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345 Words
Theo had not been grilled so hard by a father since his own had torn him a new one over some gambling debts. Lea had sat, smirking and giggling through her father’s inquisition of him; she had received some sharp looks from her mother and middle sister, Lily, but the youngest sister Lucy had been laughing out loud at some of the things their father asked him. By the end of breakfast, Theo felt as though he needed a drink; Lea’s father, however, had different ideas. He had told Theo that they must get an office set up for him so that they can begin going over the commerce of the town, who the police were and how to deal with them, and so on. Before he joined the Duke, Theo pulled Lea aside.
“How long is this going to take?” Theo whispered, his mouth resting against Lea’s ear. “I had planned on taking you to meet my parents and brother…” His eyes traveled down to the corset he could see through her dress. “I may need time for something else before we head to their house here in Ashborne, too,” he murmured, nipping her earlobe playfully.
Lea kissed his cheek, smiling happily. “I have already planned lunch with your mother while they are staying in town and before they return to Ramshorne tomorrow. I informed Father, we will have plenty of time to get there before they serve lunch at noon,” Lea laid her hand on his cheek softly. “Father is firm, but kind. Listen to him, ask questions, and he will warm up to you quickly.”
“Lea!” Her mother called, “Come, we must discuss Lilliana’s suitors. As the married sister, you must give your opinion on who she will marry. She has had a further three proposals! We have to figure something out.” Lea smiled sympathetically at Theo before kissing him softly and floating off after her mother and sisters.
- Writer
