Page 2 of A Wager With A Rake
“Tess, are you certain you wish to live on your own?”Rebecca asked, using the childhood nickname that she and her brother, Court, had given to Theodosia.
Before Theodosia could answer, a maid brought in the tea cart and rolled over to Theodosia’s side.She knew her friend would try to talk her out of moving away.Once the maid departed, Theodosia prepared Rebecca’s tea and then handed it to her before preparing her own.
“Tess?”Rebecca said, her tone sounding far too motherly for Theodosia’s liking.Her own mother had been a viper in her own right, constantly chastising her for the way she sat, the way she walked, the way she ate.It never ended.And still Theodosia mourned her when she passed away before Theodosia’s come out because her mother was easy to tolerate compared to her father.
“I’ll just be in Kent,” Theodosia replied.“Not all that far and close enough to visit when you are in Town.And we’ll write, of course.Besides, none of these haughty women even like me.They never have.Why would I wish to stay in London to be ignored with no social invitations?”She supposed there were more available men in the city if she had a mind to befriend one, but she’d reasoned that there would be men in the country, too.And far more privacy to come and go as she pleased.
The physical aspects of her marriage had been just as miserable as tolerating her husband’s presence.She could at least be thankful that the man hadn’t filled her womb with his child during the two tortuous years of their marriage.Not that he hadn’t tried, much to her displeasure.
And his, too, she supposed, since he blamed her as the reason that she hadn’t presented him with an heir.Although from what she’d learned from discussing the matter with the doctor, the fault likely lay at Dundas’ feet, given his lack of performance or stamina.And that he had three wives before her, and only one had gotten with child, but the babe didn’t survive.But heaven forbid that a man admit to any wrongdoing, particularly in matters that challenge the effectiveness of their manhood.
She shuddered, pushing aside the memories of the times when she’d been intimate with her husband.If one could call it that.It was done out of obligation, at least on her part.She never told him ‘No’ or requested that he stop, but she wasn’t an eager participant.
Each time had been awkward and not all that pleasing.But that didn’t mean she didn’t have desires.She had learned to tend to her needs by her own hand, often before her husband would venture into her chamber, hoping the act would be a bit more pleasant.
“But you could come and stay with Harrison and me,” Rebecca countered, rubbing her hand along her stomach, which was still mostly flat with only the slightest of bumps.
Theodosia sighed, wishing she had thought about a scandalous visit to an inn to avoid her father marrying her off to Dundas.A method that had unexpectedly landed her friend a loving husband.All the while, Theodosia had attempted to trap various gentlemen, but none were met with success and the fate was the same.She hadn’t even been looking for love.Just men of a more appropriate age she might orchestrate being caught with her in a compromising position that would keep her from marrying Dundas.
The man’s depravity knew no bounds, as evidenced by his eagerness to secure an heir by arranging the marriage to Theodosia before his previous wife had even been dead and buried.It would seem that fate knew best in that regard to end the line with the despicable man.
“I can’t be a burden to you both,” Theodosia replied.“Besides, I think I shall enjoy coming and going as I please.I have been told what to do and had my life decided for me for far too long.”
Rebecca’s expression turned thoughtful.“I suppose you have.But you won’t be able to collect the latest gossip on everyone in thetonif you don’t at least come for the season.”
“If you are there, I shall come.And what do I care about keeping up with the latest scandals?”
Her friend feigned shock.“This from the most notorious gossip of theton?”
Theodosia rolled her eyes and waved her friend off before picking up the pot of tea and pouring herself another cup.“I never truly cared, other than desperately seeking information that might aid me in freeing myself from my father’s dealings.”
Rebecca narrowed her eyes as if to challenge what Theodosia had said.“And you aim for me to believe that is what led you to your constant interferences in the lives of others?”
“I was hateful and bitter then.You know that,” she replied, although she supposed that was still somewhat the case.She was practically dancing on the grave of her husband.“Those women had what I wanted.The entiretonseemed to eat out of the palms of their hands, while they got to marry handsome men of their choosing, who weren’t old enough to be their grandfathers.”
“And you aren’t bitter now?”Rebecca asked, appearing as if she had already decided the answer.
“Perhaps.But this past year I’ve had plenty of time to think while I pretended to be in mourning.And I think what I feel now is… free.”
“I would strangle your papa if I could.”Rebecca seethed.
Theodosia chuckled.“I’m sure he’s drunk at some gaming hell somewhere playing cards.Have at him.”
Rebecca held out her cup, indicating she wanted more tea, to which Theodosia picked up the teapot and refilled it for her.
“Don’t tempt me.Is he still interfering in your life?”
Theodosia couldn’t hold back the deep scowl that formed on her face.“I haven’t seen him since he pushed me down the aisle to wed Dundas.He didn’t even bother to check on me or see how I fared after the funeral.The solicitor was kinder and more caring than my own father.”
“He’s a miserable bastard.”
Theodosia shrugged as she had long accepted that her father wasn’t the man she hoped he might be.“But look at the bright side of the matter.Now I am free, and I have enough blunt and my small estate where I can live comfortably.I have no need for a man to support me.Many widows are far worse off.”
Rebecca sipped her tea and then set the saucer on the table.“I suppose you are right.Didn’t you tell me you joined some kind of league or club or something?”
“Lady Billings recommended me to join the Widows League, and let us hope you needn’t ever learn anything about it.But we widows must support each other.As you know, our society and laws protect men more than women.”
Rebecca shook off the distraction and rubbed her stomach again.“What do you intend to do with your newfound freedom if you don’t intend to frequent events in Town?”
