Imperfect (Disappeared #1)

Chapter Thirteen

By the time Sarah had finished her ministrations, Theodosia had managed to calm down somewhat. A woman she barely recognized stared back at her in the mirror. Her hair was artfully done and perfectly curled at the temples. Her white silk dress had fashionable puffed sleeves, a light blue ribbon sash, and rows of lace at the bottom.

"I shall fool them all," she said, her face set in determination.

She hurried down to the parlor to wait. Her mother refused to look at her. Cecilia, who was also dressed in white silk, approached and looked Theodosia up and down.

"Not bad. Sarah could take even a pig from the sty and make it look like a lady." She smiled, showing off her pretty dimples, and then swept off disdainfully. Her brothers, who were both in tails, took up Cecilia's tone.

"George and I have a bet going how long it will take for you to say something embarrassing," Henry whispered, his freckled face breaking out into a grin.

"Oh really?" Theodosia shot back. "You'll both keep your money tonight, I'm afraid. I'm prepared to be perfectly civil."

"That's impossible for you," George said in his usual pompous tone. "Everyone knows what a disaster your coming out was. Cousin Anabelle told me that you scandalized our aunt with your pert comments."

Theodosia flushed. "I hope both of you marry tarts who make you miserable. You deserve nothing better for how rudely you treat me."

She got away, stationed herself in a plush chair, and willed herself not to think about anything but dinner. She was beyond hungry, and with the Mertons coming, there was sure to be a lavish feast.

Not five minutes later, there was a flurry of activity in the hall. Lane the butler opened the parlor door and announced the Mertons' arrival. Lord Merton and his wife came through first. The former was a distinguished man with an enormous nose and potbelly, while his wife was a slight thing who always looked like she would rather be hiding in a corner. 

Edward wore an extravagant set of tails with a high white cravat. He had wavy, dark blonde hair, a strong nose and brow, high cheekbones, and ice-blue eyes. It was easy to see why he was considered the most eligible young man in England. The society papers were always trying to speculate who he might marry.

Even Cecilia colored when she saw him, which made Theodosia wonder for the hundredth time why her mother hadn't chosen to pair off the two of them. She had met him many times before at balls and dinners and found his wit borrowed, his interests shallow, and his manner tiring. In short, he was fashionable and handsome but not a bit interesting.

She thought of Ahuil sleeping next to her the previous night. His expression was so innocent. Artifice was not part of who he was. That was the type of man she could learn to love. Not Edward Merton. Panic knotted her stomach and she fought off the memory. She couldn't think of him yet. Instead, she greeted the Mertons with as much grace as she could muster.

"Theodosia, how wonderful to see you again," Edward said in his smooth voice with a cultured accent. "How beautiful you look tonight." 

He bowed and smiled broadly, but the expression did not meet his eyes. It was all a show with him. They chatted briefly and then went to sit in the dining room, an opulent space papered with rich red wallpaper and lit with crystal chandeliers that sparkled from the light of their many candles. 

Edward made every effort to speak to her. Lord Merton watched him closely. Theodosia understood immediately what was going on: Edward had been instructed to court her. The carrot, of course, had to be her family's high position in society. Edward wouldn't gain a title but his social standing would be raised immensely. He would enjoy increased favor in London's social circles, while she would be left at home, forgotten. 

The idea almost brought Theodosia to tears. Every bone in her body begged her to shed her finery and run back out into the woods. Yet her mother's anxious gaze kept her rooted in place. She tried for a smile, even if it felt like marionette strings were pulling at the corners of her mouth.

At least the food was delicious. There was a white soup of veal stock, cream, and almonds to start and then hot venison as well as goose and a ham simmering in their juices. Large silver plates of roasted asparagus and young potatoes in hot butter were circulated, and a different wine was served with each course. 

Her mother had summoned the very best from the larder and wine cellar for this affair. The family was usually content with cold meats and side dishes for supper but this was fit for a banquet. The table had been set with tall silver candlesticks and their best china and crystal glasses. It was a rich and wonderful scene, yet Theodosia she realized she would have given anything to run back to Ahuil's world and spend another night among the fireflies in those mysterious woods. 

Theodosia only vaguely heard listened as Edward told her the latest bit of scandal about the Duke of Wellesley. He had married his mistress after giving her five children but had recently sued for divorce. The story was that she refused to move out of his house.

"It's frightfully embarrassing for the family." Edward chuckled. "Of course, it's all over the society papers and it's the talk of London right now."

"I'm glad that such talk doesn't reach Helenshire," Theodosia put in. "The dramas of the Wellesley family are no concern of mine."

Edward gave her a strange look as he accepted more venison from a footman. "Lady Theodosia, you have been in the country too long! They are one of the great families. They must expect such behavior to be gossiped about. I dare say I would tire of this country life quite quickly. I much prefer the hum of London."

"Not me. My happiest hours are spent walking the woods around the estate. I take a walk every afternoon. There is nothing like the English countryside to restore me."

Edward laughed. "How funny you are! Of course I enjoy shooting and riding as much as the next man, but otherwise I prefer society and the city."

"I can't see how..." Theodosia started to say but she shut up when she noticed her mother's pointed looks. "We will be in London for the season," she added lamely. "I am sure I will see much more of society when I am there and grow to love it."

Edward's icy blue eyes brightened. "Yes, exactly! There are some splendid balls planned and my family will be happy to show you the best attractions — theatre, opera, and plays better then you ever imagined. We'll stroll in the park and take the carriage through the most fashionable streets. It's impossible not to fall in love with London."

Theodosia attempted her most charming smile, which felt mostly like she was having a muscle spasm in her face. Rather than being turned off, Edward's eyes wandered over her frame with something like interest. Well, it was true that her costume had managed to transform her into something acceptable. Whatever Edward saw, he wasn't unimpressed. This idea shocked Theodosia more than anything: that she could be successfully disguised as a lady despite how out of place she felt inside.

Well, isn't that a good thing? she thought miserably. I'm finally becoming who I should be.

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Poor Theodosia. There's nothing like a plethora of unappealing options.

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