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Leaning forward, his mother looked as if she wanted to interrupt him. Theodore's glare proved to be so fierce that she snapped her mouth shut. His mother looking as if she had been slapped as she slumped back into her chair allowing him to continue.

“I am burdened with guilt and regret for my lack of insight. I failed to protect Miss Catherine as I should have, allowing your machinations to go unchecked. My naivety and blind trust in you have caused irreparable damage to her reputation and her well-being. I can only hope that she can find it in her heart to forgive me for my failures.”

Finally speaking up, Lady Matlock argued, “You saw me trying to comfort the girl. How could you believe such lies? How could you take sides against me? I am your mother .” She brought the napkin to her face, holding it tightly at her mouth as her eyes blinked back tears.

“The veil has been lifted, Mother, and I am no longer blind to your true nature. Our relationship may never be the same, but I refuse to be a pawn in your game any longer.”

“You may be an earl now, but I am your mother. How dare you speak to me in such a disrespectful manner,” she retorted, her tone laced with indignation.

Theodore believed his mother might have a chance at stage acting should she ever gave up her pretense at playing a society matron.

Unmoved by her display, he continued with his plan.

“Sadly, that is true. It is the only reason I haven’t had you thrown from the house.

I have a proposition, Mother. At your next at home, you will come forward and admit that you were trying to harm Miss Catherine for your own reasons and that you were the one who spread the lies.

I also want a public apology to Miss Catherine from you at the upcoming ball.

If you do not, this will be your last season in town under my largesse. ”

“How dare you request something so ridiculous of me. I am the Countess of Matlock.” Standing so swiftly, she knocked her chair back to the floor.

She spoke in a condescending tone, making it clear that she felt superior to him.

Head tilted back, she attempted to look down her nose at him.

“I am one of the leading ladies of society and you want me to apologize publicly to that Bennet chit? She is no one and has no respect for the bounds of society. She is full of pervasive ideas. It was bad enough when your cousin married her sister, but I refuse to let her corrupt our family.” The table shook as she pounded on it, causing the silverware to clatter.

Theodore returned to eating his meal, as if unaffected by her outburst. Mrs. Goodwin had outdone herself.

The meat was cooked to perfection, and the brussels sprouts were roasted to a crispy, golden brown.

He did not want it to go to waste. “You may feel however you want about the situation, but you seem to forget that I own this house, not you. It is within my rights to state that those who reside here must comply with specific expectations. At the forefront of those standards is kindness. I expect kindness, Mother; no more treating people the way you have. If you find it is not something that you can comply with, you are more than welcome to remove yourself to the home that you received in your marriage settlement.”

“But that is in Wales!” His mother’s voice reached heights that caused the dogs in the street to shudder and howl.

Theodore found it was surprising that he turned out so well, considering his mother was one of his models for behavior.

He managed to reply without sounding condescending, but his true feelings were evident in the slight raise of his eyebrow.

“Yes, I believe it is. You will be happy to know that Cedric had the foresight to have it redone recently. I have just today sent a message to the steward to make sure that there are staff there and ready to serve you should you choose to relocate.”

“I would never choose to relocate to Wales.” His mother's facade of grace crumbled, replaced by whining and uncontrollable shrieks. “There is no society there. The people are practically primitives. It is unthinkable!”

“I put a decision before you, Mother. It is your choice to apologize and conduct yourself with kindness. Kindness to everyone, mind you. Cruel gossip will be a thing of the past. You will admit your wrongdoing and apologize to Miss Catherine or move to Wales.” As Theodore looked at her face, he could see the defiance in her expression, so he spoke softly to try and make a connection.

He was giving her one last chance. “I understand that may not be within your capacity to do, so I have made sure that you have a comfortable second option. The home is comfortable, and I will even make sure your expenses are taken care of.”

Screaming, his mother picked up her plate and threw it at the wall before rushing from the room.

Theodore watched her go, then tucked back into his meal.

He couldn't help but think it was sad that someone else hadn’t had a chance to enjoy the meal.

It was a missed opportunity, as the meal was a delectable treat that deserved to be relished.

Marching up the stairs, Lady Matlock fumed. If her son thought to direct her behavior, that he knew what to do, he had seen nothing of her abilities thus far. Making her way to her room, she meticulously crafted a cunning plan. With the door closed behind her, a wicked smile played on her lips.