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She watched Theodore speak with little Sara for a moment before turning back to speak with Mrs. Cleaver. “I brought some treats for all of the children, and I thought while I was at it, I could show Lord Matlock around a bit.”

“That is so nice of you. I will make sure all the children get some.”

Catherine reached out and gave the older woman a hug. “Make sure you and the other dorm mothers and teachers get some too.” Noticing that Sara was still talking with Theodore she asked, “Sara, I was hoping to show Lord Matlock around the school. Would you be willing to guide us?”

“Yes!” Reaching out, Sara took Theodore’s hand and began walking towards the building. “I know where everything is! Would you like to meet Mrs. Smith? She cooks the food.”

Eventually they made it up to the top floor of the school and Catherine explained, “Some girls learn to take care of the smaller children on the lower floors, but this is where we practice with the girls on household chores. They can also learn how to serve tea or work on ladies’ dresses.

Most girls, when they are old enough, can find a position as a maid or even as a nurse to small children.

” Inside the room, a few older girls were working on mending fancy dresses with some of the older women.

“What about the boys?” Theodore asked, still holding Sara’s little hand.

Catherine continued walking around the set up that resembled the inside of any typical well-to-do house.

“When a lady visits the school, she brings her lady’s maid to help with the girls and her carriage is brought around back where the boys learn about the horses and how to work with the tack.

They learn how to be grooms or sometimes footmen.

I have known William to send over his valet to work with some of the older boys. ”

“It is all remarkable, much better than the alternative for most orphaned children in London.” Looking down at the little girl next to him, he smiled softly.

“Yes, though Elizabeth is looking into something similar to be set up in Derbyshire, or at least in the country. Children are in need everywhere.” With a proud smile, Catherine turned back down the stairs knowing it was time they head back to Darcy House soon.

“Wait a moment before you go up.” Theodore took hold of Catherine’s arm, detaining her for a moment before she went up the stairs.

The time he had spent with Catherine had been amazing, but he had to bring her back home so she could get ready to attend a function that evening.

Between meeting all the children at the charity school and just basking in Catherine’s presence, it had been a great day.

Smiling up at him, Catherine tilted her head. “Of course. Did you need me for something?”

“I must go to one of my mother's dinners this evening, but I want you to know that wherever I am, I am thinking about you. And on that note,” reaching into his greatcoat, he pulled out the velvet package and handed it to her, “I want to present this to you so that you will have something to think of me by when I am not there.”

Taking it with wide eyes, Catherine held it delicately in her hands.

Working the small knot open with one of her delicate fingers, she peeked in the small pouch.

Pouring the small blade onto her open palm, Catherine gasped.

“Oh, my.” She dropped the pouch and started tracing the intricate design with her finger. “It is marvelous.”

“I know it is not always appropriate to carry around your quiver, but that doesn’t mean you are not always Artemis. I thought you might enjoy having an arrow that you could carry around with you.”

“It is absolutely beautiful.” Catherine's teary response was full of awe. “Thank you.”

Theodore was glad his efforts had been so rewarded.

Catherine’s expression was reward enough and would buoy his spirits through the dinner he had promised his mother he would attend.

He knew he would have to curtail some of his mother's promises if he was going to enjoy his time in London with Catherine.

Theodore found himself wondering about his mother’s lack of interesting friends.

Could the influence of these superficial people explain why he had always found his mother slightly cold and detached?

If she had tried to fit into this world all her life, it was no wonder that she expressed so little of what she felt.

If that was the case, he found it all the more reason to pity her. It was no way to live.

Theodore restrained a sigh as he attempted to pay attention to his dining partner talk about lace. Looking around the room, he saw most everyone talking and eating and having what appeared to be a pleasing evening, but he could not enjoy it.

“I know she thought she could get it by me, but I know when someone uses Brussels lace and when someone substitutes it with something inferior. So obviously I will not be giving her another opportunity to earn my business,” Lady Lavinia fumed.

How had he once again ended up seated next to Lady Lavinia? He had told his mother that he did not favor her as a dinner partner. Unlike previous occasions, she wasn't paralyzed with fear of her own shadow and freely voiced her opinion, albeit about lace. “I am sure that was quite the experience.”

What else could he say? The conversation was about lace . He had a strong wish to attend at least a couple of dinners with Catherine. At least then he would be able to spend some time in an enjoyable conversation.

His mother assured him she would let her friends know he was courting Catherine so that they could add her along with the Darcys to the invitations.

She did, however, also remind him that it was up to the hostess on whether she wanted them to attend, and he couldn’t help but wonder if it was an intentional slight or an oversight.

Was there a polite way to ask the hostess why she did not invite Catherine? If so, he could not think of one.

“Will you be attending the Covington Ball next week?” Lady Lavinia asked before taking a small bite of the food on her plate.

“Yes, I am looking forward to it. It will be the first ball I will attend since I started courting Miss Catherine Bennet.”

“Oh?” With a severe upward glance, she regarded him in complete surprise. “I had not heard that you were courting anyone.”

“Yes, I am delighted to be courting Miss Catherine Bennet. I am surprised my mother did not convey it to you. You seem so close to her.” Across the table, he could see his mother engaged in conversation with her dinner companion, pointedly ignoring any attempts at eye contact from him.

“Well, perhaps she thought that you are only courting the girl. It is not like you are engaged. In our circles, engagements are more recognized.” Lady Lavinia took another bite and then turned to talk to her other dinner partner.

Theodore looked down at his plate and grudgingly took a bite.

The food in his bowl was more art than sustenance.

The soup had odd pieces of toasted bread floating in it in the shape of hearts and stars.

The meat had been forced into congealed cubes that floated along with the bread.

What was wrong with a good well-roasted chicken breast?

He had little hope for the next several courses.

If they brought out another one of those tormented hares, he did not know what he would do.

As a soldier, he was used to eating what was put before him and not complaining, but he decided that he would certainly turn down another dinner invitation from this house.

Instead of his present surroundings, he daydreamed about being at home, indulging in the scrumptious meal prepared by Mrs. Goodwin.

Even Darcy’s cook was better than whoever this family employed.

More and more, he realized that he would have to have a conversation with his mother about what dinners he would be attending.

Even after his previous conversation with Lydia, he had hesitated, not wanting to upset his mother.

Waiting for the right time was obviously not working.

He had been leaning too heavily on her decisions for what social gatherings he needed to attend for too long.

Now that he had recovered somewhat from the loss of Cedric, he felt he could make some of these decisions on his own.

Though he obviously could not have that conversation tonight.