“Theodore, do sit straight, or pretend to at the least.” Her mother’s admonition had little effect upon her cousin.
Joanna nudged him with her elbow. “Really Teddy, why so dispirited?” He usually saved such dramatic displays for her and her sisters only.
He gave a heavy sigh. “In the last four evenings, I have been to a recital, a ball, a play, and a dinner, and not once was I fortunate enough to encounter Lady Elsbeth. It’s as if she’s hiding from me.” He sighed again and let his head drop back so he could stare at the ceiling.
Her mother, who rarely saw Teddy’s theatrics, tsked. “If this is how you conduct yourself around the lady, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s avoiding you.”
His head snapped up. “Have you spoken to her? Have I done something wrong?”
“No, I have not, at least not since we met her and her mother at the seamstress two weeks ago.”
“Two weeks? I couldn’t bear to not see her for two weeks. I pray it doesn’t amount to that.” His head fell back again.
Joanna rolled her eyes. “She hasn’t even come out yet. What about the other ladies you’ve met this season?”
“Other ladies?” He spoke to the ceiling. “There are no other ladies for me. She is the one I will wed.”
The dramatics had taken a melodramatic turn. “What if she determines someone else would make a better husband…someone less emotional.”
Teddy sat up and glared at her. “Don’t ever say that. I thought you wanted me to be happy.”
“We do, Teddy.” Mother spoke in a soothing tone. “But this.” She gestured toward him with her hand. “This is far too much passion. It is not healthy.”
He slumped forward. “I know. I just feel so much.”
Her mother shook her head. “Do you not remember Mariel when she lost Lord Stratton?”
“Yes.” Teddy’s voice was soft. “You are right, as usual, Aunt.”
Hoping to distract him, Joanna started a new subject. “Which play did you see and do tell me if I should behoove myself to also see it?”
To his credit, he sat straighter. “I was with other gents, so I can’t say that I watched much, but it did have a rather large battle scene. Then again, it may have been a dance, I’m not quite certain.”
She chuckled. “That was terribly helpful.”
He gave her a lopsided grin. “I wasn’t there to enjoy the play.”
“No, obviously not.” She was about to say more but Channing opened the doors.
“Lady Astor and Lady Elsbeth, my lady.”
Joanna heard the sharp intake of breath as Teddy jumped to his feet. She rose as well to allow the ladies to have the settee. “Lady Astor, Lady Elsbeth how lovely to have you call. Please.” She indicated the settee.
“Lady Joanna, I so hoped you would be home.” Lady Astor took her hands before releasing them and turning to her mother. “Lady Wakefield, I hope you do not mind this unexpected visit.”
“Of course not. It is a pleasure to see you again.” Her mother held out her hand. “Please sit. Channing, have tea brought.”
As they all sat, Joanna took the chair next to her mother, forcing Teddy to stand, or pull over another one. He did just that, setting it next to where Lady Elsbeth sat on the settee, her white morning dress complementing her pale features.
Joanna didn’t miss the blush in Elsbeth’s cheeks as Teddy settled in. She hoped that meant his feelings were reciprocated on some level.
Lady Astor smiled. “Elsbeth and I had such a lovely evening when Lord Mabry, Lady Joanna, and Lady Mariel joined our small dinner party that we decided we wished to further our acquaintance.”
Her mother gave a gracious nod. “I’m so pleased that my children and nephew made such a favorable impression.”
“Indeed, they did.” Lady Astor patted Elsbeth’s arm. “My daughter was quite insistent that we make a call.”
Elsbeth placed her hand on her mother’s as she looked at her. “To be fair, it was not just me.”
