Chapter Fifteen

Grace suppressed a sigh as she watched Serena and Steve Callahan from the window. She pushed aside the lace curtain a little and shook her head. How the dowagers of this town would talk if they were seeing Serena and Steve together like this. Grace smiled indulgently. But you're only young once, she thought.

Grace released the curtain and turned around, rubbing her arms with her hands. Watching Serena with Steven had reminded her of the love that she had shared with her late husband, Peter. Grace sighed, shaking her head. It was too much to think that he would grow old with me and watch our children grow up. I suppose that God has willed so, and there is nothing more that I can say.

Grace glanced once more at her daughter before continuing her walk down the hallway. She was about to open the door to the library when her butler, Stern, spoke up.

"Mrs. Watson, you have a visitor in the library," Stern announced.

Grace released the doorknob and glanced at Stern. "Who is it, Stern?"

There was a look of slight disapproval on Stern's face. "It is your late niece's widower, Mr. Theodore Wilson."

Grace glanced at the solid oak door, frowning slightly. "Did he say why he is here?"

Stern cleared his throat. "He was looking for Lady Victoria."

"She is not home right now," Grace said unnecessarily, returning her gaze to Stern's face.

"He said he would wait," Stern continued after his mistress was done. "For Lady Victoria."

Grace glanced at the oak door again. "Bring in tea and some refreshments. I will greet him."

Stern nodded, quietly retreating to the kitchen. Grace took a deep breath and placed her hand on the gold brass doorknob, opening the door. A false smile was on her face.

Theodore turned around when he heard the door open. It was Grace. He raised an eyebrow, his arms militantly crossed at his chest.

"Well, Teddy, it is a pleasant surprise to see you," Grace remarked, waving her right hand to a seat. "Please sit down."

Theodore seated himself down in a chair, crossing his legs. "Thank you, Grace. I can always expect cold courtesy from you, can't I?"

There was an icy smile on Grace's face as she sat down. "What brings you here, Teddy? We were not expecting you."

Theodore smiled dryly. "Do not worry, Grace. I will not impose on your hospitality. I am settled in a lovely house some three miles away from here."

"How nice," Grace said blandly. Stern opened the doors and brought in the tea and other refreshments. Grace watched Stern silently before motioning for him to leave. She handed Theodore his cup of tea and a biscuit before taking a cup of tea herself.

"Victoria is not home?" Theodore asked casually. He sipped his tea.

Grace paused midway to sipping her tea. "No, not at present. But she should be home in ten minutes."

"Do you have any idea where she is?" Theodore asked, his eyes searching Grace's.

"On an outing," Grace answered half-truthfully, not saying who Victoria was with.

"I see," Theodore said nonchalantly.

"How is Brian?" Grace asked with some warmth of her great-nephew.

"He is doing well. Mother Guenevere is taking care of him," Theodore answered calmly. "How is Victoria?"

"Victoria? Oh, she is doing well. She loves Radcliffe, and the orphanage that she is working at," Grace answered rather mercilessly.

"Splendid," Theodore said quietly. He took another sip of his tea.

"You will notice a certain change in Victoria," Grace remarked, putting her tea cup down. "She has grown lovelier and more confident of herself."

Theodore smiled slightly. "Indeed? Wasn't Victoria always rather sure of herself, like her father before her?"

Grace looked at Theodore rather sharply. But before she could reply in return, Victoria opened the doors, smiling and laughing. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hair tousled. She smiled brilliantly at her Aunt Grace and kissed her on the cheek.

"Hello, Aunt Grace," Victoria greeted cheerfully.

"How was your outing?" Grace asked tiredly, placing a hand over Victoria's.

Victoria seated herself on the armrest of Grace's chair. "Wonderful. Ver -- "

Grace nudged Victoria lightly, forcing Victoria to look up. "Victoria, Teddy is here."

Victoria looked surprised as she looked at Theodore. "Teddy? What on earth are you doing here?"

There was a certain light of admiration in Theodore's eyes as he held out one hand for Victoria. "I take it you are pleased to see me, Victoria?"

Victoria forced a smile and walked over to Theodore, kissing him on the cheek and for a brief moment, squeezing his hand. "You are well, I hope?"

"Of course," Theodore replied, looking up at Victoria. "And you?"

"Magnificent, thank you very much," Victoria answered, glancing at Grace in question. Grace lowered her eyes.

"Grace has been most hospitable," Theodore interrupted, causing Victoria to return her gaze to him.

"Unfortunately, I cannot accept because I have a lovely home of my own some three miles from here." He turned to Victoria, smiling lazily. "You will visit me often?"

Victoria was surprised by the question. She had never been extremely "chummy" with Theodore. "If you wish," Victoria replied lightly.

There was knock on the door. "Come in," Grace called.

The door opened; Vernon entered, smiling. However that smile fast disappeared when he saw Theodore. Theodore...

"Hello, Vernon," Theodore said pleasantly, standing up. "It's been a long time."

"Quite, old chap," Vernon answered in return. "How are you?"

Theodore studied Vernon. "You look every inch the doctor that I expected you to. Aren't you engaged yet? Even when you were engaged to Amanda, you were always considered a catch."

"No, not yet," Vernon answered quite easily, although his eyes were hooded. Victoria looked at him anxiously.

"Well, I suppose you cannot have everything," Theodore remarked. "You certainly did not get Amanda."

Vernon's head rose slowly, meeting Theodore's eyes. There was a condescending and smug expression in Theodore's eyes. However, Vernon's eyes showed nothing as he stood firm. Victoria slipped her arm through Vernon's, trying to give him comfort and to reassure herself.

"Well, she was happy with you, wasn't she?" Vernon retorted quietly. "Amanda and I did not love each other."

Theodore looked somewhat surprised, but nodded. "Yes, she loved me, and she was happy with me."

Vernon nodded and turned to Victoria. "Victoria, I wanted to talk to you about something, but I see you are busy." He pressed a kiss on her forehead and smiled. "I will see you later."

Victoria nodded, her expression one of relief. "Of course."

Vernon turned away from Victoria to Theodore and shook his hand. "Nice to meet you again, Theodore."

Theodore smiled sardonically. "Really? I hope you meant that."

All hint of warmth disappeared from Vernon's eyes. "Why shouldn't I?" He bowed to Grace and left the room. Grace and Victoria exchanged uneasy glances before turning to Theodore.

Theodore pulled at his tie before taking out the knot. He threw his tie randomly at one of the chairs in his luxuriously furnished bedroom and sighed. He flung himself in his favorite dark blue armchair and leaned his head against the headrest, closing his eyes.

There was a knock on the door before the person entered. It was Theodore's valet and butler, Brooks. Theodore opened his eyes and looked up. He wearily rubbed his eyes.

"How was your journey, sir?" Brooks asked kindly, being also his employer's confidante as well.

Theodore smiled tiredly, wearing no facade, like he usually would with the Brown clan. "Grace Watson was as cool and as gracious as usual, Brooks."

"But you went to see Lady Victoria Brown, sir," Brooks persisted. "Did you see her?"

Theodore did not answer. He rose from his armchair and walked to the large French windows where the drapes had been drawn half-open. His legs were spread slightly apart, his arms crossed firmly across his chest, his head bent down a bit, with his back to his butler.

"She was not home, but yes, I did get to meet her," Theodore answered quietly. "Just what I had expected."

"Was she as beautiful and as fresh as you expected her to be?" Brooks asked softly. "When you saw her last year, you said she would become a great beauty."

"She has," Theodore replied decisively. "She is an English rose."

"Is she free or is she engaged?" Brooks asked logically.

Theodore frowned, turning only his head to look at his butler. "I doubt she is engaged, Brooks. There was no ring on her finger nor was there any announcement in England or in Boston." He laughed bitterly. "If she were engaged, I am sure his lordship would have told everyone in England and in the States."

"Why have you suddenly become drawn to Lady Victoria?" Brooks asked, expecting an answer.

Theodore shrugged. "I do not know, Brooks. I do need a mother for Brian," he answered as an affectionate tone entered his voice as he spoke of his son. But the tone suddenly turned bitter. "I am sure Victoria will be a much better mother than Amanda ever was."

"Lady Amanda never raised Brian," Brooks reminded gently, although he knew that saying such would do no good.

Theodore chuckled shallowly, his tone of voice sarcastic and bitter. "Brooks, do you honestly think she would have been a good mother?" he demanded, his eyes burning with frustration and anger. "She would have thrown him into the lap of his nanny, and that would have been the end of it. Remember when she realized she was with child? She threw such a tantrum. I suppose she hoped to lose it, but fortunately, she did not. She sulked during the whole pregnancy, Brooks, as you well remember. She was losing her figure, her looks, her style..."

"Excuse me for asking, sir, but I did not see anything extremely attractive about Lady Amanda in the first place," Brooks said, voicing his opinion.

Theodore smiled brittily. "Amanda was the most enchanting, charming, and beautiful lady I had ever met. Of course, she was attached to Vernon, so I kept away. But she did not. She said she loved me, that she was willing to break her engagement to Vernon for us." He was silent for a moment. "She was a great actress, Brooks, there was no doubt about that. I gave her my heart and soul."

"When her family -- " Brooks started.

"His lordship was furious," Theodore interrupted bleakly, as he recalled his past. "He loved Vernon like his own son. He wanted Vernon as his son-in-law, not me. But I had faith in myself. I thought I could make Amanda happy, and I told his lordship so. But I was wrong. Nothing could have made Amanda happy, Brooks. She was too good for everyone."

"And so your marriage was a farce, sir," Brooks said quietly and compassionately. "The Brown family blamed you for taking Amanda away from her true destiny. But everyone thought you were happy, sir. That both of you -- "

"I loved her," Theodore said fiercely. "She did not care one fig for me, Brooks. She just wanted to escape from her family and Vernon. She used to mock her father -- dear God, her own father --and Vernon. Of course, I was too much in love to notice any flaws in her. Yes, I loved her too much."

Brooks nodded wisely. "Sir, you have learned much from the experience. And you have little Brian, sir."

Theodore smiled sadly. "Yes, only Brian left from that sham of a marriage." He turned around, continuing to smile sadly. "I would like some supper. Has your wife finished preparing?"

Brooks nodded, opening the door. "I suggest you wash up first, sir."

Victoria sat in the garden in perfect silence with Vernon. She glanced at Vernon briefly before looking at her toes again. She suppressed a sigh, wondering why Vernon had called her out. He was not saying one word.

"Would you have any idea why Theodore was here today?" Vernon asked abruptly.

Victoria looked surprised. "No, of course not, Vernon. It was a surprise to see him."

Vernon nodded grimly. "Yes, of course."

"Does seeing Teddy bring bad memories, Vernon?" Victoria asked softly, looking at Vernon's face.

Vernon turned around, smiling at Victoria. "Of course not, Victoria. He is the past."

Victoria sighed. "I feel sorry for Teddy, to be frank. He loved Amanda so much, it was frightening."

Vernon glanced at Victoria. "Did Amanda love him as much?"

Victoria smiled slightly. "Do you know that I have never thought Amanda either matured or loved Teddy? I know it is a terrible thought, but she never seemed to have left her habits or to be happy about the baby she was going to have."

"Brian," Vernon stated. Victoria nodded.

"Amanda was always fretting over her figure and her looks," Victoria continued, recalling her sister. "But a baby... for her, it would have ruined everything."

Vernon took Victoria's hand. "Would a baby ruin everything for you too?"

Victoria looked at Vernon, astonished. "Of course not, Vernon. I want to have many children, you know that."

Vernon pressed a kiss on Victoria's forehead and embraced her tightly. "I know that." He fished something out of his pocket: it was a blue velvet box. He handed it to Victoria.

Victoria glanced at Vernon, surprised. "Vernon, what is this?" she asked, her voice quaking.

Vernon smiled tenderly. "Nothing special. Open it."

Victoria opened the box and saw a beautiful diamond ring circled by rubies. She stared at it,

mesmerized. "Oh, Vernon, where did you get this?"

Vernon smiled. "My mother. When I wrote to her that I was engaged to you, she sent over this ring."

Victoria laughed in delight. "It's such a perfect ring, Vernon. I adore it."

"This is an Andersen heirloom. My grandmother wore it before my mother did," Vernon explained.

Victoria grew cold. "Did Amanda wear this?" she asked softly.

Vernon shook his head. "Mother objected to the betrothement, because did she think that I loved Amanda. She declared that none of the family's jewelry would be passed down to Amanda because it was not a love marriage." He chuckled. "Mother despised Amanda."

Victoria smiled, holding out the box to Vernon. "Would you put it on my finger for me?" she asked softly.

Vernon nodded. He took the ring out of the box and placed it on Victoria's finger. He pulled away and allowed Victoria to examine her hand. She looked up, tears in her brilliant blue-green eyes. She threw her arms around Vernon and hugged him fiercely.

"Thank you, Vernon," Victoria whispered. "Oh, thank you."

Serena looked at Victoria's ring in amazement. "That is a big diamond," she remarked, glancing at her mother.

Grace smiled contentedly. "I am glad to see that ring on your finger, Victoria. I have never thought that a couple is officially engaged before the lady has a ring. Words mean nothing, dear."

Victoria smiled. "Nothing is final, Aunt Grace. But with this ring, there is a light of a firmer promise."

Serena glanced at her own engagement ring and sighed. "Will you be wearing that all the time?" she asked.

Victoria shook her head. "No. I could not possibly do that when I have not announced my engagement, Serena."

"No, I suppose you couldn't," Serena agreed. A light entered her eyes. "Is Teddy really here in Boston?"

Grace's expression grew stern. "Yes, he is," she answered quietly.

"I heard that he was here this afternoon to see Victoria," Serena said curiously. "Why would he want to see you, Victoria?"

Victoria forced a small smile and shrugged her shoulders. "I would not be sitting here if I knew, Serena."

Serena sighed. "I suppose he is looking for a new wife."

Grace glanced sharply at Serena. "He has started to long ago, Serena."

"Although father and I have never approved of Teddy, we do not blame him for what has come about," Victoria said quietly. "Amanda's marrying Teddy was a scandalous affair, but it was more fitting."

Grace looked surprised. "Then why would your father have thrown such a fit when he heard Amanda jilted Vernon?"

"Father knew long ago, before Amanda turned fifteen, that marrying them would be a mistake," Victoria explained. "He was angry about the scandal, not about Amanda's marrying Teddy." She gave a small, sad smile. "I have always wondered if Amanda really did love Teddy or if she had used him the way she used all of us."

Victoria rose from her seat on the carpeted floor and quietly walked out of the library. Mother and daughter glanced at each other and at the door, mystified at Victoria's confession.

Brooks raised an eyebrow as he shared a fleeting glance with his wife. Lady Victoria Brown had entered his master's home, smiling most graciously and greeting him -- he, the butler -- with a warmth that was rare in "great" ladies.

Victoria turned to face Brooks. To be perfectly frank, she did not know what brought her here, here to Theodore's home. Although she had promised Theodore that she would visit often, she had not planned on keeping that promise. After all, she barely knew Theodore. The only reason she did know him was because he was her brother-in-law.

"Is Teddy home?" Victoria asked, forcing a small smile.

Brooks turned to face Victoria, his face expressionless. "I believe that he is home, Lady Brown, but I believe he is busy. Shall I leave him a message?"

There was a look of utter helplessness in Victoria's eyes as she stared at Brooks. She knew that she was not behaving as a "great" lady should, but she could never stare down at servants just because they were hired help. No, she could never be that haughty or disdainful of hard-working people, not like Amanda.

Victoria forced herself to raise her head and look slightly incredulous. "Well then, I would not wish to bother Teddy. Please tell him that I was here. I am sure you know who I am, Brooks." She walked towards the doorway.

Brooks bowed slightly. "I will be sure to tell him, my lady."

Theodore walked out of his study, raising an eyebrow. "Victoria? Is that you?"

Victoria turned around quickly, surprised to see Theodore. "Teddy, I thought that you were busy."

Theodore gave Brooks a reproachful glance. "Yes, well, Brooks likes to give people such an impression."

Brooks stood up straighter and cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Shall I bring in tea and other refreshment, sir?"

Theodore nodded, walking to Victoria and taking her elbow. He steered her down the hallway to his study and firmly closed the door behind them.

A warm glow was in Theodore's eyes as he gazed at Victoria appreciatively. How lovely she looks, he thought. She does not look as if she will be repulsed by the idea of children. Completely unaware of Theodore's thoughts, Victoria smiled brightly, but forcefully.

"Sit down, Victoria," Theodore said soothingly, waving to a chair. "What brings you here?"

Victoria laughed nervously and seated herself down. "To be honest, Teddy, I do not know." She shrugged her shoulders. "You are not angry, are you, Teddy?"

Theodore smiled brilliantly. "Of course not," he answered, sitting himself down in an armchair across from Victoria. "How are you? I've never seen you look better."

Victoria was wary. "Oh, everyone is fine, and thank you for your compliment."

Theodore nodded approvingly. "The Thanksgiving Ball is next week, isn't it?"

"Yes, yes, it is," Victoria answered quietly. She was fiddling with her gloved hands.

Theodore noticed the motion and folded his hands together, crossing his legs. "Are you worried about something, Victoria?" he asked gently. "You're fiddling with your hands."

Victoria looked up, smiling slightly. She held her hands together tightly as if she willed them to stop moving. "No, what could possibly be wrong?"

Theodore nodded, deciding to leave Victoria alone at that. "You're probably wondering why I did not bring Brian with me."

Victoria's eyes rose slowly to meet Theodore's. "The thought has occurred to me from time to time. But I value your privacy, and... I did not wish to ask."

"A rarity to see such simple values being valued in a lady as modern as you," Theodore remarked. He shrugged his shoulders. "I have to find a mother for him before I could bring him here, Victoria. I am sure that you know that just as well, or perhaps even better, than anyone else."

"But Brian does have a nanny," Victoria objected.

Theodore raised an eyebrow. "Yes, he does," he conceded. "But I plan on living here now, Victoria. I do not wish to return to England."

"Why is that?" Victoria asked softly. "Is there something there that you do not wish to return to?"

Theodore glanced at Victoria sharply. Yes, there is plenty I do not wish to return to, he thought wryly. I do not wish to return to the memories of Amanda, or our marriage. I want to return to a peace of mind that I used to have before I married Amanda. But no, that can never be, Victoria, he said silently inside his mind. Not until I can reconcile with those memories. But I believe only one person can help me reconcile with those memories, and that... is you.

Victoria looked at Theodore with concern. "Teddy, is something wrong?" she asked anxiously. She half-rose from her seat, ready to help if necessary.

Theodore shook his head and forced a light tone of voice. "Of course not, Victoria. You should not worry." He decided to change the subject. "You know, I really did not expect you to keep your word." Victoria looked at Theodore blankly. "I mean, your word about visiting me often," he clarified.

Victoria nodded, shrugging. "No, I did not expect myself to keep my word either, Teddy. But you don't mind, do you?

Theodore shook his head. "No, of course not. I do not detest you, contrary to what you think."

Victoria looked surprised. "Really? That is odd."

"Why would you think it odd, Victoria?" Theodore asked quietly, steepling his fingers right below his lower lip.

Victoria rose from her seat and walked towards the window. The windows of any home always offered her comfort for she could compose her thoughts and at times gain a new understanding in the life she was living. If I have one, she thought with some irony.

"My family and I have not been exactly the most gracious people in the world to you," Victoria explained. "Father has not been polite about your marriage to Amanda nor has the rest of my family, except mother." She smiled a little as she wrapped her arms around her waist. "I suppose we imagined we hated you because you gave us such a shock, Teddy. It was you who was marrying Amanda, not Vernon. You have to understand that ever since I was a child, it was always embedded into my mind that Vernon and Amanda belong together, that they loved each other." How wrong that was, Victoria thought silently, with an ironic smile.

"But they didn't," Theodore said pointedly.

Victoria nodded. "No, they didn't. I understand now that they were never right for each other." She turned around to face Theodore, smiling. "But now I am glad Amanda met you. You have loved her, and she has loved you. We never thought Amanda would love anyone that much, but she has, and she has died, knowing what it was like to love someone that much. She had a child, one of the greatest gifts a woman could have. She may have died young, but she was blessed with everything before she died." She paused, trying to collect her thoughts. "I may have had my troubles with her, Teddy, but I have never begrudged her anything but the best."

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Victoria glanced at the clock in her room and glanced at Serena, who was sleeping like a baby, in their double bed. Victoria smiled, watching Serena breathe contentedly and murmur softly to herself in her sleep. Victoria slipped out of the double bed quietly and seated herself at her dressing table.

Victoria untied the braid that she slept in and shook her head. Without studying herself critically in the mirror, Victoria picked up her hairbrush and started brushing her hair out. She gave it her usual one hundred strokes before tying it back simply with a blue ribbon.

Victoria rose from her seat and walked to her dressing room, picking out a simple blue morning dress. She quickly donned it on, hastily tying the sash behind her. When she came out of the dressing room, Serena was sitting up in her bed, rubbing her eyes.

Serena yawned sleepily. "What time is it?"

Victoria glanced at the clock before going to the washbasin. "Half past six, darling."

Serena groaned. "Really, Victoria, why are you awoke at this unholy hour?"

Victoria continued rubbing her face with soap and water which prevented her from answering. But then, Serena did not expect an answer: she just wanted to hear the sound of her voice this lovely morning.

"You've always been an earlybird," Serena said decidedly, getting out of bed and seating herself at the dressing table. She studied her face critically for any smudges under her lovely eyes and a lack of color. "Do you think I look all right?"

Victoria was rubbing her face with a towel. "Of course," she answered through her towel.

Serena made a face. "You cannot possibly look at me through that thing, Victoria," she complained. "Do clean off your face quickly, Victoria. I want you to be perfectly honest."

Victoria suppressed a sigh and neatly folded the towel before answering Serena in full. "You've slept a full nine hours, didn't you, Serena?"

Serena turned to face Victoria and nodded. "Yes, I have. But what does that have to do with my face?" she asked, one hand delicately patting her right cheek.

Victoria smiled enigmatically. "Really, Serena, for such a worldly young lady, who is engaged, you really are naive in some matters," she said in a sugary sweet tone, just like Serena did sometimes.

Serena noticed the mimicry and laughed good-humoredly. "Victoria, you are being spiteful. Do tell me the truth in your voice, not mine."

Victoria smiled. "You were having a lovely time sleeping, Serena darling. I would not worry, and besides, I do think you look terribly lovely this morning."

Serena sighed and nodded. "I cannot believe it is Christmas Eve already. Another year passed."

Victoria nodded, looking a bit wistful. "Yes, I must agree with you there, Serena."

Serena started brushing out her hair as she spoke to Victoria. "Vernon is in England?"

Victoria nodded, her expression a mixture of concern and resignation. "His mother wanted to see him. He has not visited England since Amanda's marriage to Teddy. It would be horribly selfish of me to deny his visiting his family."

Serena frowned. "I do not understand. How could you deny him his trip to England?"

Victoria chuckled lightheartedly. "Well, Serena, he asked me if I would allow him to visit his family. I told him that he need not have asked me such a thing, for first of all, it is supposed to be his decision, and that although I would miss him, I would not want his family to think of me as a horrible and selfish shrew."

Serena smiled slightly. "No one would ever think that, Victoria. You're much too good."

Victoria shrugged. "That is your opinion, Serena. I do not deny that I miss Vernon very much. But I am sure Vernon is perfectly glad to see his family, and that makes me content."

Serena laughed, wrapping her hands around her right knee. "You are much too unselfish, Victoria, about Vernon." The laughter disappeared as she frowned. "Then who is going to take you to the Christmas Eve ball?"

"Teddy," Victoria replied, watching Serena's expression carefully.

Serena's face grew darker. "Victoria, does Vernon know this?"

Victoria nodded. "I told him that in a letter that I wrote a few weeks ago."

Serena's face still did not lighten, her expression puzzled. "Did Teddy ask you?"

Victoria nodded, seating herself at her desk and starting her day's work. "Yes, he did," she said briskly. She sifted through the mail that she had received yesterday, pretending to ignore Serena's pacing of their bedroom.

Serena knotted the sash of her robe tightly and stopped pacing the room. She tilted her head and placed an index finger on her lips, watching Victoria. She could never tell what Victoria was thinking, especially not now. She sighed inwardly and shook her head. Victoria would tell her when she was ready. Not now.

Serena put on a light and careless expression and forced a smile. "I think I will take a bath before I go down for breakfast. If I am a little late, tell mother I am taking my bath."

Victoria nodded without looking at Serena. When the door was shut, Victoria let out a sigh of relief. To be frank, she could not even explain to herself why she agreed to Teddy's invitation. Although she had told Vernon in the letter she had written, she knew Vernon would not be happy about the situation. Victoria shook her head. But it is going to be only once, she told herself. Besides, Vernon knows that I love him and only him. Teddy and I are only friends, she told herself firmly. There is nothing for Vernon to be worried about, if he is, she added. Or was there?

Grace watched Victoria walk -- glide -- down the stairs in her new waist: a gloriously bright Christmas red that had a short train. The gown had a wide sash and light chiffon overdress beneath the waist. It also had flowing red sleeves which helped to make Victoria look like a golden-haired fairy. Victoria's hair was styled in the medieval fashion: her hair had been braided and then coiled into balls around her ears. She held out her gloved hands to Grace.

"Oh, darling, I have never seen you look more lovely," Grace breathed, embracing Victoria warmly. "This red highlights your hair and your face so well."

"It took the dressmaker ages to get everything right, the way I wanted it to look," Victoria said, laughing, pulling away. She twirled around in front of Grace. "Do you think Vernon would have liked this?"

Grace nodded, smiling warmly. "Vernon would have admired you regardless of what you wore. But I am sure he would have approved of your dress."

Victoria smiled, her eyes shining. "Thank you, Aunt Grace."

Grace nodded. "Well, Serena left for the ball early for once in her life," she remarked, laughing. "Steven wanted to arrive there early."

Victoria nodded, laughing. "Looks like Serena is going to have to be punctual for the rest of her married life."

Grace forced a smile that did not reach her eyes. The smile would have entered her eyes also had she not seen Theodore enter from the library into the hallway. She had always been rather suspicious of Theodore, and she knew that Theodore was not paying attention to Victoria because he wanted a friend: he wanted a wife and a mother.

"Teddy has been waiting for you," Grace announced coldly. "Here he is."

Victoria turned around, a shadow flicking briefly in her eyes before it disappeared. Theodore noticed this but said nothing. "Good evening, Teddy," she said as cheerfully as possible. She did not hold out her hand.

Theodore nodded, offering his arm, which Victoria did not accept. Instead Victoria turned her head to Grace, smiling. "I will not be late. You know that I never enjoy these things anyway." She kissed Grace on the cheek, grasping Grace's hand.

"Especially without Vernon," Grace added on purpose, wanting to see Theodore's reaction to hearing Vernon's name.

Theodore had a startled expression on his face which satisfied Grace. "Well, dear, I suppose you really must not keep Teddy waiting," Grace said coldly and loudly, releasing Victoria's hand.

There seemed to be a reluctance in Victoria that was not lost on neither Grace nor Theodore, but Victoria nodded. She followed Theodore out the door without a word. Grace crossed her arms across her chest and watched, the expression in her eyes dark, and a worried frown on her face.

Victoria drank her fourth cup of ice water, murmuring a refusal to the gentleman that had just asked to dance with her. She was seated on one of the Louis XIV fashioned chairs, taking slow careful sips of her water. From her seat, she watched all the guests, smiling or waving at various guests.

There Teddy was, politely dancing with the recently engaged and supposedly unhappy Cordelia Kent. Victoria was relieved that she only had to dance once with Theodore. The rest of her dance card was filled up. I am perfectly miserable, Victoria decided, a sharp pain in her head. I am always going to be perfectly miserable without Vernon, she told herself. But why? a little evil voice asked herself. You are here with one of the most charitable and handsome man that you have ever known. He is just as good as Vernon or perhaps even better.

From a distance, Sarah was watching the rare play of emotions on Victoria's face. Every emotion possible was on Victoria's face. What on earth could be wrong with her? Sarah wondered.

"Is something wrong?" Gerard, Sarah's fiancé, asked.

Sarah looked up, forcing a affectionate smile. "Of course not, Gerard. I am just perfectly happy to be here with you. I do not believe I have ever been happier."

Gerard nodded approvingly. "That is good, ma chere." He released Sarah's waist. "I must speak with a certain gentleman. Is it all right if I leave you?"

Sarah nodded firmly. "Of course. I really need to see someone anyhow, darling."

Gerard nodded and pressed a brief but loving kiss on Sarah's cheek. Sarah hurried away to Victoria, not bothering to feel thrilled as she usually did when Gerard kissed her.

Victoria closed her eyes, fighting the tears that were so near. What magic does Vernon possess? she wondered. She smiled wryly. You love him, she answered, shaking her head. That is enough.

"Victoria Regina Brown, what on earth is wrong with you?" Sarah whispered harshly. She seated herself down next to Victoria.

Victoria opened her eyes and smiled. "Sarah! What a delight to see you! Where is Gerard?"

Sarah shook her head impatiently. "I do not want to talk about Gerard. I want to talk about someone else. Teddy Wilson."

Victoria nodded, knowing that with Sarah, this was going to be inevitable. "Go on, Sarah. What do you want to talk about?"

"What on earth possessed you to accept Teddy's offer?" Sarah asked furiously. "You are engaged to Vernon."

"Oh, Sarah, Teddy is my friend. I love Vernon," Victoria explained, feeling for the first time in many days sure of her love for Vernon. This time she was not swaying with indecision, no matter what a little voice in her said.

Sarah sighed. "I know that, Victoria, but the world does not know this."

"Someday they will when I marry Vernon," Victoria said softly but with conviction.

Sarah shook her head. "Vernon is away. What will people say? What if Vernon finds out?"

"I've already told Vernon, Sarah," Victoria answered calmly. Pasting a light and cheerful smile on her face, she said, "You need not mother me, Sarah. I appreciate your concern, but Teddy and I are only friends, and I am sure the rest of society can see that."

However, the rest of society, let us be reminded, was not privy to Victoria's thoughts. The minute Victoria entered with Theodore into the ballroom, the room was ablaze with gossip. Of course, society failed to notice one important thing that would have prevented them from speculating: Victoria did not enter the ballroom with her hand on Theodore's arm.

Theodore leaned back against his chair, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. He took a few deep breaths before opening his eyes and smiling at Brooks.

"Sir, Mr. Brian arrived today," Brooks announced. "He is taking his nap."

Theodore nodded approvingly. "Yes, I know, thank you."

Brooks poured Theodore's tea for him and handed him his cup. "Here is your tea, sir."

"Thank you," Theodore said, taking the cup and balancing it on his knee. "How is Lady Victoria?"

Brooks looked somewhat uncomfortable. "Lady Victoria? I believe she is well. That is my Bobby has told me."

"Bobby is most discreet, I hope?" Theodore asked, frowning.

Brooks nodded. "Yes, sir. I have not met a footman as levelheaded and as sensible as Bobby, sir."

Theodore nodded approvingly, taking a small sip of his tea. "Are there any new developments?"

Brooks nodded, trying to find the right words. "Sir, are you sure Lady Victoria is not betrothed to anyone?"

Theodore glanced at his butler sharply, putting his cup down on the table next to him. "If she were engaged, I would have read about it," he snapped, irritated.

Brooks shook his head. "It is possible, sir, that she did not announce her engagement to keep it a secret. There are some situations like that, sir."

Theodore thought about what Brooks said, but shook his head. "Whom do you think she is engaged to?"

"The duke of Rochester, sir," Brooks answered quietly.

Theodore looked bewildered, then laughed. "Really, Brooks, I am sure your footman's imagination is running away with him. If Lady Victoria were engaged to Vernon, his lordship would have announced it long ago. He could not have beared to keep it a secret. He has made it plain that he wants Vernon to marry Victoria, after Amanda had jilted him," he added bitterly.

"If you say so, sir," Brooks answered doubtfully. He bowed and left the room. However, Theodore did not have the lighthearted expression he had while Brooks was present. He was frowning.

Victoria opened the letter from Vernon eagerly, reading it aloud to Grace and Serena the parts where she thought he wanted everyone to hear. Grace, while listening, was knitting a thick blue cardigan for Serena, while Serena was crocheting doilies.

Victoria smiled. "It seems as if Vernon is enjoying himself immensely, Aunt Grace."

Grace nodded. "Yes. He has not visited England for the longest time, dear."

Victoria closed her letter and sighed wistfully. "But I do wish he were here. Parties are hardly any fun without him."

Serena decided to put in a remark. "What about Teddy?" she asked slyly, ignoring the look from her mother.

Victoria glanced at Serena mildly. "Teddy? Teddy is a very nice acquaintance, but he really has his eye on someone else, I believe."

"Like whom?" Serena asked innocently. Grace watched for Victoria's reaction.

Victoria shrugged nonchalantly. "I suppose the widow, Mrs. Ellen Doctorow, would be one candidate."

Serena laughed gaily, putting aside her doily. "Yes, she could be. But she is not a maiden. I am sure Teddy would want a maiden."

"I do not want to be spiteful, but I hardly think Teddy could wed a maiden, Serena," Victoria voiced seriously. "He was married once before and had a child. That child is going to scare off a lot of marriageable debutantes, Serena."

"Really?" Serena asked archly. She yawned tiredly and rose from her chair. "I think I will go to bed, mother. Good-night, everyone." She pressed a kiss on Grace's cheek and left the room.

Grace ceased her knitting and motioned for Victoria to sit down. Victoria nodded and seated herself in a rich red velvet chair across from Grace.

"When do you plan to announce your engagement?" Grace asked, the half-knitted cardigan in her lap.

Victoria looked up and smiled slightly. "I do not think that there is any hurry, is there?"

Grace raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think that, Victoria?"

Victoria laughed easily. "No young man of society thinks that I am attractive, Aunt Grace. Perhaps my eyes are... considered to be quite beautiful, but there is nothing else," she remarked, smiling.

Grace sighed. "That is what you think, Victoria."

Victoria glanced at Grace sharply. "You know, Victoria, you should really announce your engagement to Vernon to society," Grace advised. "Regardless of what you think, there are plenty of young men willing to ask you for your hand in marriage."

Victoria laughed blithely. "Like who, Aunt Grace?"

Grace looked at Victoria with extremely serious and grave eyes. She replied, "Like Teddy, dear."

Victoria opened her eyes wider and laughed heartily. "Oh, Aunt Grace, Teddy is my brother-in-law. Even though I did not tell him, I am sure that he can sense that I love Vernon."

Grace shook her head, putting away her knitting. "Victoria, Teddy is looking for a wife, a mother for Brian, and for someone to love again. Be careful, dear." She rose from her seat with a slight smile and kissed Victoria on the cheek. "Good-night, dear. I will retire now."

Victoria nodded, rising with Grace. Silently, she followed Grace up the stairs, not for one minute, willing to contemplate the truth in what Grace had just told her.