Lady Upworth smiled reassuringly. "Yes, it is. You needn't worry. With the help of Drake's family, you will be launched with absolute success, I'm sure of it."
Thea's hand had turned in his and now clung tightly. "I'm not a ship."
"No, dear. You are my precious niece and you will cause quite a stir in the ton."
"Perhaps we shouldn't worry about introducing me. After all, I won't be in England long and it seems like it will be quite a bit of work for you. I really don't want any new clothes and I'm sure no one will even notice I am here."
Drake couldn't help it—he laughed.
She gave him a disgruntled look. "Are you laughing at me again, sir?" She turned to her aunt. "I'm sure gentlemen do not laugh at ladies, but Drake forgets that fact regularly."
"Thea, you couldn't go through the Season unnoticed if you tried. You are far too opinionated and fearless to spend much time in London without making yourself known," Drake said.
Lady Upworth added, "I thought you came for the Season."
Drake wondered if Thea noticed the calculated gaze her aunt gave her when making the statement.
"I did." Thea squirmed under her aunt's steady regard. "I mean, that is, I came to spend the Season with you."
"My dear, I would have great pleasure in launching you into Society. You have spent far too long away from your rightful place. It is time you enjoyed the many privileges to which you were born."
"It's just all so different here. Back home, I was just me. Miss Thea. Here, I suppose they will want to call me Lady Thea and expect me to wear corsets even though they are bad for a lady's respiration." Her grip on his hand tightened. "Well, I won't do it. I won't. If I am to become a member of the ton, they will have to take me as I am. I am too old to fit the mold of biddable debutante."
He realized that Thea had experienced enough emotion for the time being. She was beginning to sound slightly hysterical and her aunt looked exhausted, but happy.
"We can discuss your debut later," he said.
"But—" Thea tried to interrupt.
"No one will force you to wear corsets," he promised and stood. "Come. Your aunt is tired."
Lady Upworth sighed and nodded. "My constitution is not what it used to be. Will you come again tomorrow? I should like to spend more time talking." She fixed her niece with a discerning stare. "There are still many things to discuss."
He wanted to know what those things were, but there would be time enough later to grill Thea about the things she had not yet told him. He sensed there were still important pieces of her life he did not understand.
"Yes." Thea leaned down and kissed her aunt's cheek. "I will come tomorrow. Rest now."
Drake ushered her toward the door.
When they got there, he stopped her and turned back to Lady Upworth. "You should be aware that I intend to marry Thea."
Lady Upworth snorted. "I may be old, young man, but I'm not blind."
* * *
Chapter 12
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I must find something to occupy my mind and time. Thea is wonderful, but she is not enough. Not when I lie in bed at night wishing for my son and longing for a husband who is both friend and love. How foolish I am to even think of such a thing. Men see marriage very differently from women.
The yellow fever is coming. The islanders say that it comes every year and many die because of it. Oh, God, do not let me die. Make me strong for my daughter.
January 18, 1801
Journal of Anna Selwyn, Countess of Langley
Thea wanted to shake Drake. Skewering him with her gaze, she sat ramrod straight in the curricle seat beside him. "How could you have said that?"