Chapter 3.4

“Rumors… you say?”

“Oh, don’t worry, they’re not bad rumors. I’ve heard you have a deep knowledge of horticulture and landscaping. I’m quite interested in plants myself.”

“Oh my.”

Theodora’s mouth opened slightly at the unexpected words. Whether Robert’s words were true or not, it was a fresh approach. Come to think of it, no man had ever approached her by mentioning her interests. Intrigued by his words, Theodora revealed herself a little more from behind the plant pot she was half-hiding behind.

“I do like plants, indeed. I can’t say I’m deeply knowledgeable, though…”

“Yes, that’s why I wanted to greet you. It’s rare to meet someone with similar hobbies. If it’s not too much trouble, would you give me the chance tonight?”

Of course, there was no particular reason to refuse. At that moment, what crossed Theodora’s mind wasn’t how decent Robert actually was, but how he would appear in Adrian’s eyes.

She hadn’t mentioned Robert Huxley to Adrian yet, but externally, there seemed to be no flaws to object to.

Would Adrian welcome someone like Robert as a husband? If I maintained a suitable relationship with the man in front of me, could I pause this dreadful search for a groom?

“Yes, okay. But when you say plants… the topic is quite broad. Is there a specific area you’re interested in? I’ve been focusing on bulb breeding lately. As a gentleman, you might be interested in the currently trendy bonsai.”

She didn’t intend to engage so sincerely, but as she brought up the topic, she found herself surprisingly talkative.

Robert Huxley looked down at such Theodora with an admiring expression and extended his arm for escort, and she unconsciously placed her hand on his arm. At the moment when a strong perfume scent hit her, causing her to frown slightly, Robert’s enthusiastic voice was heard.

“It seems the rumors weren’t false. Attempting breeding suggests you have extensive knowledge of plants. For reference, I’m more interested in wild plants than bonsai. Specifically, in the indoor cultivation of outdoor plants…”

“Miss Hazel.”

If someone hadn’t called her, Theodora would have walked through the garden with Robert. However, due to the sudden appearance of an individual, their conversation was abruptly cut off.

Wondering if it was one of the men who had been eyeing her all evening, she turned around to find an unexpected figure standing there. It wasn’t a welcome face, but it was familiar.

“Oh… Viscount Langham?”

With ginger hair, pale skin, and freckles covering his face, he was a person Theodora found hard to forget. Because…

“I have something urgent to discuss. Could you spare a moment?”

He was almost the only suitor in Theodora’s life. His next words stopped her from hesitating in discomfort.

“It’s related to the Marquis of Devon.”

* * *

By the time Adrian finally found his friend after searching the complex venue, she was in great shock.

Earlier, Theodora had excused herself from Robert Huxley and conversed with Viscount Langham on the terrace. She couldn’t ignore it since it was about Adrian. Robert seemed quite regretful but quietly stepped back at Theodora’s request.

‘Let’s meet again, Miss Theodora.’

After he left, Viscount Langham, looking very tense, began to speak, and as his words continued, Theodora was so shocked she could only gape.

“Can you swear that what you just said… is all true, Viscount?”

“I swear on my family’s honor, there’s not a single lie in what I said today. I’ve tried to visit you several times, but circumstances didn’t allow it, Miss Theodora… Despite that, I came today because I felt the Marquis’s intentions in approaching you were quite impure. As a gentleman of the Empire, I couldn’t just stand by. So, I leave the rest to your judgment, Miss Theodora…”

As their conversation neared its end, a tall figure suddenly appeared in the dark terrace. Theodora didn’t need to see to know it was Adrian.

“What are you doing here, Theo? I’ve been looking for you…”

He, who was about to speak to her, noticeably hardened his expression upon seeing Viscount Langham standing opposite. His dark eyebrows and strong eyes became very fierce, and the anger in his gaze was quite threatening. Theodora was inwardly surprised by his unfamiliar appearance.

The two men stared at each other like people who had forgotten all etiquette, not even exchanging formal greetings. It was Viscount Langham who first raised the white flag.

“I’ve finished my story. Have a pleasant evening.”

Watching Viscount Langham’s retreating figure as he fled the terrace as if frightened, Theodora soon turned toward Adrian.

“I wondered where you were, and here you are with some worthless fellow.”

Watching Langham’s retreating back like a hunter stalking prey, he then turned his gaze to her. Theodora still couldn’t believe the words Viscount Langham had said.

‘The proposal letter I sent to you three years ago was withdrawn not by my will, Miss Theodora.’

“That man earlier, Theo.”

Lost in thought, Theodora absentmindedly answered while staring at Adrian’s dissatisfied face.

“Oh… you mean Viscount Langham?”

“No, forget about him, he’s not worth mentioning. I was talking about the blond one.”

“Who… oh, you mean Mr. Huxley?”

When had he seen me with Robert?

“That’s the kind of man you should never get close to. I’ll tell you why later…”

‘We received threats that if we didn’t withdraw the proposal, our family would suffer disadvantages.’

“From now on, even if he acknowledges you, ignore him.”

‘After tracking the warnings, which I thought were mere pranks, I found out… the letters were sent from the Bachelet Ducal Family. Yes, it was a threat sent by Lord Bachelet, who is now the Marquis of Devon.’

Viscount Langham’s words overlapped with his, and a danger alarm began to ring in Theodora’s mind. Even though she firmly believed Adrian wouldn’t do anything harmful to her, there were more than a few unclear parts.

Why was he so obsessed with my marriage? When did this eccentricity start? Why did he chase away the man who proposed to me, even threatening him?

If it was simply because he didn’t like him, why didn’t he discuss it with me? Moreover, why had he kept that fact a secret from me until now…

“Again?”

Theodora asked cautiously. Adrian frowned slightly.

“What do you mean, Theo?”

“Is there something else I need to know? Like, this isn’t the first season you’ve been chasing away my suitors.”

He paused for a moment, then understood her words and clenched his teeth. His firm jaw muscles bulged fiercely. His gaze remained sharp.

“That idiot…”

It was the first time Theodora had seen Adrian curse, and she was startled. Realizing her wide eyes, he quickly composed his fierce expression.

“That was… nothing serious. I happened to hear around that time. That Viscount Langham was courting you. I needed to check if he was a decent man, so I did some background research. And I found out he had a huge gambling debt. So I wrote him a letter. If he had any conscience, he should withdraw his proposal himself. I don’t know what he might have said, but he must have held a grudge against me, so it wouldn’t have been anything good.”

Seeing Adrian calmly explaining as if that was all, she could only nod blankly.

“I see. Did you ever watch over me or anything…”

“You know better than anyone how fast rumors spread in Melhem, Theodora.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

But there were still a few lingering doubts in her heart.

“Then Ian, were there other suitors you chased away besides Viscount Langham?”

At that question, he hesitated and remained silent for a moment. The answer that came much later left Theodora even more troubled.

“There were… two more.”

It seemed those two didn’t even get to propose before failing Adrian’s assessment.

“But I swear, I never watched over you. I just paid special attention to the news coming from Melhem as a close friend.”

That could have been true. But if it wasn’t surveillance, how did he know about men who hadn’t even proposed to her yet and stop them?

“It’s a story I didn’t know at all… I’m really surprised.”

Adrian’s words were oddly inconsistent. Therefore, based on the situation alone, she should start doubting and guarding against him from now on. However, Adrian was more precious to Theodora than family, so she couldn’t easily suspect him.

“I’m really sorry for not telling you in advance. I never meant to deceive you. I just thought you might waste time on men not worth considering, Theo. Please believe me.”

‘Yes, Ian’s words make some sense.’ h

Her long-broken heart was eager to defend Adrian. Yet her mind clearly recognized the oddities. If only he had informed her, or better yet, given her the chance to reject them herself.

She could have made that judgment on her own. Did Adrian see her as that unreliable?

Recalling the countless years of being scolded by her father for not having a proper suitor, it was quite an unfair matter.

But, yes. Think positively. If a suitor had appeared and she repeatedly refused, her father would have forced her into marriage with someone. Using the excuse of having no suitors, she had managed to delay things so far, so she couldn’t entirely blame Adrian’s actions. Theodora knew her instincts were trying to steer her thoughts away from blaming him.

“Yes, I trust you.”

So she could only say that.

“You’re the only person in this world I can trust more than myself.”

It wasn’t for any other reason. It was simply the truth.

“So, Ian. Can you answer honestly the question I’m about to ask?”

At this moment, what she truly wanted to know wasn’t why Adrian went to such lengths to block her marriage prospects. Theodora wanted to know about the second secret Viscount Langham had revealed.