Theodore began to speak but stopped.
“For once you have no objections to escorting a lady.” Friedrich teased, parting Theo on his back lightly.
“Let’s have dinner, Everetta.” Friedrich moved towards her and offered her his hand.
Theodore glanced between them at the mention of her Christian name.
She was still frozen to the spot and barely acknowledged the gesture.
“Then who would organize the ball, Friedrich?” Friedrich stopped and glanced at him over his shoulder.
“Cortius is capable enough, is he not?
Stop fretting over such things… you would only be gone for a day at most after all.” Theo let out a sigh and proceeded his brother out of the room.
Everetta remained exactly where she was, staring after his receding frame.
“He hates to be taken unawares.” Friedrich held out a hand to her once more and she took it without hesitation.
“You seem very distracted, Everetta.” Friedrich said softly, squeezing her hand in his tenderly.
Yet all she could think of was Theodore calling her name in the same way and speaking to her just as softly.
Would such a day ever come or was it not in his nature to do such things?
“My lady?” She blinked.
“Of course, we should proceed to have dinner.” He nodded at her slowly and pulled her towards the elegant dining room.
The room itself would make her mother who was always unfazed gasp.
“What do you fancy?” He asked as they entered the well-furnished chamber.
She glanced around the empty room save a few servants waiting on them.
“Is Sir Theodore not having dinner with us?” Friedrich narrowed his eyes at her ever so briefly.
“You seem very concerned about my brother… I do hope you know who you are betrothed to…” He carefully trailed off.
She gulped.
“I was merely being concerned.
And yes, I know who I am betrothed to.” He nodded and patted her hand with his other one before releasing her and pulling out a chair for her to sit.
She muttered her appreciation and took the offered seat.
Then he went around the table and sat directly across her.
Immediately he assumed his seat, the servants trooped into the room with trays of food.
The signs of repair were evident in certain parts of the room.
She was glad that the magnificent chandelier she admired so much had remained unharmed.
The grand table had been replaced with something much finer and elegant, so were the chairs and most of the furnishings.
Theodore had done such a good job… Just then, he walked in.
“Are you done beating yourself up?
One day of travel with a woman will hardly kill you.” “If you want to pester me, brother, bear in mind that I can refuse and no one, not even father would be able to do anything about it.
A chaperone could even be sent with her.” Friedrich picked up his fork and resumed eating while Theodore took the seat at the far end of the table.
Everetta leaned forward and picked up her own fork as well.
“He does not have to come with me if it displeases him so much…” She drew in a breath dramatically.
“I am not unused to travelling alone and I doubt that one trip through the town would harm me or take away my virtue.” Friedrich shot a scalding glance at his brother across the table.
“Can you at least pretend to be chivalrous for once, Theodore.
Now you have upset my betrothed.” Theodore paused mid-action.
“I never said I would not go with her.
But,” he glanced between them, “Have you wondered what rumours would spread if it is heard that I was the one escorting her instead of you.” Friedrich dropped his fork none-too-gently.
Sensing an argument, Eve quickly pushed away from the table and stood to her feet.
All conversation ceased.
“I will be retiring early.
Good night.” She held herself upright until she disappeared through the doorway.
Only then did she allow her shoulders to sag.
He didn’t want to come with her… Why had she expected him to do otherwise?
The next morning found her dressed while it was still dark outside.
Sleep denied her of its escape all through the night.
The house was quiet save a few movements of the servants.
“Perhaps I will catch Bartwick and organize my ride myself.” She slipped out of her room, making as little noise as she did.
Theodore was probably still sleeping and the last thing she wanted to do was to disturb him – her father always said that soldiers never really slept,their ears were always trained to hear the slightest noise.
Then she realized that she had not carried her scarf and bonnet and rushed back into the room.
When she was well equipped, she opened the door and stepped out of her room.
Just as she did, the door across the hallway opened as well.
She froze mid step and slowly glanced at that direction.
There he stood.
Everetta stopped breathing for a full second.
He was fully dressed in travel attire as well, with his hair slicked backwards and a scarf draped elegantly around his neck.
What was she missing?
“Good morning, Lady Whitmore.” She blinked, struggling to mutter a response to his greeting.
“I was even about to send a servant to wake you.” He said, giving her a slight smirk.
Her feet started moving before she could register the movement.
“I thought you were not coming.” “I never said I was not coming.” “Your actions spoke for you.” He started walking towards her as well.
“Discomfort is not refusal.
No respectable man would willingly want to be alone with a woman in a carriage for the entirety of a journey.” He said in a matter of fact tone as if he was making a normal conversation at a card table.
He didn’t want to be alone with her?
Was that his problem?
“Is it because you are attracted to me, Sir Theodore?” CREATORS’ THOUGHTS Maestrofunzi_07 Boom…
Speechless…