Theo craned his neck toward the closest footman. “Please close the curtains. I do not want passers-by spying inside.”
The footman set about the task immediately.
Theo turned to Virginia. “Please take a seat wherever you like.”
She chose a chair in front of one of Azureford’s decorative folding screens.
Theo wheeled himself directly opposite to face her. “Why do your calling cards contain an image of a bird and absolutely no information about you?”
She lifted a dainty shoulder. “Everyone who knows me already knows how to find me.”
“What about the people who don’t know you?” he pointed out.
Her eyes widened. “Why would I want strangers to find me?”
Well. No arguing with that. Theo glanced down at the four cards in his hands.
“What are they? Crows? Ravens? Blackbirds?”
“Colly birds,” Virginia’s gaze slid away from him. “A few people say ‘calling birds,’ but the correct term is ‘colly’ like coal, due to their black feathers. They’re very striking against the snow.”
“Of course,” Theo murmured. Only Virginia would have a calling bird for a calling card.
As always, the outside air had brought a becoming flush to her cheeks and lips. She was once again wearing the forest green pelisse she’d been sporting the first time he saw her.
“Swinton.” Theo lifted his eyes to the butler. “Could you please guard Miss Underwood’s outerwear?”
Her gaze met his briefly. A small smile flicked at the edges of her lips. As if she had not been certain of her welcome but was pleased it had been extended.
He would not tell her that, since waking, he had spent every moment waiting for her to call.
“How are your wounds?”
“Improving,” he said with relief. “Progress is slow but unquestionable. How was your constitutional?”
“One does not need to see the sun shining overhead to feel warmed by its light.” She glanced about the parlor. “How is Duke?”
“Also a ray of sunshine,” Theo said dryly.
“Good.” She sat back. “It is important to have moments of sunshine.”
Shewas the ray of sun, not her irascible cat. “Did you post my letter?”
Virginia nodded. “As soon as I reached the castle.”
He waited.
She said nothing else. Asked no questions; treated him no differently. She did not seem to have deduced a connection between the name on the letter and the anonymous gentleman seated across from her.
Theo’s tight shoulders relaxed. Excellent.
His parents would have proof he was still alive, but no details on where he had chosen to convalesce. He could heal in peace. As for everyone else, it was better for them to assume Theo still off at war until he was healthy enough to take his place among the beau monde again.
At which point, he would also deal with Lady Beatrice. But until then…
“What’s in the basket?” he asked.
Her face lit up. “A wonderful surprise.”
