Chapter 15

A few days later.

"I hope Lady Alice is better now," Theo said to Rosalyn.

"She's fine," she replied with a dismissive wave of her hand.

They were seated beneath the tree in their usual spot, chatting away.

Knowing that he loved her changed everything and nothing at once.

Theo was just as comfortable around her as he used to be. He had this urge to kiss her and that wasn't new either. But now he was secure in the knowledge that she was his. Or was going to be very soon.

She leaned forward to pluck some grass and her bosom touched his elbow that had been resting on his knees.

Her reaction was immediate, blood rushed to her cheeks, painting them rosy. Theo's reaction was instant too, although his blood flowed south.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled, embarrassed.

"It's alright," he replied hoarsely.

"What are you smiling about?" She asked after some time, narrowing her eyes.

"I was just thinking about a certain lady," he smiled.

"Oh?"

"Don't you want to know who it is?"

"You'd tell me anyway."

"Yes. Well, it's Lady Petal."

"That nitwit, buxom Lady Petal?" she asked, gaping.

"That isn't a very nice thing to say," he admonished.

"You're funning me, aren't you?" she rolled her eyes.

"Why would I? I'm completely serious," he replied, trying very hard to keep a straight face.

"You've gone mad."

"I'm completely in my senses, I assure you. Besides, what's wrong with Lady Petal?"

"For starters, she's soft in the head."

"I shall concede that while she isn't the brightest..."

Rosalyn scoffed at the understatement.

He continued as if he hadn't heard her, "...of ladies, she still has her charms."

"Her enormous bosom, you mean?" She shot back.

"You're being unnecessarily cruel. You think men are only interested in your bosoms. Also, you belittle Lady Petal."

"That was not my intention. But you know what I'm saying. You're completely unsuited," she shrugged.

He got up suddenly, effecting an angry expression.

"You have no right to decide that. I asked for your help and I thank you for your fruitless contribution. I have finally met the woman of my dreams and I'm not going to let you insult her."

Rosalyn's adorable mouth fell open.

"Will I see you tonight?" she called out as he purposefully strode towards his horse.

"I hope not. But if you're asking whether I'm attending, then yes," he said coldly, turning to look at her one last time.

She looked contrite and just a little hurt. He hated doing this to her. All he wanted to do was to tell her he loved her and then kiss her senseless. But this was important.

She wouldn't realise what she felt for him unless he did this. Rosalyn was a smart woman, but in matters such as these, she was hopeless.

Just like you, his subconscious reminded him.

That evening.

The Vauxhall gardens.

Rosalyn, Alice and Vanessa were standing by the periphery of the crowds. Sarah had disappeared somewhere with the pretence of socialising.

"Look at Lady Petal," Vanessa elbowed Alice.

"Oh Lord! If she bent a little more, I could probably see her navel," Alice whispered.

"You and half the ton," Vanessa commented.

Rosalyn had been despondent all day and hearing about Lady Petal certainly didn't improve her mood.

"Did you see that?" Vanessa gasped.

"See what?" Rosalyn asked, looking up.

But Vanessa didn't have to answer.

In front of Lady Petal was Theodore, bending over her proffered hand. He was saying something to her and Rosalyn couldn't hear a word he said but Lady Petal blushed prettily.

And then he was filling her dance card.

There was a distinct bite in the air, Rosalyn pulled her shawl a little tighter around her. She wasn't immune to the cold, unlike Lady Petal.

Really, what respectable woman dressed like that?

"What are you looking at?" she snapped at her friends who were looking at her as if she'd sprout horns anytime.

When they didn't reply, she shrugged, "he's only my friend. And he can dance with whomever he wishes to."

Alice and Vanessa burst out laughing. Rosalyn chose to ignore them.

She was more than a little disappointed that Theodore hadn't come to greet her. Was Lady Petal more important to him than their friendship?

"My Lady, I believe this is my dance."

Lord Grendel was here to claim his dance. Rosalyn was in no mood to dance.

"Of course, Lord Grendel," she smiled up at him, not having much of a choice.

On the dance floor, she spotted Lord Fortescue and that Lady Petal. They looked like they were having the time of their lives. He kept making her giggle and he laughed loudly at everything she said.

"What's so funny?" Roslyn muttered under her breath.

"Excuse me?" Lord Grendel asked looking confused.

"Oh it's nothing," she smiled sheepishly.

He smiled back. He had surprisingly kind eyes and a very warm smile. He was handsome as well, she conceded. He had been trying to court her all season, but Rosalyn couldn't bring herself to reciprocate. She couldn't even recall his first name and she was not astonished to discover that she didn't want to.

Lord Fortescue's loud laughter pulled her out of her reverie.

And then they disappeared. Rosalyn tried not to panic.

"Lady Rosalyn, is everything alright? You seem distracted."

"I'm fine. But they've disappeared," she muttered.

"Who has?" He asked, looking concerned.

"Lord Fortescue and Lady Petal."

"Oh. They're probably taking stroll to take in a bit of fresh air, I'm sure," he smiled knowingly.

"We're outdoors for god's sakes," she said exasperated and then slapped a hand over her mouth.

She'd just blasphemed in front of a suitor. Vanessa was going to have her head on a platter.

"I apologise, my lord. I don't know what came over me."

"It's quite alright," he smiled again.

After what felt like forever, the set ended and Rosalyn joined Vanessa. She looked for Theodore, he was nowhere to be found. She was careful so she didn't seem obvious.

"It's obvious," Vanessa said drily.

So Rosalyn settled down next to Vanessa with a huff.

And waited.