“I'm not certain they do,” she replied, then shrugged. “The twins are perverse at times. They decide they're not supposed to do something, so they'll do it to thumb their nose at society rules.” She had twin sisters? Surely they weren’t the same twins that Fox complained about… What were the odds?
“I can understand that. It's been reason enough for me to do something similar in the past.”
She frowned. “But not now?”
He shook his head. “I've found the older I get, the urge to act recklessly passes.”
“I'm not sure I believe you.” She glanced back at the pond. “Men have more freedom to do as they please and less restrictions placed on them. There is little for you to actually do in a reckless fashion. Women have to watch what they do or say with every second that passes. Even now in plain sight of everyone here our conversation might be misconstrued.”
“That bothers you?” he asked softly. He never really stopped to consider a woman’s role in society or the expectations put on them. Everyone had them in some fashion after all, but he found her concerns mattered to him. He wanted to understand her and perhaps in some way make it all better for her.
“Why shouldn't it?” She turned all the way around to face him. “The real question is why doesn't it bother you? Do you really think women should be treated as if they're inferior? As if we cannot think for ourselves? It is insulting.”
“I am sorry.” There was not anything else he could say. “It's how it is.”
“Maybe it shouldn't be.” She blew out a breath. “I don't even know why I bother. You're all right with all of it because it doesn't affect you directly. You're golden because you're a man. Even the poor men have more options because of their gender. Women only have the rights men afford them.” She clenched her fists at her side as if she wanted to hit something.
“Why are you so angry?”
She snorted. “Haven't you realized? I'm always angry.”
“We haven't had enough conversations for me to make that determination. I doubt you are angry all the time. I think something in particular is bothering you.”
He wished he understood her more. Ezra wanted to know everything about her but couldn't discern how to uncover it. All he could do was spend as much time as he could with her. In time, he might unravel all her secrets.
“You're right,” she agreed. “I'm angrier than usual today.”
“Why?” Maybe he could help in some way. “Tell me what has you riled?”
“I don't think I will. It would be counterproductive.” She glanced down. “I should find my sister. She'll be worried.”
This was his opportunity to ask something that might help him with her identity. “The sister who swims?”
She chuckled. “No. I doubt Billie would do anything so foolish.”
“Billie?” He had to have heard her wrong. “The new Duchess of Graystone?”
“Yes...” She scrunched her eyebrows together. “You don't know who I am, do you?”
Ezra did now, and he felt like an arse. He had met her before. How could he have forgotten? “You're Lady Theodora,” he said simply. “My wallflower.”
“I am not your anything,” she said harshly. “And I hate Theodora.” She wrinkled her nose. “I don't know what my parents were thinking.”
Ezra still wanted to kiss her. He should have lured her into the garden for some privacy. However, if he went through with anything like that, Graystone would kill him. “I think it is lovely.”
Her cheeks reddened as she glared at him. “Tell me something, Lord Carrolton,” she began. Her tone was filled with anger as she spoke. “Did this sweet-talk work with the widow in the garden?”
He jerked back at her words. “Pardon me...what?”
“She exited after you,” she told him. “Don't worry, I doubt anyone else saw the two of you or your timely exits. I knew to look because I overheard you in the garden. I left before I witnessed anything else.” Lady Theodora took a step toward him. “It was enlightening. It helped me see you more clearly.” She smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “I do hope it was...pleasant. She seemed eager to please you.”
“It's not...”
“What I think?” she finished for him. “It doesn't matter what I think it was. You don't owe me any explanations, but I do believe I must be firm on one point. I'm not yours any more than you are mine. We are nothing to each other.” She held her head high. “But I’ll tell you one thing, more for myself than for you: I prefer to be called Teddy. If you have to use my name, say that instead of Theodora.”
After that, she stormed past him, not giving him a chance to respond. He didn't try to stop her. Mainly because he didn't know what he'd say if he did. She'd given him a lot to consider. What did he want? Did he hope to win her, and if he did, what should be his next action?
Ezra smiled. He knew her full name now and could easily find her. She’d challenged him, which was her first mistake. He played to win, and she was the ultimate prize.
Chapter 6
Teddy was thankful that Billie had been ready to leave when she located her at the garden party. Apparently she had a delightful conversation with Lady Amelia, and they were invited to dinner later in the week. Somehow, Teddy had kept sarcasm from spilling out of her mouth. She couldn’t explain to her sister why she had no desire to attend that diner party. If she did, then she would have to tell Billie she’d left the party to explore the gardens. Something she’d explicitly promised not to do. Billie wouldn’t be happy with her, and Teddy had already been dealt a blow to the heart. She couldn’t bear any more pain or disappointment.
“Is your tea
