Thea, p.5
Thea, page 5
Thea looked across the room at Diana, both sisters fighting to keep from smiling.
Adam sipped at the brandy, relief sweeping through him at the blessed silence filling the dining room. His ears had ached with the explosions from the battlefield but nothing like they felt now after Lady Lydia Burns’ assault of the past two hours.
To her credit, the young woman had asked him a few questions. He’d answered simply to stop her voice for a few moments. The rest of the time, she blathered on about herself. Balls she’d attended. Friends of hers whom he didn’t know and now would never care to. The country estate she lived on and what her family’s London townhouse was like. Its furnishings, down to which rooms bore Aubusson rugs.
As she’d droned on, Adam could think of no polite way to shut her up. So he’d looked at her and nodded occasionally, watching her lips move as she spoke, but not hearing what she said.
Because his entire being was absorbed by the woman to his right.
Lady Thea had made a few attempts to converse with him but Lady Lydia was having none of it. Eventually, Lady Thea began speaking to those around her instead. Those were the conversations he’d listened to. Adam heard every word she’d spoken and was aware through his peripheral vision of every gesture she made. He even caught the subtle scent of violets and knew it came from her.
Determination filled him. Once the men adjourned to the drawing room, he would speak to her. Already, jealously ran through him as he thought how Callander had entertained her throughout dinner. No, Hardy. He had to get used to Will having a title. Any other time, Adam would have urged his old friend to pursue the lady.
Not in this instance. More than anything, Adam wanted his time with Thea de Wolfe.
Lord Burles asked him a question about horses and they spoke at length about them until Adam itched to leave the room. Holmes caught his eye and nodded.
“It seems the ladies await,” Adam said and rose, the others following suit.
As they ventured from the room, Hardy stepped next to him.
“Are your ears bleeding yet, Durham?” he joked.
“I thought the woman would never cease talking,” he admitted.
“It was her battle strategy, plain and simple,” the viscount commented.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Oh, come on, Durham. You’re a bloody duke now. It’s obvious the chit’s set her cap for you. She’s quite pretty. I’ll give her that. Had a few offers, from what I’ve been told, but her mama has loftier ambitions regarding her daughter’s marriage. Mainly an impressive title. Yours.”
Surprise filled Adam. “You’re saying she monopolized me because she’s interested in marrying me?”
“Well, she’s interested in your title and wealth. The fact you come along with it is secondary. But yes, Lady Lydia obviously rode into battle and staked her claim before the other women had a chance.”
Annoyance filled him. “I’m not some—”
“Easy, Adam,” his friend warned. “I’ll help you. I’m sure you’d like to visit with your other guests.”
“I would. Especially Lady Thea,” he said as they reached the drawing room.
“Ah. I see. Then I’ll be a gentleman and step aside, though I was very taken with her. Lady Thea is sweet and quite bright.” Hardy paused. “But if you change your mind?”
“I won’t,” Adam said firmly. “Claim any of the others, Hardy. The whole damned house party was planned so I could get to know her.”
The viscount’s eyes twinkled. “Yes, Your Grace. Good to know.”
His eyes swept the room as they entered. He spied Lady Thea sitting with Lady Sybil. His aunt rose and met him.
“I had no idea Lady Lydia would be so aggressive, Nephew. Forgive me for inviting her. I only knew she was a pretty, eligible girl and others told me how sweet she was. Who knew she had so much of her mother in her?” Louise sniffed.
“Not a problem, Aunt. I did my best to humor her, but I won’t allow Lady Lydia to ruin this party for me.”
Louise eyed him with approval. “Good for you.”
With that, Adam headed straight toward Lady Thea.
Chapter Seven
“Good evening, ladies,” Adam said as he took a seat to Lady Thea’s right. “I hope you enjoyed your dinner.”
“The food was excellent, Your Grace,” she replied.
“Yes. Very good,” Lady Sybil mumbled, her eyes focused on the floor.
“Remember, if there is anything special you’d like to be served during your visit to Durbury, simply let Aunt Louise know.”
“That’s very good of you, Your Grace,” Lady Thea said, her gaze meeting his.
Adam could have stared all night at the orbs. Being hazel, he knew their color would change with her mood. The gold that rimmed them fascinated him.
But then again, everything about Thea de Wolfe seemed to draw him in.
They spoke of inconsequential things until Lady Sybil yawned. A look of horror filled her face.
“Forgive me, Your Grace. I didn’t mean to imply you are boring,” she said.
“I thought nothing of the kind,” he assured the shy creature. Rising, he addressed the room. “I know many of you had a long journey to reach Durbury. Aunt Louise has planned a full week’s worth of activities so please do not hesitate if you wish to retire early this evening.”
Lord Merrifield stood. “I know my wife is very tired. Thank you, Your Grace.” He assisted Lady Merrifield to her feet. “We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.”
Several others murmured their assent and the room began emptying. Aunt Louise remained at the far end of the room with both Denton and Lorry, while he, Lady Thea, Lord Minden, and Lady Lydia of the younger set stayed. Adam thought of the worst thing he could suggest that might shoo one woman from the room while hopefully keeping the other behind.
“Has anyone ever attempted a dissected map before?” he asked.
Immediately, Lady Thea’s eyes brightened. “No. What is it?” she asked eagerly.
“It’s a puzzle of sorts,” Adam told her. “I have one we can try to put together if you’d like.”
“I’ve always adored puzzles. I’m happy to give it a try, Your Grace.”
Lady Lydia looked as if she might puke at any moment but gamely said, “Yes, I think I’ll try as well.”
Minden looked bored. “I’ll watch.”
Adam led them to a table for four, and as the others sat, he retrieved the case and brought it over.
Opening it, he began taking out the pieces, placing them face up. Lady Thea began helping him and immediately Lady Lydia jumped in, not wanting to be left out. She frowned as she set the pieces down. Once the entire case had been emptied, Adam put it aside.
“What is it?” Lady Lydia asked. “You said a puzzle of some kind?”
“Yes. The pieces have been cut along the borders of various countries in Europe and Asia. The object is to find which country rests against another and place the puzzle pieces together.”
Lady Lydia’s nose crinkled. “Geography? I thought we were to be entertained, Your Grace, not suffer lessons from the schoolroom.”
“I find the idea fascinating,” Lady Thea noted.
The other woman sniffed haughtily. “We have far different ideas of entertainment, Lady Thea.” She turned her gaze back to Adam. “Did Your Grace study geography as a boy? Or at university?”
“Alas, I never attended university, my lady. I left school for the Napoleonic Wars. I have been to some of the very places within these pieces, though.”
“I’ve been to a few of the countries here,” Minden commented. “Wouldn’t be able to locate any on a map, though. And I did go to university.” He raised his hand and studied his fingernails.
Adam held out hope.
He and the ladies then sat studying the segments before them. No piece had labeling of any kind, so even if a person knew Portugal sat next to Spain, he would have to know the shapes of those countries in order to quickly place pieces together. Tentatively, he placed two parts together to get them started. Lady Thea propped her elbows upon the table and tucked folded hands under her chin, resting it there as her eyes flit constantly across the table, observing the scattered pieces. Lady Lydia wiggled in her seat and then toyed with a puzzle part. After five minutes of silence, she stood.
“I find I’m more tired than I thought,” she announced. “And with a week’s worth of activities, I’d like to get my rest.” She looked to the earl. “Lord Minden, would you care to escort me to my chamber?”
He lowered the hand he’d studied. “It’s either that or be bored to death here. I’d be happy to escort you, Lady Lydia. Lady Thea, Your Grace, good night to you.”
“Good night, Minden,” Adam said, trying to contain the joy that threatened to spill from him.
The couple left the room and suddenly Lady Thea began moving the fragments into a semblance of order. He sat back and watched her as she completed the entire dissected map in less than ten minutes. When she slid the last piece into place, she gave him a winning smile.
“That was ever so much fun,” she declared. “I only wished you’d helped.”
“Did you have a governess who pounded geography into you, along with French and embroidery skills?”
“No,” she said, a smile curving her beautiful lips. “I had an atlas that I dragged around everywhere with me. It had maps of all of the continents and their countries and the seas. I was very devoted to my atlas, Your Grace. I promised myself that one day I would go to some of those far off places and see them in person.”
“And have you?” he asked, drawn to her mind now as much as her fair face and tall, slender frame.
“Not in the least,” she said, a giggle erupting. “I’ve spent my entire life in Northumberland. At least until I came to London for my come-out, though I stayed in instead of going anywhere. At least once the plaster came off my leg, I’ve been able to explore some of London the past few weeks.” She smiled. “First, London. Then, the world.”
“Do you have an adventurous spirit, Lady Thea?”
She smiled dreamily. “I’d like to think so. Who knows where it came from? Although there are stories in my family of an ancestor, William de Wolfe. He seemed to be a bold character. A daredevil, some might say. Perhaps I take after him.”
“Did an adventure gone bad lead to you breaking your leg?”
A blush stained her cheeks, making him want to cradle her face in his hands.
“I’m not sure you’d call it an adventure, but it did involve climbing a tree.”
“I thought that was something only little boys did,” he teased.
“And some big girls.” She laughed. “I’d decided to go walk our estate and say goodbye since we were leaving in two days’ time for London. While out and about, I came across the daughter of one of our tenants. She’d climbed a tree after her cat. The cat came down but the child learned she was afraid of heights and found herself stuck.”
“So you went up after her?”
“I did. I’ve climbed many a tree in my younger years and thought nothing of it. She wasn’t even up very high. By the time I reached her, her father and older brother arrived. I was able to coax the girl to release her grip and then I helped lower her into their arms.”
“What happened with your leg?” he asked.
She frowned. “I would have been fine but as I made my way back to earth, my gown caught on a bump along the bark. It threw me off-balance and I lost my grip. I hit the ground hard. I’ve fallen from trees in the past and only suffered a few bruises. This time, I simply landed wrong on my leg. The bone snapped so loudly. That frightened me more than anything. Then the pain set in. It was awful.”
“I know. I’ve broken a leg myself.” Adam left it at that, not wanting to get into his war injuries.
“Then you know how limiting it is. I was afraid Derek, my brother, would leave me behind and only take Diana to London. I desperately wanted to go since I’d never been before. Fortunately, he agreed that I could still come along.” She smiled wistfully. “I was able to witness Diana and Oliver falling in love. That alone was worth the trip.”
Adam would have liked an artist to capture the look on her face as she spoke of her sister and Merrifield. Sweet. Tender. Full of hope and yearning. It made her incredibly appealing.
“You seem to have experienced no problems now that your plaster has been removed. I haven’t noticed you limping or favoring one leg over the other.”
“I’m very fortunate. The break was clean and my surgeon was a good one. I’ve already built my stamina back up and am walking as far as I have in the past. The only thing I haven’t taken up again was riding and that’s because Derek brought no mounts to ride to London, only carriage horses.”
“You enjoy riding?” he asked.
“Very much so.”
“Then once the men shoot tomorrow morning, perhaps we could ride about and allow me to show you Durbury.”
Her eyes shone. “I’d like that very much, Your Grace. But . . . is the shooting limited to the men?”
“I . . . I hadn’t thought about including the women.”
“Oh, I doubt any would be interested.”
“But you would?” The thought of her with a gun in her hand intrigued him—especially if he could help show her how to shoot. Adam could imagine standing close behind her, his arms around hers as he helped her point and fire.
Lady Thea nodded. “Yes. I’d like to participate if I could.”
“That’s easy to arrange. We’re scheduled to shoot after breakfast ends tomorrow morning.”
Adam saw Aunt Louise rise. “It looks as if we should turn in for the night.”
The thought of a naked Thea de Wolfe in his bed brought about all kinds of delicious ideas.
He rose and assisted her from her chair, leading her to his aunt and her two suitors.
“Good night, Your Grace,” Lady Thea said. “Gentlemen.”
“A good night to you, Lady Thea,” Aunt Louise replied. “Adam, see Lady Thea to her chamber. Durbury is large and quite confusing to visitors.”
“Of course, Aunt.”
He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and led her to her chamber. When they reached it, he tried to think of something—anything—he could say to keep her here longer. Words failed Adam as he merely stared at her.
“Thank you for inviting me to your house party, Your Grace. I’m looking forward to all that your aunt has planned for us.”
He took her hand and lifted it to his lips, brushing them against her knuckles. Warmth filled him at the touch.
“Pleasant dreams, Lady Thea.”
With that, Adam left her and returned to his own chamber. Martin undressed him and Adam climbed beneath the bedsheet. He doubted he’d sleep much tonight.
Thea entered the breakfast room and spied Diana and Oliver. She made up a plate and then joined them.
“How are you feeling this morning?” she asked her sister.
“Right as rain. Once I threw up, that is.” Diana chuckled. “I’d forgotten how ill I was with the twins, but it all has come back to me quickly. Mornings are difficult, but once I’ve hung over my chamber pot a bit and I’m dressed, I feel fine. Hungry, even. Motion does have a tendency to set me off, though, so I doubt I’ll be atop a horse anytime soon.”
Oliver laced his fingers through his wife’s. “It will all be worth it in the end.”
“I know,” she said, her eyes shining with love. She turned back to Thea. “Did you ever have a chance to speak with our host?”
She spread jam across a toast point. “Yes. We put together a dissected map last night.”
Diana laughed. “Oh, you must have been in heaven. Thea used to tote around an atlas when she was a young girl. It was almost bigger than she was,” she told Oliver. “She was forever spouting off the names of countries and telling us how she would go to everywhere in her atlas someday.”
“At least I’ve made it to London. Now, I just have to find a way to travel beyond England.”
“A honeymoon is a good way to see other places,” Oliver suggested, an amused light in his blue eyes. “In my role as your temporary guardian, I noticed both Hardy and Minden eyeing you during dinner last night.”
“Lord Hardy was an excellent dinner companion,” Thea said. “His conversation was lively. Lord Minden is what I imagined about men of the ton. Terribly handsome. Titled. And bored at everything going on around him.”
“Well, not quite everything,” a voice behind her said. “Mind if I join you?”
Thea was aghast to see Lord Minden smiling sardonically and felt the color stain her cheeks.
“Have a seat, Minden,” Oliver said affably, and the earl took a chair next to her.
Lady Lydia and her mother also sat at their table and the younger woman asked, “Did you stay up half the night working the puzzle, Lady Thea? It does seem you have dark circles under your eyes.” She gazed triumphantly at Thea.
Appalled at the young woman’s rude comment, Thea didn’t reply, knowing Lady Lydia only wanted to get a rise from her.
But someone else did speak up.
“It took Lady Thea less than a quarter hour to put the pieces all together.”
The Duke of Durham took the remaining seat, which was next to Thea.
“I’ve worked the map several times and don’t think I could have done it so quickly,” he added.
“Oh.” Lady Lydia sniffed, looking disdainfully at Thea. “You’re a bluestocking.”
Thea didn’t miss the condemnation in her tone.
“There’s nothing wrong with being inclined to intellectual pursuits,” the duke said. “An educated woman can be full of stimulating conversation.” He smiled at Thea before returning to his ham.
“I don’t know of many men holding that opinion, Your Grace,” Lady Lydia said. “Women should be skilled in the womanly arts. Playing an instrument. Singing. Painting. Embroidery.”
“I believe women can do all of those things and also be interested in the world around them,” Thea said.
