Page 59
“Of course.”
“I can take Georgia back,” his mother says, stepping forward. “You go deal with whatever’s so urgent.” She gives me a wide smile. “We can go to lunch first. Get to know each other a little, since you’ll be staying with me in a couple of days.”
“No need. Georgia has work to do,” Theo tells her.
“You must have time for lunch.” She directs her words at me. “I promise it’ll take less than an hour. Then you can work to your heart’s content.”
From the corner of my eye I see Theo’s jaw tighten. And I know he’s about to interject. But I’m not letting her get to me.
“Lunch would be lovely,” I say. “Thank you.”
“Are you sure?” Theo asks.
“Of course she’s sure,” his mother says. “Now go do what you need to do, darling. Leave us ladies to entertain each other.”
He catches my gaze. Keeps our eyes locked for a moment, like he’s trying to say something.
I smile right back at him.
“Mother, can you give us a moment?” Theo asks.
“Of course. I’ll ask one of the staff to book us a table at the rooftop restaurant.” She heads out, leaving us alone. Theo pinches his nose between his fingers like he’s getting a headache.
“I’m sorry,” he says, taking my hand. “I had no idea she’d just turn up.”
“It’s fine,” I tell him. “I was going to have to meet her at the party anyway. At least this will give me a chance to have second thoughts about coming.”
He’s silent for a moment. “I still find it hard to tell when you’re joking sometimes.”
“And you Brits say we’re the ones without a sense of humor.”
He laughs softly, walking forward until he’s a breath away from me. “If she does anything to annoy you, call me.”
“You don’t need to worry about me,” I tell him. “I’m pretty sure I can hold my own.”
“I know that. But I’m annoyed with myself. I had plans for you and that dress this afternoon.” He pulls me closer, his hand soft on my back.
My breath catches as I look up at him. “Raincheck?” I whisper.
“Tonight,” he says firmly. “I’ll be out all day but I’ll call you once I’m free. That’s if you don’t have other plans.”
Actually, that suits me. I really do want to throw myself into writing this proposal. “It’s fine,” I tell him. “I’ll call the Duke of Norfolk and tell him I have better plans.”
“He’s seventy and he has a wife. But I’m sure he’ll be kicking himself.” Theo presses his lips to mine. “His loss is my gain.”
He takes my hand and opens the door, where his mother is waiting. Then he leans forward and kisses me again, his mouth soft, his hand against my jaw, his fingers brushing my throat, and it feels like I’m being claimed.
I don’t hate it. Not even when Lady Ravensmere clears her throat and he pulls away, still smiling.
“Do call me Penelope,” Theo’s mom tells me as the waiter pulls out our chairs and we sit down. The restaurant is quietly understated. Even the Christmas decorations are subtle, all muted golds and greens, a six foot tree standing quietly in the corner next to a grand piano.
“Of course,” I murmur, though I can’t bring myself to say it. It would be like calling the queen anything other than The Queen. “Thank you.”
The waiter comes back to take our order. I ask for a club sandwich. Penelope gives a complicated salad order which the waiter scribbles on his pad.
“What did you say your father does again?” she asks once the waiter has left, taking a sip of her sparkling water.
I didn’t. But I’m polite enough not to point that out.
