An Affair So Right (Rebel Hearts #4)(40)
A determined, unorthodox and exciting woman that she was.
Since he was no longer needed, Quinn returned to his desk to make notes on the repairs he wished completed on his properties, even as he kept an eye on the informality developing between his secretary and mother. Having them become better acquainted hadn’t ever occurred to him as a possibility.
“My dear, it was a lucky day when my son took you in,” Mama noted, beaming at the woman across from her.
Quinn jerked his head up. What the devil was Mama doing, saying such a thing? It wasn’t luck. Mama knew that.
Theodora sighed, straightening the papers before her. “It was the worst day of my life, my lady. I don’t know how I survived it, or why. My only regret is that I may never learn how the fire started.”
“It was an unfortunate accident, my dear.” Mama leaned forward. “Everyone who matters believes it was. No matter how careful we are, there is always a chance tragedy will strike down someone close to us.”
“I know but still, what was said afterward…” Theodora started.
“Were the ramblings of a dying man,” Quinn interjected quickly. “You and your mother were lucky to have escaped at all. No one believes otherwise, I swear to you.”
Mother caught Theodora’s hand. “Nothing can change what happened. You can only look to the future. That is reason enough to be glad to have you here. Many men would have turned you away, but I raised my son to look for the potential in everyone. This is exactly the place you and your mother need to be right now. He would never push you out until you were ready or take advantage.”
Oh, hell. Quinn was most definitely taking advantage, but then again, so was Theodora taking advantage of him. They were using each other to feel better. To forget the pain in their hearts.
He didn’t want anything to upset the applecart.
He leaned back in his chair, listening without comment as their chatter veered to her mother and their future travels.
“In time, I will have sufficient funds to move on,” Theodora promised.
“Now, you must not rush things on that score,” his mother advised. “If I might offer some advice, allow your mama time to grieve before making serious decisions about where you will live next. This will be a lonely time for her. Do not make it worse by tearing her away from familiar surroundings.”
Quinn marveled at his mother. She had neatly presented a very compelling reason for Theodora and her mother to stay on here. She had made it sound like the most natural thing in the world for the two ladies to remain as his houseguests indefinitely. He’d cheer, if he wouldn’t have had to then explain why he did so to his own mother.
“I suppose I could remain in London a while longer than strictly necessary,” Theodora said slowly, “but I’m afraid Lord Maitland only employed me on trial. I may have no choice in the matter but to move on.”
“The trial is over,” he said, butting in. “The position is yours for as long as you want it, Miss Dalton.”
Quinn received the most beautiful smile in return for his statement. It seemed Theodora was hoping he’d offer permanence. But it was alarming that the smile was mirrored on his mother’s face, too, when she looked at him, one brow raised expectantly.
He stood, feeling decidedly exposed. He did not want his mother considering his employment of Theodora Dalton too closely. “If you ladies will excuse me, I must speak with the stable master.”
“Of course. Would you mind if I remain for dinner?” Mama asked. “Newberry House is quite dreary at night without Lenore.”
“I’ll inform the housekeeper to set an extra place,” he agreed, concerned that his mother was grasping at any excuse not to be alone.
“Perhaps by then, Mrs. Dalton might be persuaded to join us,” Mama remarked. “I long to hear of her travels abroad.”
“Mama is fascinated by other people’s travels,” he reassured Theodora as he stood to leave. He stopped by his mother’s chair and winked. Theodora would have seen, but he had to do something to thank Mama. With her help, he’d have Mrs. Dalton’s gems returned in no time, and the future decided eventually. “I’ll make a point of inviting Mrs. Dalton down to meet you, and after dinner, I will escort you home, too.”
Chapter 15
Theodora slipped quietly into her mother’s bedchamber the next morning and watched her at work beside the bed. “What are you doing?”
“Packing,” Mama murmured, as she continued to fuss with the few things scattered across the counterpane with only the briefest of glances in Theodora’s direction. “The housekeeper was kind enough to loan me a small trunk of Lord Maitland’s to keep our salvaged possession in. There’s not a lot of my life with your father left, is there?”
“No.” Theodora closed the door behind her, heart heavy when her mother brushed at her eyes. She was weeping again. She had thought Lady Templeton’s company last night had cheered her up, but apparently the countess’ effect was short lived, despite being such an overwhelming character. Dwelling on their loss was only going to make Mama cry harder, but Theodora could understand her need to have the few things they’d gathered from their old life close by. “Why don’t you place them about your room? Make it feel like home?”