Page 10 of Lyon’s Obsession (The Lyon’s Den Connected World #91)
No one answered, for they all despised the idea of more war, but, at length, Alexander said, “Margaret Childers has been suspected of passing forgeries in the past, but she was never convicted because those in the rookeries would consider her tricking a legitimate merchant a badge of honor, rather than a criminal act.”
“Then we must discover with whom Margaret Childers associates and whether her plans are small or large. Though, if she passed a message to Lady Caroline Moreau, the plans involve more than earning a bolt of cloth at a warehouse,” Duncan summarized.
Though her father said he could meet with Theodora’s “brothers,” specifically indicating Alexander, at the Home Office, Dora had assured him that she and Lady Emma meant to attend an afternoon concert featuring a string quartet from the Continent.
“The group is to perform for the King and Queen and Prinny this weekend. Lady Joseph is hosting them due to Lord Joseph’s place in the King’s inner circle.
I thought it would be a good afternoon out for Emma.
She must appear not to reject the ‘rules’ of polite society. ”
“As long as you are not purposely avoiding Marksman,” her father said with a challenging lift of his brows.
“I am not. Emma says Marksman knows where I live if he wishes to find me. If not, someone else will,” Theodora told him.
“I am pleased Richard’s Lady Emma is proving to be a good influence on you,” her father assured as he kissed her forehead. “Enjoy your afternoon, my girl.”
The string quartet had completed its performance, and before polite applause could fill the air, Dora noted the efficiency of Lady Joseph’s staff. Footmen began to circle the room with steaming pots of tea and an excellent variety of small cakes, including Theodora’s favorite: lemon.
Though she had not viewed the stranger’s entrance, Theodora heard it. Assuredly, she did not hear the man’s actual steps, but the sigh of the women seated around her and the twitter of those across the room spoke of how something had changed.
A man Theodora had never viewed previously stood upon the steps leading to the room, and Lady Joseph rushed to greet him.
“Who is he?” several around her asked, though Theodora, uncharacteristically, had no response. Finally, Miss Jacobson said, “Lord Valentine Almano. He is supposedly a count from Europe who has business with the court. He is from Sardinia.”
While the others heard “European count,” Theodora heard “supposedly.” Sometimes she cursed how much of intrigue that she had learned at her father’s knee. Dora was not one to “ooh” and “aah” over anyone. “ Except Alexander Dutton ,” her mind announced.
The gentleman greeted Lady Joseph with a bow and a grin, and then permitted his hostess to escort him about the room for introductions.
He crossed the patterned rug covering the floor with grace and ease.
His thick, dark brown hair set off the features of a man the Romans would have proclaimed to be a god.
“I recall Lord Beaufort wearing something similar when we all traveled to Buckinghamshire. Tell me what you think: Would Richard look well in a rust-colored coat and a dark waistcoat?” Emma leaned in to say conspiratorially.
“By the way, Dora, you should close your mouth, unless you plan to catch flies.”
Dora frowned and snapped her jaws together. “Remind me again why I consider you my friend,” she challenged.
“Because I asked you to stand up with me when I marry your brother Richard,” Emma said smartly.
“There is that, I suppose,” Dora declared with a smile. “And an absolutely gorgeous gown from Madame Emmeline.”
The unknown count greeted each of those Lady Joseph thought worthy of the gentleman’s attention. No less mortal than any other lady in the room, Theodora unabashedly watched the man.
Finally, he was before her and Emma. They made their curtsies, and he bowed.
“My ladies,” Lady Joseph said with a large smile of victory, for having snagged the count as her guest, “may I present Lord Almano, freshly arrived from Sardinia. My lord, it gives me great pleasure to provide you with the acquaintance of Lady Emma Donoghue, whose father is Britain’s ambassador to the Northern Netherlands, and Lady Theodora Duncan, whose father is one of our leaders in Parliament. ”
The gentleman bowed a second time. “Your servant, my ladies. I apologize for my tardiness,” he said with a soft lilt, customarily found in the speech of those who spoke the “romance” languages; yet, Theodora wondered if his accent was not a bit exaggerated.
She was beginning to despise how her father’s “cautions” had her questioning every new acquaintance.
She had initially questioned Lady Emma’s authenticity, and, now, Emma was one of Dora’s closest friends.
“Did you enjoy the Bach piece, my ladies?”
Emma said, “You must ask my friend. Lady Theodora is the Bach expert, not I.”
“Did the quartet perform your favorite, my lady?” he asked with a knowing smile.
“The quartet is famous across Europe,” Dora said smartly. “I am confident my opinion would be of no merit under the circumstances. As they are to perform, in a matter of days, for both the United Kingdom’s current and future king, my opinion could be of no great consequence.”
“It would be so to me, my lady,” Lord Almano declared.
Theodora did not know whether to keep her “private shield” in place or permit it to drift downward.
Did the count speak honestly or in sarcasm?
Was this man one of those who offered compliment after compliment?
The expert cut of his clothes spoke of wealth and refinement, and he was assuredly handsome enough to attract a room full of women.
They were surrounded by the proof of her observation.
Many in close proximity leaned in to hear her conversation with the handsome count.
When she did not respond quickly enough, he offered an apology.
“I have detained you too long, my ladies. I should finish my greetings and permit Lady Joseph to return to her hostess duties. I pray for the opportunity where we might encounter each other again, my lady. Lady Emma.” With another bow, the gentleman was again greeting Lady Joseph’s guests farther along the wall.
“Quite handsome,” Emma whispered with a chuckle.
Theodora permitted herself a small giggle.
“I suppose broad shoulders, a full mane of hair, dark eyes, and a physique only found among those who practice a variety of recreational activities might impress others; yet, all my brothers could be described with a similar list of admirable qualities. How is Lord Almano different?”
“His lordship is not a brother,” Lady Emma declared.