better if you were where I could keep an eye on you.”

  “I can’t imagine I’m in any particular danger. Cyril would never hurt me.”

  “Come now, Theodosia.” Mother pinned her with a firm look. “Are you really willing to trust a man who has deceived you? A man desperate enough to allow even his family to think he’s dead? The man who led your father to ruin and ultimately his death? Besides, you know his secrets. You may think he would not hurt you. I am under no such illusions.”

  “You do have a point,” Teddy said under her breath. “So, you’re going to protect me?”

  “Don’t think the irony isn’t lost on me either given that you’ve been the one taking care of me since your father died.” She studied her daughter closely. “Do you know how to use a pistol?”

  “No.” Teddy widened her eyes in surprise. “Do you?”

  “As a matter of fact I do. Indeed, I was quite good with a pistol in my youth and I’ve made it a point through the years to keep my skills sharp.”

  Teddy stared. “I had no idea.”

  “I daresay there are any number of things about me that would surprise you.”

  “Apparently.”

  Mother smiled and continued. “However, as Mr. Goddard doesn’t know you’ve been staying here at Lady Hargate’s, I think it’s safer for you to remain. Unless you’d prefer to return to Millworth?”

  “I can’t. At least not yet. Mrs. Hendrickson’s party, remember?”

  “Very well.” Mother nodded. “I shall have Jacobs stay here every night for the time being. He too is very good with a pistol.”

  “Jacobs?” The tall, thin, morose butler who had been with their family for as long as she could remember?

  “Jacobs was not always in domestic service, dear.”

  “I see,” Teddy murmured. Apparently this was the day for revelations. “I suppose there is the possibility that Cyril wants nothing more than an innocent reunion.”

  Mother’s brow arched upward. “Do you believe that?”

  “Not for a moment.” Teddy sighed. “Especially given the way we parted. But, no, I imagine there is something he wants.” She considered the possibilities but nothing came to mind. “Although I can’t imagine what it might be. I want nothing more to do with the man, dead or alive.”

  “Good.” Mother nodded. “I was afraid, when I received the note that . . .”

  “That I would welcome him with open arms?” Teddy scoffed. “Not bloody likely.”

  “Theodosia.” Mother frowned.

  “Sorry.” For a moment, Teddy was a child again being chastised for improper behavior.

  “No, I’m sorry,” Mother said. “You’re an adult and far more responsible than I ever was. But then I didn’t have to be. There was always someone to look after me. My family and then your father and then you. I was lost for a while when he died.”

  “I didn’t realize . . .”

  “Nor did I want you to. You had enough to deal with.” She heaved a resigned sigh. “Past time I became the woman my daughter already is. Through no fault of my own I might add.”

  “Nonsense, Mother,” Teddy said staunchly. “I am precisely who you raised me to be.”

  “You, my dear girl, are independent and rational and competent. You are well able to chart your own course and manage your own affairs. None of that is my doing.” Mother shrugged. “I wish it was.” She met her daughter’s gaze directly. “I have never said it, and my behavior certainly hasn’t shown it, but I am extraordinarily proud of the woman you have become.”

  Teddy’s throat tightened. “Mother, I—”

  “It’s of no importance now however.” Resolve rang in her mother’s voice. “There are other matters to be dealt with.” She paced for a moment, obviously lost in thought. “I’ve been wondering why the man has chosen now to reveal himself.” She glanced at Teddy. “Are you aware that Viscount Nottwood died a few weeks ago.”

  “Cyril’s brother?”

  Mother nodded.

  “No, I hadn’t heard.”

  “That might have something to do with why this little cockroach has come into the light.”

  “Mother!” Teddy bit back a grin.

  “You needn’t take that tone with me, Theodosia.” Her mother folded her arms over her chest. “Cockroach is the kindest name that came to mind and even in that, I am insulting cockroaches.”

  “I had no idea you could be so . . .” Teddy choked back a laugh. “Adamant. Determined.”

  “I couldn’t save my husband from that man but I will do everything necessary to save my daughter.” A determined glint sparked in her mother’s eyes. “Right now, I am at your disposal to help you prepare in whatever way you need for Mrs. Henrickson’s event.”

  “Thank you, Mother.”

  “And the day after tomorrow, promptly at three—and if the man can’t stay dead let us hope he can at least be prompt—you shall meet with your late fiancé and find out what he has to say.” Mother’s lips pressed together in a firm line and her eyes narrowed. She looked at once terrifying and magnificent and Teddy was more than a little proud herself. “And why in the bloody hell he’s still alive.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  That nigth,

  The residence of Mrs. Hendrickson . . .

  Theodosia circled Mrs. Hendrickson’s ballroom stopping to chat with an acquaintance here or direct a waiter to refill an empty glass there. She was the epitome of grace and confidence and Jack’s pulse sped up just looking at her.

  It did appear tonight was yet another social success. The ballroom floor was crowded with dancers. Music and laughter hung in the air. Gaslight had been abandoned tonight for the flickering glow of hundreds of candles in chandeliers and sconces. Festive swags and garlands created an impression of a lush, evergreen garden of Christmas and magic.

  Jack had become quite adept at slipping into an event at just the right moment to serve as Theodosia’s escort. As he had no interest in anyone else there, it worked quite nicely for both of them. Besides, as soon as he took her in his arms to dance, it didn’t matter if half the population of London was in the room. He had eyes only for her.

  Theodosia caught sight of him and she nodded slightly in acknowledgement. She made her way toward him, a smile lighting her lovely features. He hadn’t seen her for two days. Two full days! It was the longest they had been away from each other since their engagement had begun and he didn’t like it one bit. Admittedly, she did appear in his dreams, and in any number of passing thoughts while awake, but the simple fact was that he missed her.

  It was probably time to face a truth, a realization, that grew stronger every day. He didn’t want to be Lady Theodosia Winslow’s pretend fiancé and he certainly didn’t want to go their separate ways after the New Year’s ball. He wanted Theodosia in his life for the rest of his days and he was certain she felt the same. Although he suspected winning her heart wouldn’t be as difficult as getting her to admit it. She had a plan for her life and he had no place in it. Still, plans change. Wasn’t his own life a perfect example of that?

  “Have I ever told you how the red of your hair gleams like burnished gold in candlelight?” He took her hand and drew it to his lips.

  “Goodness, Jack.” A hint of impatience sounded in her voice but she smiled up at him. “No one can hear us. You needn’t waste your efforts.”

  “Oh well, in that case.” He kept hold of her hand and leaned closer. “Your eyes sparkle in the candlelight as well.”

  She pulled her hand from his. “You are incorrigible, aren’t you?”

  “I do try.” He drew his brows together. “Are you—”

  “Am I what?” she said sharply.
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  He studied her carefully. The faintest lines of worry showed at the corners of her eyes. “You look, I don’t know, tired.”

  “Thank you, Jack. That’s exactly what a woman wants to hear.”

  “I’m sorry I just—”

  “No, you’re right.” She sighed. “I haven’t been sleeping.”

  “Well, I can understand that.” He nodded in a sage manner.

  “Can you?”

  “Absolutely.” He nodded. “It’s been two days since you left Millworth and I haven’t slept a wink myself.”

  “Oh?”

  “My head is too filled with thoughts of you.” He shook his head in a mournful manner. “It’s ruining my rest.”

  A genuine smile lifted the corners of her lips. “Did I mention you were incorrigible?”

  “I know. You like it.”

  “Yes, I suppose I do.”

  “Shall we dance, Lady Theodosia?” He offered his arm.

  “I would love to dance with you, Mr. Channing.” She took his arm and he escorted her onto the dance floor.

  The small orchestra was playing one of her favorite waltzes and there was nothing he liked better than watching the enjoyment she took in the music and the dance. But something was definitely wrong tonight. She danced as flawlessly as ever, as perfectly in step with him as if they had danced together always, but her heart wasn’t in it. She was entirely too quiet and obviously preoccupied.

  He chose his words carefully. “You do know that you can confide in me. If there is something that has upset you—”

  “No, there’s nothing.” She forced a smile that didn’t fool him for a second. “As I said, I’m simply tired.”

  “Have I done something to annoy you?” He chuckled. “Something new, that is?”

  “No, of course not.” Her tone softened. “You have been all I could have asked for in a fake fiancé.” She paused. “And in a friend.”

  “We are friends, aren’t we?”

  She nodded.

  “I was thinking, perhaps . . .” He drew a deep breath. “You and I . . . well, we—”

  “I am sorry, Jack,” she said abruptly. “But I am in no mood to talk tonight. I am tired and I would much prefer if we simply concentrated on the dance and the music.”

  “All right.” He smiled down at her and she smiled back but there was an absent look in her eyes, as if she were simply going through motions.

  He had seen her angry or annoyed, irate or terse, but he had never seen her like this before. He might not be really engaged to her but he knew her well enough by now to know there was definitely something wrong. That she refused to confide in him could only mean it was something of significance, something important, and possibly something very bad.

  The music ended and she stepped out of his embrace at once. That too was an indication of her state of mind; usually she lingered in his arms. It was one of the best parts of dancing with her. They walked off the floor in silence. Yet another bad sign. Theodosia was never silent.

  He turned to her. “Theodosia, I—”

  “My apologies, Jack,” she said. “I am unusually weary tonight and I think it would be best if I took my leave now.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “You never leave this early.”

  “Tonight I will.” She drew a deep breath. “To be perfectly honest, I have been feeling a bit under the weather. I fear I am coming down with something. I spoke with Mrs. Hendrickson’s staff and they are more than capable of handling the rest of the evening.”

  “Well then, I shall escort you home.”

  “It’s not necessary. My mother is here and she has her carriage.” She paused. “Has your mother arrived at Millworth yet?”

  “No. I suspect she’s waiting for that moment when we least expect her.”

  “When are you returning to the manor?”

  “In the morning.”

  “Good,” she murmured.

  He studied her for a moment. She looked more worried than tired, more preoccupied than ill. Still, he couldn’t force the truth out of her. Theodosia might well be one of the most stubborn women he’d ever met. “But perhaps I should stay—”

  “No!” she said sharply, then paused. “You really should be at Millworth when your mother arrives.”

  “But if you’re not well—”

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine,” she said quickly. “You don’t want your father to have to deal with her without you, do you?”

  “No, I suppose not.” He stared down at her. “When do you plan to return to Millworth? Christmas is fast approaching, you know.”

  “Oh, I shall be there long before Christmas.” She cast him a brilliant smile that struck him as not quite right, as forced rather than legitimate. “I shall see you there soon.”

  “I hope so.” His gaze met hers. “I have missed you. It’s difficult to be a hero if there is no fair maiden about.”

  “Then it’s fortunate you’re a banker and not a hero,” she snapped.

  He stared at her.

  “I’m sorry.” She pulled her gaze from his and shook her head. “That was uncalled for.”

  “And yet entirely accurate.”

  “No, it isn’t. I’m just . . . I have a great deal on my mind.”

  “And you’re not feeling your usual self.”

  “Yes, that’s it.” She paused. “But I have missed you, too,” she said, a catch in her voice. She cleared her throat and smiled. “Good evening, Jack.” With that she nodded and disappeared into the crowd.

  He stared after her for a long moment. The blasted woman was trying to get rid of him. She never would have made that comment about his being a banker otherwise, at least not in the way she did. It was a continuing joke between them but there was no humor in her words tonight. She was definitely worried, even scared, about something. He didn’t imagine anything could scare Theodosia Winslow. The very idea was cause for concern. He turned and made his way through the crowd toward the door.

  He didn’t like the idea of leaving her alone in London. It was possible, he supposed, that he was jumping to conclusions. That she really wasn’t feeling well. He could certainly be mistaken and whatever was on her mind was of little consequence. No, he had always been able to trust his instincts about people and instinct was telling him now that something was very, very wrong.

  Still, if she wouldn’t confide in him, there was one person who knew all of Theodosia’s secrets. One person she had always confided in. And the only person he knew who cared about Theodosia as much as he did.

  “Is Lady Hargate here?” Jack handed his overcoat and hat to Clement the moment he crossed Millworth’s threshold.

  He had planned on taking the first train back to the country this morning but had been delayed thanks to his grandfather. There had been a letter waiting for him at Channing House yesterday requesting that he meet with an official from the Bank of England regarding what turned out to be a minor matter. It did seem little enough to do as he had yet to tell his grandfather he would probably not be returning to his position at the bank. Yet another discussion he was not looking forward to.

  “She’s in the main parlor, sir.”

  “Thank you, Clement.” Jack headed for the parlor.

  “She’s not alone, sir,” the butler called after him.

  Jack pushed open the door and spotted Delilah seated in one of the chairs flanking the sofa along with his aunt, Camille, and two other ladies whose backs were to the door.

  “I beg your pardon.” He forced a polite smile. He really had no time for niceties. “I am sorry to interrupt but I need to speak to Delilah.” He met his cousin’s gaze. “It’s a matter of some importance.”

  “Of course.” Delilah stood at once, an uneasy expression on her face.

  “Aren’t you going to greet your mother, Jackson?” His mother rose to her feet, as did Lucy beside her.

  “Sorry, Mother, I didn’t see you.” How clever of his mother to finally appear just at the most inopportune moment. Wel
l, he had no time to deal with her now. He strode toward her and kissed her proffered cheek. “You’re looking well.”

  Her gaze swept over him. “As are you.”

  “Jackson.” Lucy beamed and held out her hands. “She’s right, you do look wonderful. England must agree with you.”

  “I think it might, Lucy.” He smiled and took her hands. “And how do you like your first trip abroad?”

  “I love it, I simply love it. It’s so enlightening.” Enthusiasm rang in Lucy’s voice. “London was all I ever thought it would be and more. What a fascinating city. It’s all so grand and ancient and . . . and royal.”

  “I thought you would like it.” He smiled and released her hands. “I expect you to give me all the details of your travels later.”

  “Oh, I will. I’ve been noting everything in a journal so as not to forget anything important.” She leaned close and spoke softly for his ears alone. “We need to talk as soon as possible.”

  “I look forward to it,” he said quietly. It wasn’t like Lucy to be so clandestine but whatever was on her mind would have to wait. He glanced at Delilah. “But at the moment, I need to have a word with Delilah.”

  “Jackson.” His mother frowned. “We have only just arrived and as it’s been over a month since you left I do think—”

  “Later, Mother,” he said firmly and nodded at Delilah. “This is important.”

  “Of course.” Delilah smiled at the other women. “If you will excuse me.” She led the way out of the room.

  The moment Jack closed the door behind them she turned to him. “Thank God, you’re back.”

  He raised a brow. “Should I take that to mean this meeting between both sides of my family is not going well?”

  “I can’t say it’s not going well exactly. Everyone is on their best behavior. It’s been extraordinarily polite thus far.” Delilah shuddered. “But there are undercurrents, Jack. There is more not being said in that room than is being said.”

  “And that’s a problem?”

  “Yes, it’s a problem.” She stared at him as if he were a complete idiot. “You must understand, all those years my father was gone, Uncle Basil was here for us. My mother and Uncle Basil have always been close. She is very protective of him and she feels your mother treated him quite badly.”