Her heart pounded so violently she thought she might faint. She turned towards the window instinctively and froze when she spotted the carriage outside.
“The Duke is here,” she gasped.
“Ha! Show him to the drawing room. I will speak with him.” Lord Dowell ordered someone behind her.
Theodora’s head snapped towards her father. His expression was dark and gloating. “What perfect timing. We will settle this now and get rid of you in no time.”
“Father, please—” she ran towards him, but he shut the door in her face and locked it.
“You will remain here,” he ordered from the other side. “Just like your mother will remain in her chambers. You will not speak unless spoken to and you will not embarrass me any further.”
She heard his footsteps recede down the hallway.
Theodora grabbed the edge of a bookshelf to steady herself. Her entire body trembled with fear, anger, and hope.
Alexander is here.
He had come for her.
* * *
Alexander waited impatiently in the Dowell drawing room. Every muscle in his body was coiled tight with agitation. A violent storm was building inside of him. He paced once, then forced himself still. His jaw clenched and his hands were ready to fight if necessary.
He had travelled here without thinking and had not planned what to say but when the door finally opened, a million words came to mind.
Lord Dowell entered with a stiff, practiced smile.
“Your Grace. What an unexpected pleasure. May I offer you a drink?”
He was a tall, thin man with small eyes that made his face look broad.
“I did not come here for a drink,” Alexander said sharply.
Lord Dowell looked taken aback by the blunt refusal. “Very well.” He moved towards the sideboard anyway, as though politeness could smooth over the tension in the room. “To what do I owe the honor of your visit to my humble house?”
Alexander did not bother with courtesy. “Your daughter.”
Lord Dowell’s jaw tightened. “Ah. Yes.Of course.”
Alexander’s eyes narrowed at the old man. His tone was almost mocking.
Why would he say it like that?
He stepped closer to the Viscount and did not miss the cautious look he received.
“Where is she?” Alexander demanded.
Lord Dowell’s expression hardened. “You have no right to come intomyhome and demand to seemydaughter. If it is an engagement you want, you should approach the matter properly.”
Alexander stared at him, stunned by the absurdity of the response. “I am not here to discuss an engagement. I am here because she sent me a letter.”
Lord Dowell’s eyes flickered before he smoothed his expression again. Before Alexander could press further, the door opened and a maid entered carrying a tray of tea. She set it down with trembling hands.
“Mrs. Bellfry, I did not request tea.” Lord Dowell frowned at the elderly woman.
“I apologize, Lord Dowell, but you did ring for tea?—”
“I did not!” He cut her off.
