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Theodore was humming happily when he returned home, causing him to pause momentarily as he went up the steps. How long had it been since he had hummed as he went about his day? It had been too long. The door opened automatically as he resumed his approach.

“Welcome home, my lord,” the footman greeted.

“Thank you, Jones.” Taking off his gloves, Theodore handed them to the footman.

“Theodore, you are home,” was his mother's way of greeting from the landing halfway up the stairs.

She had either been going up or coming down when his arrival caught her attention.

“I had thought you would never return from carting those girls around. Really, I would have thought Darcy would know that you have much more important things to do with your time now that you are the earl.”

Reluctant to let his mother’s antics dampen his mood, he moved to the stairs, intent on heading to his room to prepare for receiving calls.

Since his brother's death, he had tried to be present for the calls his mother would receive in condolence. “I enjoyed myself this morning, Mother. It was a lovely outing. We went to Gunter’s for ices.”

“I am glad you found the time to enjoy yourself. Frivolity like archery and Gunter’s often is enjoyable, though your brother never seemed to have time for such things.

He always worked so diligently, never one to indulge in senseless distractions.

” Worry etched his mother's face and her normally bold voice hesitated.

“I had thought you were trying to follow in your brother's footsteps, but if you have decided against it, I understand. Not everyone is suited for the responsibilities he willingly assumed.”

Theodore paused with his foot hovering over the stair in front of him.

Had he really wasted his morning? No, he had been working hard for weeks.

Spending time with the Bennets didn’t mean he wasted the morning.

Or did it? “I made a point of coming home in plenty of time to receive calls with you, Mother. I was just going upstairs to change.”

A smile flashed on her face. “Oh, that is splendid. It really is a good time for you to be meeting with people who are actually important. In fact, we have been invited to an important dinner tomorrow night. All the right people will be there. I know we are both in mourning, but it is only a small friendly gathering, nothing so large as a ball or proper dinner.”

Theodore knew that his mother was a very social woman, and he realized that it must be difficult for her to be cut off from her normal forms of entertainment. Perhaps this was why she was being so snappish. “I would be more than happy to escort you to the dinner tomorrow night. Who is hosting it?”

“Lord Talbot will host the dinner. He was a close friend of your brother and they worked on several projects together. I know he would like to get to know you as well.”

“I will be happy to meet him, but if I do not dress now, I will not be able to receive calls with you.” From four steps below, he craned his neck to meet his mother's gaze, the uncomfortable position reminding him of his childhood for some reason he could not place.

“Then I will let you go. It will take all the time you have for Barnes to get you ready.” Shaking her head, she frowned.

“Is there something wrong, Mother?” Starting up the stairs again, he came even with his mother.

“No, not precisely. I know Barnes is a good batman, but he is no earl's valet. Your brother’s valet is still in our employ. It might be beneficial for you to consider the need to use an actual valet.” Looking at her son who was now taller than her, she saw something in his face that made her backpedal.

Shaking her head, she smiled again. “It was merely a passing thought. Pay me no head. Your silly mother is merely wanting the best for you.”

“I will be down shortly, Mother,” Theodore assured her with a hard smile as he headed up the rest of the stairs.

He did not quite understand his mother, but at least she seemed to be trying lately.

He was going to do his best to help her through this hard time, even if they did not always get along.

Changing into the clothes that Barnes had set out for him, Theodore let out a sigh of frustration.

Making and receiving rounds of calls was always a chore for him, despite its importance in London society.

He would much rather be doing something of substance.

His mind wandered as Barnes worked on his cravat.

He couldn't help but think about his brother's friendship with this Lord Talbot.

Was it possible his brother had close friends he was completely unaware of?

He had often spent his time away from London.

His brother, on the other hand, spent most of his time in the metropolis.

Thinking about it made him miss Cedric more.

He had spent so much time away from him when he did not have to, time he would never get back.

Looking in the mirror, Theodore squared his shoulders and yanked on his waistcoat. He had avoided his brother when he had avoided London. Maybe he could feel closer to him by following in his footsteps and upholding the things that Cedric had held dear.

His decision made, he nodded to himself in the mirror before turning to leave.

He would not fall into the pattern of continued avoidance as he had before.

Just because he found sipping tea in parlors while listening to gossip distasteful, he would not shy away from it.

He had been raised to be a man of duty, and this was just a different form of duty.

He would do what he had to represent his brother and follow where Cedric once led.

Theodore quickly found his earlier resolve weakening.

Despite feeling disgusted, he kept his lips sealed tightly, refusing to show any signs of discomfort.

The evening was ceaseless, but he would not show his distaste for the men in the room around him.

How could his brother have liked any of these people?

They were all in a study of some sort, drinking port and talking mostly about their courtesans or mistresses or hounds.

How did people talk of nothing for so long? At least when they had spoken of horses for a moment, he had hoped things would turn in a better direction. But that had only led to talk of gambling and jokes, not the beautiful animals they apparently disdained.

“Have you seen the latest batch?” One of the gentlemen across from Theodore spoke directly to him, which had not happened much that night.

“Batch? I’m afraid I do not know what you are talking about.” Theodore’s response held a hint of frustration. The night had been a trial for him.

“The debutantes. This season has a few diamonds who have already been determined. There are several worth the chase, and maybe one or two worth catching.” The man’s grin was wide, and his eyes were glassy.

“I do not believe that is a subject we should discuss over port and cigars, if at all.” Theodore's voice was hard. Looking at the man, he tried to remember his name, but could only recall that it started with a B. It was no matter; it was not as if he wanted to become friends with the fellow.

He knew how young bucks like the one across from him thought and talked.

Not the sort of man Theodore wanted to spend his time with.

Despite that, here he was stuck in a room with the man and his friends.

Regardless of his inner criticisms, Theodore made a deliberate choice to carry himself with grace and politeness, even in the face of frustration.

That said, he would not contribute to their inane behavior.

“The new Lord Matlock is not your type of chap, Bertrum. He is just as stuffy as his brother.” This came from the man sitting next to Bertrum, though he did not appear as intoxicated.

“I had been told the people at this gathering knew my brother, yet this is the first any of you have spoken of him. I was uncertain if my information was correct.” Theodore watched as everyone glanced furtively at one another.

“Your brother was a good man. We will miss him. When he came, he spent most of his time with the older generation speaking about various political issues. My father and Bertram’s father are both at another gathering tonight.

” The man in the bottle-green jacket spoke up.

“You have actually caught us on an unusual evening.”

The silence was awkward until someone suggested they should return and rejoin the ladies.

Upon their return, the ladies proceeded to fill the rest of the night with musical ballads.

Theodore had to admit that he enjoyed listening to the music much more than he had enjoyed the port and talk with the gentlemen.

None of the ladies who performed were half as good as Georgiana, Mary, or Catherine, but what could he expect?

“I enjoyed last night. Mrs. Talbot is always having the best dinners. Her French chef is superb. I heard that several families were attempting to steal him from her, but none have succeeded yet.” His mother stopped to take a bite of food from her plate.

“It makes me wonder just how much they must be paying to keep him.” Despite their late return the night before, she appeared energized this morning.