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And he cares for her approval?
He cares very much. The bonnet turned left and right, and Theodora leaned closer. He wishes to
marry her.
Donal s muscles tightened, and he drew in a sharp breath. Why?
She withdrew abruptly. Forgive me, she said. I spoke out of turn. She gathered her skirts as if to flee,
and he touched her arm, certain for reasons he could not fully understand that he must learn all he
could about Cordelia s relationship with Inglesham.
I asked to speak to you in confidence, he said, and you may be sure that I will not share our
discussion with anyone else.
She sank down on the nearest bench. What more can I tell you?
Why does Inglesham want to marry Cordelia?
Do you think it impossible that a man of good family should wish to marry a widow past the first blush of
youth?
He blinked in surprise. Such a thought had never occurred to me.
Then what has my cousin s friendship with the viscount have to do with your care of her animals?
Her steady question held more than a hint of challenge, though she still looked ready to flee at the
slightest provocation. Donal himself felt an unaccountable desire to turn tail and run.
I frequently do not comprehend human motives, he admitted. If Ivy is to remain here, I must know that
there is nothing that will compromise her happiness.
Theodora searched his eyes and gradually relaxed. Of course. Your concern is laudable. She sighed.
It might be best if I begin with Cordelia s first marriage. She was still very young when she met Captain
James Hardcastle while he was serving in India. Because of her extraordinary upbringing and years away
from England, she had little chance to meet eligible men or enjoy a conventional courtship. When she was
introduced to Captain Hardcastle, she had only just lost her younger sister, Lydia, to a tragic accident.
I don t remember her mentioning a sister.
She seldom speaks of Lydia. Theodora rose and began walking along the path, her hands pressed to
her skirts. Cordelia and James were married after a brief engagement, and Cordelia settled with the
Captain in India. They had hardly been together more than three months when he was killed in a skirmish
with bandits.
I am sorry, Donal murmured.
I had not met Cordelia then, but I know that she left India soon afterward and rejoined Sir Geoffrey in
his travels. She has shown no inclination to remarry since her return six months ago& but she and
Inglesham have known each other since they were children. His estate is only a few miles from Edgecott.
The viscount has always been a frequent visitor, and Sir Geoffrey approves of him.
Donal glared at the ground under his feet. Does she love him?
I do not know.
Does he love her?
Theodora fumbled with the ribbons of her bonnet. A peer of the realm may marry for love, if he is
fortunate, she said. A viscount would not be ashamed to marry an Amesbury, even if she is only the
daughter of a baronet. But there are often other considerations behind such alliances. She turned to face
Donal, her very ordinary brown eyes vivid with some strong emotion. My cousin is a wealthy woman in
her own right, with an inheritance from an aunt that is hers to dispose of as she pleases. Sir Geoffrey is
not poor in the least, but he has an unfortunate tendency to gamble and has suffered certain reversals in
recent years&
He wants her money, Donal said flatly, kicking at the gravel with the toe of his boot. Will she not lose
control over her fortune if he marries her?
Yes. But Cordelia has no reason to distrust him. She is& Once more Theodora trailed off, and her lips
pressed together as if she were sealing away any further comments.
Cordelia is blind, Donal completed for her. But he knew too little of the viscount to condemn him out of
hand because of Theodora s suspicions or his own dislike. Nor had he any reason to interfere in Cordelia
s personal affairs. Good God, he hardly knew the woman& .
And that made no difference at all to his irrational feelings.
Thank you, Theodora, he said. You have helped to understand the situation a little better.
She looked away. I hope that I have not discouraged you from allowing Ivy to stay. I should never
forgive myself if I
Dr. Fleming! Cordelia s voice interrupted Theodora, who appeared relieved at the intrusion. Cordelia
rounded a corner on the path, her smile bright enough to encompass both her cousin and Donal.
Theodora, she said. Croome said I might find you and Dr. Fleming in the garden. She turned to
Donal. I hope you have not felt too neglected, Doctor. I have been doing my best to make Ivy
comfortable in the house. She is resting now, but you will see her at dinner. And we have already planned
a trip into Gloucester for fittings next week, if you should care to accompany us.
It was as if she and Donal had parted on the best of terms several hours ago. Cordelia s annoyance with
him had apparently been forgotten, and after hearing Theodora s tale about the animals and the loss of
her husband, Donal could not feel anything but sympathy. He returned her smile with all the warmth he
could muster.
I am delighted to hear that Ivy is settling in so well, he said. If you require my assistance on your visit
to town I will be happy to join you, but I should not wish to become a burden upon ladies in pursuit of
sartorial pleasures.
Cordelia arched a brow. How eloquent a way of saying that you would find our excursion dreadfully
dull, Doctor. But I quite understand. She indicated that he and Theodora should return to the house. I
have come to tell you that our head groundskeeper has located a suitable cottage where you may lodge
while you stay at Edgecott. If you will come inside, we shall have tea and I will tell you more.
Donal slowed his pace. I am certain it will be
Come, come, she said, her gray eyes teasing. I know that you have already been to your chambers
and the breakfast room, so the house can hold no more terrors for a man who has faced down a charging
loxodonta africana.
His skin grew hot. I& of course I will join you for tea, Mrs. Hardcastle. Thank you.
She gave him a smile of triumph and preceded him and Theodora into the house, leading them to a small
and pleasant room that received the afternoon sunlight. A tea service was already waiting. Donal sat
uneasily in his delicate chair, his gaze fixed on the strip of blue sky visible through the window. Theodora
excused herself after a single cup and retired to her room.
My cousin seems much improved, Cordelia commented, offering Donal a second cup of tea. Did she
show you the garden?
He cradled the tiny teacup in his hands and nodded. It is a very well-kept garden.
Well-kept. How carefully you say it, though I can see that something does not meet with your
approval.
The chair creaked as he shifted his weight. It is not my intention to insult
I know it isn t. But you do prefer your Yorkshire garden of heather and wildflowers, do you not?
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