Page 5 of A Scandal Before Christmas
He had hated hiding it from her. During their brief engagement, he debated telling Lauren the truth. He wanted to tell her how he went along with his father’s wishes in the beginning for the sake of his mother. Would Lauren understand how desperately the earl wanted to ensure the wellbeing of his loved ones before his death? Even if it meant deceiving the one chosen as his bride?
Did she have any idea how frantic her own father was to protect his only child?
Lauren’s musical laughter drifted from the opposite end of the table. She appeared vastly amused by something Lord Gregory Sanderson just said. She leaned toward him until the pink silk of her gown brushed his arm.
Theodore’s hand clenched around the crystal goblet of wine. For a brief moment, he wanted to stalk down there, punch the other man in the mouth, and carry Lauren Georgianna Kendall out of the room. Preferably tossed over his shoulder.
“You are in danger of crushing that goblet, Hawthorne,” Penelope murmured.
Theodore’s gaze snapped to their hostess. She raised her own glass in a subtle toast, and he forced his fingers to relax.
“My apologies,” he said with a faint smile.
“Is it too late to beg forgiveness for my part in this bizarre espionage?” Penelope’s eyebrow rose slightly. “I would not blame you if you were angry with me. Lauren certainly is.”
“No need. Whatever the reason, I’m glad she and I are here together. I hope to rectify matters between us… if she will allow me to do so.”
“Lauren has always been stubborn.” Penelope took a sip of her wine. “Even as a child, she stood her ground when we played games and someone bent the rules or cheated, and heaven help the person who thought they could make her do something she did not want to do. She has the constitution of a mule.”
From the opposite side of the room, Penelope regarded Lauren for a long moment then admitted slowly, “It was both of your mothers’ idea that I invite the two of you here. They are determined to see you together for your own good. I only agreed I would extend the invitation. You’ll understand that I can take no further part in deceiving my cousin.”
“I found it puzzling I received an invite,” Theodore acknowledged.
“Did you hesitate in accepting?”
“No. Nor am I surprised my mother is involved in the plotting,” he replied dryly. “She adores Lauren and fears, unless I marry her, any hope for grandchildren may be lost forever.”
“You came, Hawthorne, hoping she would be here, and so she is. It is up to you now.” Penelope nodded in Lauren’s direction. “You have two weeks to change my cousin’s mind.”
“And I intend to do just that.”
“How, precisely?”
Theodore flashed Penelope a wide grin. “With an ungodly amount of mistletoe.” He did not mention he carried a bit of the greenery within his inner coat pocket. A good plan of action meant being prepared at all times. Especially with his surprisingly independent fiancée.
“I don’t understand.”
“It’s a private matter between Lauren and myself. The only favor I ask of you is making sure the stuff is hung everywhere whilst we are here. You will not tell her of her mother’s subterfuge.”
Penelope looked unsure before nodding her agreement. “As you wish, Hawthorne.”
“Thank you, Penelope. Every time Lauren turns a corner, I want a reason to kiss her, and the mistletoe will provide that until she is fully mine.”
* * *
When Lauren retiredfor the evening, Theodore made his excuses as well. He followed her from the East Drawing Room, where the others remained playing whist. Her frown of exasperation was ignored.
“Your persistence continues,” she said when he fell into step alongside her.
“Just making up for lost months.”
“Hmm.”
“How is your mother?” Theodore asked diplomatically. “Well, I hope?”
“She is. I hope yours is the same?” Her response was polite, as he expected.
“It seems both ladies are doing better than we could have possibly imagined.” Theodore sighed, thoughtfully rubbing his chin as Lauren drew up short in the grand foyer.
