“For all intents, Lauren and I are still engaged,” Theodore ground out. “It greatly dilutes any associated scandal.”
“Many do not believe your engagement to be intact. That includes your betrothed, my friend.”
Theodore scowled. “Damn Sanderson, anyway. The man is hell-bent on stealing her away for himself.”
“Yes. It appears so.” George cocked his head. “What shall you do?”
“I am inclined to silence the man permanently. But as I am currently enjoying your hospitality, and it is the holiday season, I shall restrain such murderous inclinations. Besides, other guests would probably not appreciate bloodshed during such a festive time.”
Swallowing the remnants of the glass, Theodore rose to his feet. He smiled grimly at his soon to be cousin-in-law. “I shall try stifling Lord Sanderson, although ultimately this decision as to how Lauren and I proceed shall be hers to make. I’m a realist. I know our options, although she will most likely disagree with me.”
“What choice shall she have?”
Theodore’s heart twisted a bit because he wondered if Lauren would choose either scenario he planned to put forth. “A scandal before Christmas, or an elopement. Either way, we are bound to shock society.”
“My mother?” Lauren stared at Penelope over the tea tray her cousin had personally delivered to her room. “She asked if you would invite Theodore, knowing you had already extended me an invitation? I don’t understand.”
“Neither did I, at first. But then Lady Hawthorne requested the same, that I invite the earl if I was assured of your attendance.” Penelope squeezed Lauren’s hand. “I’m sorry, my dear. I swore I would not reveal the machinations which led to both of you being here, but at this point, I owe you the truth of the matter.”
Lauren chewed her bottom lip, deep in thought. She actually was not surprised. Mother had asked several times if she had any intentions of forgiving Theodore. Lauren evaded giving an answer, knowing the fondness Mother held for the earl. It seemed she and Theodore’s mother had conspired together in the effort to bring Lauren and Theodore together once more.
The question was, did it upset her as much as it should have? Was it the same as the scheming their fathers undertook?
The truth of the matter was it didn’t feel the same. At least, not when Lauren carefully considered it. No, it rather seemed more a gesture of hopeless romanticism. Two mothers desperate for their children to fall back in love.
“I think they mean well,” Penelope sighed.
“Theo said something earlier. Perhaps he was trying to tell me, but I paid no heed to his words.”
“It is conflicting, isn’t it?” Her cousin laughed softly. “On one hand, it’s sweet. On the other, so very meddlesome. At least, Lord Hawthorne is prey to their interference along with you.”
Lauren twirled the sash of the robe around her finger. It was a fresh garment, matching the new nightdress she wore beneath it. When Theodore departed earlier, she immediately changed clothes, hiding the ruined gown deep in her traveling chest. “I cannot blame him this time for the actions of our parents.”
Penelope took a sip of tea. “What shall you do now?”
“I must think upon it. If scandal would touch only myself, it would not concern me so much. But I’ve no wish for Mother or Lady Hawthorne to be impacted by our actions. I fought marriage based on the concept of being sold for my inheritance. This is different. I believe Theo truly loves me, and I—I love him. The principles for my breaking off the engagement haven’t changed, however. It was a betrayal of trust. I’m still overcoming that.”
“It is a hard thing to forgive. But if ever a man deserved it, perhaps Lord Hawthorne is that man. His devotion to his family, to the care of his mother and his estates and those dependent upon him, is beyond reproach. He includes you in that circle, Lauren. Even after the death of your father, he has not stopped looking after you and your mother. George told me of Hawthorne’s oversight of your barrister. He was greatly concerned that your investments were handled properly, that your inheritance was secure. Even if you never saw him again, he would look after you because he promised your father he would.”
Lauren’s eyes welled with tears. Theodore’s actions were so pure and struck her heart so deeply, they left her breathless. How selfish she had been in her anger. How stingy in her fury. The one person she could truly rely on for advice and comfort, and she’d rejected him. Cast him aside.
“Penelope, I wonder if you would do something for me?”
“Anything, my dear.”
“Will you take me to Hawthorne’s rooms and grant me access? He and I have much to discuss before this night is over.”
Penelope grinned. “That can be arranged. Anything else you might require?”
Lauren thought about it for a moment before a wicked smile curved her lovely lips.
“As a matter of fact, there is. Can you procure a bit of mistletoe for me?”
Chapter 15
Theodore found Lord Sanderson in the east parlor just before supper.
The man was alone, a glass of whiskey in one hand, his brow scrunched into a frown. Visibly startled at seeing Theodore, he took a long gulp of the glass’s contents.
Closing the pocket doors behind him with a soft click, Theodore advanced. There was no mistaking the sheen of sweat on the other man’s brow. Good. This might be easier to accomplish than previously thought. It certainly smoothed the path when one’s adversary was more than slightly intimidated.
“A word, if you don’t mind, Sanderson.”
“It—ah—it is near the time supper will be announced. We should not tarry, Hawthorne.”
Theodore’s lips twisted slightly. “Our absence will not be remarked upon, least of all by our hosts.”
Sanderson’s hands trembled, his gaze touching on Theodore’s black suit. “Is there something you wish to discuss?”
Theodore poured himself a glass of whiskey as well, his eyes steady on the other man. Earlier, he had retired to his room, readying himself for supper by donning the required formal attire. “There are several matters, actually. But one rises above all others in terms of importance. You see, this particular subject is very dear to me. An extension of myself and one I will defend to my dying breath.”
Sanderson swallowed. “I understand your meaning, sir.”
With a tilt of his head, Theodore stalked closer. “Do you? Perhaps that is true.” He finally stood almost toe-to-toe with Sanderson, calmly regarding him as a trickle of sweat eased a path down the other man’s temple. “I prefer there to be no mistake when it comes to my expectations, so I will clearly state my purpose and the consequences if I am disappointed in any way.” Theodore’s stare flickered. “Another?”
“P-Pardon?” Sanderson stuttered.
“Another whiskey?” Theodore gestured at his empty glass.
“No.”
“Good. Now I can get right to the point.” Taking another sip of his whiskey, Theodore pinned the man with a dangerous glare. “Whatever you saw, or believe you saw in Lady Lauren’s rooms, dies a death this very instant. It will not be spoken of nor bandied about for the rumor mills to feast upon, and it most certainly will not serve as kindling for revenge after she rejected you. I am saying this in the clearest way possible, so there is no misunderstanding. Lady Lauren is my fiancée, soon to be my wife. Insulting her is an insult to me. You, or any man foolish enough to test the depths of my devotion, will face my wrath.”