Page 11 of Just Think of the Scandal (The Fairplace Family Novellas #2)

T heo whistled as he shaved, imagining how the rest of his day would unfold. He wondered what Eliska was doing now. Was she putting on a white dress? Did she have a white dress? Theo swiped the razor across one cheek. Did women from the Bohemian Lands wear white on their wedding day?

He should ask. He should ask all sorts of questions. Theo had no idea how the nobility in Prague celebrated holidays. What other cultural things should he know about? Theo wanted to start out right.

Theo felt strangely giddy, like his mind was soaring far above his body as he dressed in his finest clothes for the day. He inspected the cuff of his coat and frowned. It was evening attire for a formal dinner, what he’d worn last night. He couldn’t wear that to be married! Maybe Evelyn will let me borrow a morning coat.

Once dressed and prepared for the day, Theo glanced one last time in the mirror to check for unruly hair. Smiling, he left his room and trotted down the stairs. Any minute now his mother would arrive. He couldn’t wait to introduce his mother to Eliska.

Knowing his mother, she’d scold him ferociously for getting in this situation. But she’d warm up to Eliska quickly. Drat, he hadn’t asked Eliska if she enjoyed arranging florals or gardening. Mother loved both those activities, and he hoped they’d bond over something.

Servants passed through the hallway, their livery crisp and precise.

Theo nodded his thanks to a footman who opened the breakfast door. He strolled into the room. “Good morning!”

Several people looked up at him in surprise, some with annoyance.

Not morning people, then. Theo cheerfully pulled out a seat next to Evelyn and gestured for a cup of tea. “Can I borrow a morning coat from you? I didn’t think I was getting married on this trip, so I didn’t bring formal morning attire.” He chuckled a little.

Evelyn gave him an appraising frown. “You’re awfully jolly.”

“A man should be cheerful about his wedding,” Theo replied. He turned and glanced at the buffet, eyeing the breakfast options.

“When is the ceremony?” one of the baron’s friends inquired over his morning paper.

The baron, the cousin who was forcing the whole arrangement, stepped into the room, a wide grin stretching his face. “The wedding’s at one o’clock in the afternoon. Nice work with a special license.”

Theo kept his expression neutral, though frustration burgeoned inside him, making his chest tight and his throat ache. It was his wedding, his marriage, and yet the baron had arranged everything. Theo hadn’t even met the vicar yet! He and Eliska were just pawns, shuffled here and there.

He couldn’t wait to leave. In the privacy of his own home— their own home—they could get to know one another and create a firm foundation for a marriage. His mind skipped to the small library in the townhouse. Did his father have a collection of books by German philosophers?

Theo took another sip of tea. No matter. If he didn’t, Theo and Eliska would purchase some. He just needed to get through today, and then he and Eliska would sort things out between themselves.

The butler appeared at the door and announced, “Mrs. Fairplace is here, my lord.” He stepped out of the doorway to reveal Theo’s mother.

Mother stood there, searching the room until her light brown eyes alighted on him. She beamed, her round face seeming to brighten the entire room. She’d already removed her hat, and her graying blond hair was tucked neatly in place, a braid wrapping around the crown of her head. “Darling!” She stepped forward, hands outstretched.

Theo stood and rounded the table to greet his mother. He grasped her hands, then pulled her into an embrace. Her head tucked under his chin, and he breathed in the familiar scent of her perfume. “You made it.”

She pulled back and gave him a look. “I am your mother. I would never miss your wedding if I could help it. Your brother and his wife send their regrets. They would’ve traveled, too, but two of the children have a spring cold. And your sister couldn’t travel without her husband, who was busy as well.”

Theo nodded. He hadn’t seen much of Violet since she’d married last year. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“I cannot wait to meet your lovely bride!” his mother announced loudly for all to hear. But she gave him a chiding look that Theo interpreted as, J ust you wait until we’re alone. Theo smiled nervously. She’d probably take Eliska’s side.

“Where is she?” Mother glanced around the breakfast room. The guests quickly averted their eyes, pretending they hadn’t been watching the drama of Theo’s life. He repressed a shudder. He couldn’t wait to whisk Eliska away.

“Still sleeping, I imagine,” Lord Erswich said. “The bride should have her beauty sleep.” He leaned back in his chair, chortling.

“And where is your wife, Erswich?” Mother pinned him with a stare. “Helping Miss Czerninová to prepare for the wedding?”

“She’s in Paris. Her yearly holiday.” The baron folded his hands across his stomach.

“Then who is helping her? She doesn’t have a mother, and she needs someone.”

His heart lurched. Why hadn’t he considered this? Why hadn’t he requested some sort of companionship for her? Theo clenched his jaw. He’d be better. He’d learn to be a husband.

“She’s borrowing one of our parlor maids as a lady’s maid,” the baron said defensively. “She’ll get her prepared.”

Mother tsked. “The poor girl’s barely out of mourning! Does she even have a white dress to wear?”

The baron looked somehow baffled and embarrassed at the same time. “We had very short notice about the wedding.”

Theo barely held back his snort. He wouldn’t give the guests any more drama than they already witnessed.

“All girls deserve a wedding dress,” Mother said firmly. “Especially girls who don’t have their family with them.”

“We’re her family,” the baron pointed out defensively.

Mother pursed her lips. “I’ll go see what she needs.” She turned to the butler, who stood just outside the open door. “Do take me to Miss Czerninová’s room, please. And if the maid isn’t there, send her up immediately. A girl deserves to be spoiled on her wedding day.”

Theo stood there awkwardly as his mother swept out of the room. He took a belated step to follow her, but Evelyn called him back.

“Don’t you know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?”

Theo wanted to ignore that advice, particularly because it came from Evelyn. Plus, he didn’t want to take advice about his own betrothed from someone else. He should know her better and be able to decide upon the best course of action, damn him. But Evelyn was right. Uncomfortable and feeling on display, he meandered back to his seat.

I hope Mama likes Eliska . Maybe he could slip upstairs on the pretense of delivering coffee. Then he could stay and check on her. He drummed his fingers on the table, wishing time would speed by.

Conversation started back up. From the corner of his eye, Theo saw the baron stretch, then lean forward in his chair and open his mouth.

Theo closed his eyes. Oh, God please no. If Lord Erswich was going to give him marriage advice after everything he’d orchestrated, Theo might scream.

The breakfast door opened again, sparing Theo the lecture for a few more seconds. His mother entered the room, lips pale and pinched, and a furrow had formed between her eyebrows. “Theo,” she said quietly. “Can you come with me for a moment?” She discreetly waved a folded note in her hand, sheltered by her wide skirts.

His heart quickened. Something’s wrong.

Theo immediately stood and followed his mother into the foyer. “What is it?” He closed the door behind him.

Mother glanced down the hall at a nearby footman standing at attention. She gestured for Theo to walk away. “She wasn’t in her room.”

He let out a slow breath of relief. That wasn’t too bad. “Perhaps she’s in another part of the house.”

But Mother shook her head. “The bed didn’t look like it had been slept in. And I found this on the dressing table.” She handed the note to Theo.

He took it as if it was a viper. Bracing himself, Theo unfolded the note and scanned the page.

Dear Mr. Fairplace,

I hope this note doesn’t put you or the house into too much of an uproar. By the time you read this I will be on my way back to the Lands of the Bohemian Crown.

Upon greater reflection, I have decided I cannot marry you. I require a partner I can trust, respect, and hopefully hold affection for. I do not believe we suit.

Thank you for your proposal. Please feel free to tell the guests I broke things off.

Regretfully,

Eliska

Theo stared at it. Stared some more. Then read it again. Blood pounded in his ears, and his entire vision narrowed down to the single sheet of cream paper.

“Oh, dear.” Mother wrung her hands. “It is bad news. She’s gone, isn’t she?”

“Gone?” Evelyn’s hands emerged out of nowhere and plucked the note from Theo’s grasp before he had a chance to jerk it away. Theo blinked. Where did he come from?

Evelyn’s eyes flicked back and forth, then he glanced up at Theo. “Who’s Eliska?”

Theo snapped. “Who’s Eliska? Your fucking cousin, that’s who!”

“Theophilus Fairplace!” Mother gasped.

Theo snatched the note back from Evelyn. “That’s mine.”

“I suppose you’re not getting married, then.” Evelyn slapped Theo’s back. “What a relief! I was going to pour one out for you tonight.”

“I’m not dreading my marriage,” Theo growled, shoving the note into his pocket. “So don’t bother grieving for me.”

“Theo,” Mother began.

Theo turned to her. “How could she just leave? Damn it, I deserve a reason. What does she mean? Why don’t we suit?”

Mother shrugged helplessly. “Did you two argue?”

“No!” Theo raked a hand through his hair. “I thought we were getting along smashingly.” His gut clenched and his chest suddenly felt too tight. “Why didn’t she just explain to me in person?” How could she do this? And with such an abrupt end? He couldn’t breathe properly. Theo rubbed his chest.

Bloody hell, he’d looked forward to kissing her again. Why, after they’d agreed? They were supposed to get a dog together. And—oh god, she’d be ruined, and he wouldn’t be able to protect her. “Doesn’t she understand she can’t refuse? She’s compromised! Ruined.” His heartbeat galloped as he rubbed his sweaty palms on his trousers. “They’ll eat her alive.”

“Honestly, I’d just thank her for the lucky escape and put it all behind me,” Evelyn told him.

Theo whirled on his third cousin, snarling. “I don’t want a lucky escape. I want an explanation.”

“Theo,” Mother tried again.

“That blasted girl.” Theo’s chest ached for some odd reason. “She’s not stupid. Why does she think she can travel alone to Prague and get her inheritance without a chaperone? Does she even have the money for travel?” His heart lurched. She probably doesn’t. She probably barely had enough for a train ticket to London.

He had to find her. He had to make sure she was safe. Terrible things could happen to her. It was his responsibility as her betrothed. He should go.

“Theo, I think you should find her.”

“Not now, Mama. I need to grab my things and find her.” He halted and turned back. “Wait. You agree?”

She nodded. “She sounds hurt.”

Alarm shot through Theo’s body, sending a sour taste to the back of his mouth. “Hurt?” he barked. “Why do you think she’s hurt?” He glared at Evelyn. “What did you do?”

Evelyn stared back, eyes wide. “Nothing! Good heavens, Theo, you’re acting the fool.”

“I don’t care,” Theo snarled.

“I don’t mean physically harmed,” his mother broke in. “I mean hurt emotionally.”

“I’m going to find her.” Theo stormed toward the stairs.

“My father is her unofficial guardian,” Evelyn called out. “We can make him go instead, if you like.”

Theo grabbed the banister and propelled himself down the stairs at a gallop. He didn’t know when she’d left. She could already be halfway to London by now, and then he’d have to search all the hotels. “Evelyn, go fuck yourself.”