His eyes were on the window, jaw clenched.
“I don’t understand this… you,” she said in a quiet voice.
“You don’t need to, so don’t try.”
That definitely put her in her place, so Iris said, “I’ll just point out that it is my carriage, which I can have you thrown from. I’m also allowing this because I choose to, so perhaps you can think about that for a minute or two, my lord, and adjust your manners.” She’d spat out his title.
He shot her a dark look.
“Why does society think you are a fool? Even my aunt and uncle believe that of you.”
“Because I am.”
“No, you’re not and never were. I have seen two different sides to you already, and I have only been with you briefly—”
“Don’t meddle in something you will never understand, Lady Challoner. The only outcome will be a sore head.”
Everything that she’d seen of Theo since arriving in London was confusing. Society saw him dressed in bright colors, simpering and foolish. Today, he was a very different man. Cold and hard, but definitely not foolish.
“My son will be there. Please do not frighten him,” she said softly.
His eyes switched to hers briefly. “You think I would?”
“I don’t know the man you’ve become. How do I know what you will be like with Henry?”
His eyes closed briefly. But all he did was nod, which she did not know how to interpret.
She’d gone to give him a letter. Hoped to deliver it, then leave. Now she was in the carriage with the man who had once been her best friend. A man who seemed to be two people, neither of which she understood.
When the carriage stopped a short while later, he climbed down, holding a hand out to assist her. She stared at it. Gloveless, it was large, and she saw a scar from the palm to the middle finger.
“What is the problem?” he demanded.
“Nothing.” Taking it, she stepped down and then led him to her town house. Her son’s actually, but until he was of age, she would help him control what needed to be controlled.
The town house was white fronted with plenty of windows and a grand entrance of columns and steps. Just as her late husband would have wanted. Everyone needed to know that the Challoners were not only titled but wealthy too. Sydney Challoner had been a pretentious snob.
“Why did you not enter society?” Theo asked her again as they stood outside her front door. “The rumor was you had a weak constitution and could not handle it. I had my doubts then, but equally so now I have seen you.”
“It was my husband’s wish I remained in the country.” And for those months, she could not have been happier, even if he had his minions watching her every move.
“Why?”
“It matters not.” She opened the door and entered. “Why do you play the fool when I don’t believe you are?”
That had his teeth snapping together.
“My lady.” Her butler appeared, and Iris wondered if Theo would recognize him.
“Please bring tea to the upstairs parlor, Norman. Lord Montgomery and I will take it there. Also, have the small crate that is in the corner of my room brought to the parlor. Thank you.”
“I have no wish for tea,” Theo said, his eyes on Norman.
“Fine. I will take tea,” she said, “seeing as you didn’t offer me any.”
“Which makes me sound childish and petulant. I’m sorry.”
She looked over her shoulder as she walked away from him and found him still watching Norman. “Which seems to be your persona, so at least that is in keeping with your character.”
