His sister. So much more than simply friends, then.
Despite the invitation, Thea could not bring herself to regard Lord Tremayne’s relative so informally, but her genuine warmth loosened Thea’s tongue. “Happy? Pray, you must have your men confused.”
“As though I have so many!” Lady Elizabeth smiled sincerely. “You’re such a wit.”
Not hardly. “As to that, why thank me? I’ve done nothing—”
“Oh, but you have. Tell me, what has he shared about himself?”
“Ah…” Very little, she was shamed to realize. Casting about for a response that might satisfy, Thea blurted, “That he disdains poetry and likes orreries.”
Heave me to Hertfordshire, is that all I know?
Nay, for you know he’s kind and thoughtful and generous. Thea’s fingers twitched as though recalling the feel of the sumptuous winter gloves he’d given her. She also knew he was strong and protective and tender when he was with her, and when he touched her body, it sang more notes than any accomplished opera singer.
I know he makes me feel special.
“Fancy that.” Her companion’s voice trilled with glee. “He told you of his contraptions. Then you aren’t a cabbagehead like his last— Pardon me. I should not have said that.” Lady Elizabeth’s unfashionably tanned face pinkened. Her agitation gave rise to a furious fluttering of her fan. “I do spells, well gentle blessings I prefer to think of them, with herbs and such, did you know?” No answer was necessary because the fan kept twitching, the ebullient woman kept talking. “As to his preoccupation with orreries, has he mentioned that fellow who’s come to town to give some lecture or other? Daniel so looked forward to attending that. I know he regrets having to miss it.”
Feeling adrift at the rapid topic swings, Thea asked, “What fellow? If he’s to make a presentation on orreries, there’s a chance I know of him.”
“Truly? How grand!” Lady Elizabeth went on to explain about a “monstrous” orrery in Lord Tremayne’s study and how it wasn’t working properly. Upon learning the acclaimed clockwork expert was come to London, Daniel had made plans to hear him speak. “Only now he’s doing a favor for my husband and will miss the lecture. And he was so wishing to gain insight on correcting whatever’s wrong with it. Over the years, he’s collected a number of working models, but this particular one is special, for it belonged to our grandfather.”
Amid her flurry of fan and facts, Thea had pieced together enough to realize it must be Mr. Horatio Taft from Manchester, visiting and lecturing. “I do know him, a Mr. Taft, for he consulted with my late husband on a project or two. If you do not think it’s overstepping my place, I could attempt to locate him and see whether he will be in town a while and could perhaps meet with Lord Tremayne another time.”
Lady Elizabeth’s face took on a glow that turned her from pretty to stunning. “Overstepping, pah. The reality of meeting this fellow would give Daniel no end of delight.” She leaned in close and the fan finally stilled. “Tell me, though, has he told you anything more? About himself?”
Suddenly Thea felt as though she were walking a tightrope, wavering upon a fine line between passing and failing. What? What else was he supposed to have told her? “Nothing specific comes to mind,” she finally said.
Lady Elizabeth’s disappointment was palatable and Thea tumbled right off that rope. Crashed into inexplicable sadness.
Compelled to defend him, she offered, “In truth, he doesn’t talk that much. Not when we’re together, anyway. We seem to, ah, be busy doing-other-things,” she finished swiftly, feeling a hot flush flare over her forehead. “But we have been exchanging wonderfully charming letters.”
That confession brightened Lady Elizabeth’s countenance. “Letters?”
“Aye, sometimes several in a day.” Thea couldn’t stop the chuckle that emerged. “He’s quite entertaining, has a flair for funning me. I’ve never laughed so much.”
“Fun?” Lady Elizabeth mused on the word. “I don’t think I’ve ever thought of my older brother as such, not since we were children. He’s typically far too busy getting his face bashed in to indulge in something as banal as fun.”
Thea winced at the disgruntled tone. “On that, I can commiserate. I did notice his propensity for walking into fists. What’s a munsons muffler? Do you know?”
“I haven’t an inkling. Why?”
“’Tis simply something that was said the first night we met.” Thea waved it off. “I keep meaning to ask him and— What?” She lowered her voice guiltily. “Why are you looking at me so?”
“Because you—you…”
“I what?”
“You’re nothing at all like I expected. You’re so—” Lady Elizabeth pressed her lips together, as though contemplating whether or not to finish her thoughts. She did—astounding Thea with, “Ladylike! You’re good for him. I’ve never seen him smile so much—”
“Smile? He’s been dour since he arrived tonight.”
“I’m not only talking about tonight,” Lady Elizabeth answered evasively. “As to that, I’m sure he’s just worried about tomorrow. He’s giving a speech. That’s the favor to Wylde and speechifying is one talent my brother would rather not indulge in.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” Thea said dryly, and the two shared a brief laugh.
Then this composed female of elevated station, one who Thea never in a thousand years would have imagined actually conversing with, astonished her yet again. “I’ve had a brilliant idea—you can surprise him. If you’re sincere about asking that orrery expert a favor, I’m sure nothing would mean more to my dear brother than to have the man drop by, assuming it works with his schedule, of course. Will you ask him?”
“Certainly. It would be an honor to please Lord Tremayne after all he’s done for me,” Thea assured, readily agreeing. “Only…well, to confess, I’ve no notion of his direction—if I’m able to contact him, where do I request Mr. Taft go?”
“That’s easily remedied.” Lady Elizabeth reached for her reticule with a bright smile. “I’ll give you Daniel’s address.”
The players had taken the stage during the last few seconds. Music from the orchestra sounded and a full-voiced singer
