“I am doing this in the service of my friend. Thank you for not giving me away the moment you saw me.”
“Think nothing of it. Though I shall require a full explanation later.” Her lips broke into a full smile.
S
Theo noted the besotted expression on Oliver’s face as he chatted with Miss Greenbough. He turned from her only a moment to bid the Hursts and Miss Bingley goodbye, before continuing his conversation with her.
“You might recall to whom you are meant to be paying court,” Theo reminded Oliver on their return home.
“Apologies, my friend,” Oliver said bashfully. “Miss Greenbough is…well, an old friend.”
“Thatmuch is obvious,” Theo said. “But how did you come to be acquainted with her?”
“You recall when I came home from Oxford five years ago, before we went abroad.”
Theo nodded for him to continue.
“Well Miss Greenbough was staying with her aunt at that time. There was a performance at the theater, a mixed bill featuring a tightrope walker, music and drama acts, and ending with fireworks and it was there I met Miss Greenbough. I do not think her aunt even remembers I was there. I saw Miss Greenbough again several times over the course of the summer. On the last night of her stay, there was a masquerade ball at the Stevensons’ home, and we danced together.”
“She must have made quite an impression on you,” Beaujean remarked. “You nearly forgot about Miss Bingley in your quest to sit beside Miss Greenbough during the music.”
“It was necessary that I speak with her! She recognized me, even with my disguise.” Seeing Theo’s alarm, he added, “But she has assured me, she will not give us away. She can be trusted, I am certain”
Theo hoped that she could.
S
Oliver and Theo called at the parsonage the next day. Mrs. Bird took their visit as a particular compliment to her niece, since Lord Connally had never before called at the parsonage. It put ideas into her head regarding Miss Greenbough’s future such as she had not previously contemplated.
Miss Greenbough, however, was wiser. While her aunt left them in the drawing room to prepare tea and biscuits, she turned to them with a slight twinkle in her eye.
“You must be concerned I might reveal your true identities to someone. Rest assured, your secret is safe with me, gentlemen.”
“Thank you for your discretion, Miss Greenbough,” Theo said.
“Of course. I confess, I was rather surprised to see Mr. Hodge dressed up as a dandy and calling himself ‘Lord Connally.’ I take it you are the real Lord Connally then, sir?”
“I am.” Theo nodded. “The reason for our disguise is simple. I wish to observe…others around me, to discern whether their motives towards me are genuine or whether they seek only to curry favor from a rich and titled lord.”
“I understand completely, Your Lordship.” Miss Greenbough lowered her voice. “And I will even help you to make her jealous.” A sly grin spread across her face, causing Theo’s cheeks to redden. Was his admiration of Miss Bingley so obvious?
Mrs. Bird entered with the tea tray.
Miss Greenbough turned her head towards Oliver and said, “Have you been to the theater since your return to Scarborough, Your Lordship?”
Chapter 7
Theo and his houseguests were enjoying a quiet afternoon at home one day, when the front bell rang.
“Mr. and Mrs. Bird, to see Lord Connally,” the butler announced. “They say it is on a matter of business.”
Theo and Oliver glanced at each other.
“You are Lord Connally to them. You shall have to see them,” Theo reminded Oliver, who nodded with trepidation. “Show them into the study please,” Theo told the butler.
Oliver went to the study, where he greeted the Birds.
“What can I do for you, Mr. and Mrs. Bird?”
