Page 12 of His Mistress, His Muse, and Other Madness
“Leave,” she barked, stabbing a finger toward the door.
He stalked toward the exit. “Gladly. Mrs. Barkley!”
Barkley’s head appeared around the doorframe like magic. “Yes?”
“Bring me my coat and hat.”
“Yes, my lord.” The housekeeper disappeared.
Lord Theodore chased her into the hall. “And my hat and coat and gloves and jacket from thefirst time!”
Even in her black mood, Cordelia almost laughed. He’d never findthose. Barkley didn’t even know where they were.
“No!” She jumped, shrieked at Lord Theodore’s hard voice so very near. He’d returned, and he stood in the doorway, glowering at her. “Mrs. Barkley! Bring your mistress her spencer and bonnet. We’re going out.”
Cordelia planted her feet to the floor. “Absolutely not. Who do you think you are, telling me what to do?”
“The curricle is waiting outside. It is why I came today. Not only to tell you about Lady Balantine, but to bring you to her, so you can meet and see if you suit.”
“Absolutely n—” Memories of her last meeting with the Lady Balantine squashed them entirely. The woman loved art and had a heart the size of London itself. Of course. She might very well wish to back Cordelia’s school. “Very well.” She brushed past him and into the hallway then rushed up the stairs to intercept Barkley. She needed her best spencer and most serious bonnet, clothing to make her look like a respectable and trustworthy woman, the kind who ran a charitable school with much success.
“I’ll only be a moment, my lord!” she called down to him.
She should not have told that odious man about her school. He was the worst that always rolled toward her no matter her efforts. But Lady Balantine would likely love the idea. And Lord Theodore would likely blush and sputter and rage when Cordelia presented it to the baroness. Before he could utter a single word.
She hid her mirth beneath the brim-shadows of her bonnet. Certain backing for her art school and watching Lord Theodore sputter. The day would be a good one after all.
Three
Theo slammed the door behind him and stood just before it in a too-hot puddle of sun for several breaths, trying to calm his anger. And his lust. They always came on a wave at the same time whenever she stood near so that he didn’t know if he wanted to yell at her or kiss her.
Yell.Yell. That’s what he wanted to do most. Had to be because she remained a thorn his family must pluck, a woman whose comfort his father had prioritized over that of his children.
And now a school? In a house she didn’t even own? Already had employees. The woman was mad, but Theo would not condone her madness. He needn’t do so any longer. Soon, she’d be Lady Balantine’s problem. Thankfully she’d easily complied to visiting the dowager. She had no other option. In a month’s time, she must vacate her current lodgings.
He took three more steadying breaths and—
“Oi, mister.”
Theo popped his eyes open.
A young boy stood before him, clothes ragged and hair a bit… crusty. But his green eyes were bright. “You’re in the way.”
“You’re going in there?” Theo pointed a thumb over his shoulder at the door.
“I am. You comin’ out or goin’ in?”
“Out. What business do you have with Lady Cordelia?”
“Not Lady C. Miss Craigswell. The plump one that plays the violin.” He threw his shoulders back. “She’s teaching me.”
“Ah.” The school nonsense again. But the boy seemed so proud, so damn happy. “You like it?”
The boy nodded, sending his hat flying.
Theo picked it up and plunked it back onto his head.
“Thank you, mister.” The boy’s eyes narrowed. “What businessyougot with Lady C?”
