Chapter 17 #2
Rosalind nodded. “I had friends there. Childhood friends. We used to meet in the orchard behind my family’s house. We would talk for hours. About everything and about nothing.” Her smile faltered. “I have not seen them in a long time.”
Anna’s expression softened. “Do you miss them?”
Rosalind was quiet for a long moment. Her gaze dropped to her teacup, and when she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” she said. “I miss them dearly.”
Theodora felt a pang in her chest. There was fragility in Rosalind’s eyes that made her want to reach across and take her hand.
Evelina spoke gently. “Well, you have new friends now.”
“Friends that will bake your favorite cakes,” Maria added.
“And warn you about the strangest lords,” Anna whispered.
“You have friends who will never leave your side.” Theodora spoke before she could think but she did not regret what she said because it was the truth.
Rosalind looked up, startled.
The ladies nodded vigorously in agreement.
Theodora smiled. “That is…if you will have us.”
Rosalind’s eyes glistened, though she blinked quickly to hide it. “I… I would like that very much.”
Evelina clapped her hands once. “Excellent. Now that we are all friends, we must discuss the important matters.”
Rosalind looked alarmed. “Important matters?”
“Balls,” Anna said solemnly.
“And scandals,” Evelina added.
“And horrid books,” Maria cheered with her cup of tea.
“All the usual stuff women love to talk about,” Theodora finished.
Rosalind laughed again. “I suppose those are important.”
“Oh no, these are vital topics of conversation,” Anna corrected.
Theodora watched Rosalind and the last thing on her mind was her experiments. She reminded herself to throw away the notebook she had about Rosalind’s melancholy.
It is not needed anymore.
As for her notes on Alexander…that was a thought for another time or day.
Maria’s smile widened as she accepted another cup of tea. “Rosalind. Tell us…have you ever danced with anyone?”
Rosalind shook her head. “No. I… I am not particularly good at dancing.”
Anna gasped. “That is impossible.”
“It is true,” Rosalind insisted. “I always stepped on Alexander’s foot when he tried to practice with me.”
Theodora’s heart skipped a beat when she heard his name.
“Then, you simply need a partner who does not mind that,” Evelina said. “Preferably one with sturdy boots.”
Rosalind giggled.
Maria spoke softly. “We shall find you someone charming. Someone kind. Someone who will not care if you step on his foot.”
Theodora smirked as she said, “Or perhaps we will find you someone who deserves the torment.”
The ladies laughed in unison.
Theodora watched her with quiet satisfaction.
If only Alexander could see her now.
“You know, I heard a certain son of a duke, is returning from his travels from Africa, I believe. His name is Lord Ebenezer; Theodora you should keep your eye out for him…” Anna winked at her and Theodora knew she was hinting at the experiment.
“Oh yes, I heard he is very handsome!” Maria exclaimed.
Theodora was too worried about Rosalind feeling out of place, or overwhelmed, or uncomfortable, so she didn’t pay attention to her friend’s comments.
“I will be sure to look out,” she said drily.
“You can lie better than that, Theo.” Evelina rolled her eyes and the ladies laughed, including Rosalind.
She is blooming in our company.
When the afternoon sun dipped low and the tea grew cold, Rosalind rose reluctantly. “I should go. Or my brother will worry.”
Evelina stood as well. “You must come again.”
Anna and Maria agreed.
“Next time we shall plan your entire social season,” Maria said with the brightest smile.
Rosalind laughed. “I would like that.”
“Rosalind, I will walk you to your carriage.” Theodora rose as Rosalind said her goodbyes and the two of them strolled to the waiting carriage in a comfortable silence.
“Truly, Rosalind… we are so glad you came.”
Rosalind hesitated, then reached out and squeezed Theodora’s hand. “Thank you. For inviting me. And for… everything.”
Theodora squeezed back. “I have not done anything.”
“You have done a lot, Theodora. More than you know.” Rosalind’s eyes softened. “I have not laughed so much in such a long time. I am grateful for you and your friends.”
Her words surprised Theodora.
“You must join us again; you are a part of us now.” It was not a question.
“I would love to.”
Rosalind and Theodora hugged briefly before she entered her carriage.
“Oh, and just a warning, Rosalind. There are quite a few soirees this week. The girls will expect to see you at one social event or another.”
Rosalind gave her a troubled look and Theodora laughed.
“Do not worry. I know exactly how you feel.”
“Regardless, I shall try my best to be there.” Rosalind smiled softly and Theodora nodded at her appreciatively.
They waved at each other until the carriage disappeared down the street. She knew for certain that she had made a new friend. Warmth bloomed in her chest, but confusion muddled her usually clear brain.
A scientist should not get attached to her guinea pig.
Theodora was unsure whether it would be all right to get close to Rosalind when her experiment with Alexander could quite possibly fail in a terrible…terrible way.
Would it not crush her already bleeding heart?
“Well?” Evelina suddenly appeared beside her and caused Theodora to jump.
Theodora exhaled loudly. “Do not frighten me like that.”
“I walk like an elephant, Theo. You are the one who was daydreaming.” Evelina shook her head disapprovingly. “Anyway, I think Rosalind will be all right.”
Anna waddled into their sight with Maria in tow.
“She will be more than all right. I mean…she has us.” Anna gestured wildly.
Theodora joined them in laughter, but it did not ease her troubled mind.