Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 129: Afternoon With Helena.

Chapter 129: Afternoon With Helena.

Dear old Critic Arley,

As it appears I have finally laid my hands on the complete information about the Baroness’s downfall and you ought to hear this.

Former Lady Brighton, now Miss Hama had been perceived as kind and generous when she had invited the new lady of the city to her tea party, Lady Lydia Theodore. It had been rumoured that our Lady would attend in a red dress only to appear in black, who’d have known it was of mourning Miss Hama’s soon passing from grace?

After this said party, apparently Miss Hama had not enjoyed Lady Theodore’s visit so she went up to the monster’s lair, haa I assure you she wishes she had not now.

She had gone to warn Lady Theodore never to attend any of her parties again, if I am being honest as she was merely the orphaned wife of a lowly Baron, she should have kept shut.

Now lord Theodore was not very happy about that and whenever the lord is unhappy action has to be taken, so that is how we found our dear old Hama back on the streets. I would feel horrible if this was not so comical.

I shall merely apologize to some families that my writings affect but I can not avoid it, if I do, I might just rust and I cannot bear to do that to my dear old Critic Arley.

Yours Informed

Muckraker.

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Afternoon.

Courtyard, Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

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Lady Theodore was in her office trying to get work done when Dorothy rushed in with the cat in her arms. "Lady Theodore, Your friend is here" she announced.

Lydia lifted her head and expressed her confusion. "A friend?"

Dorothy being careless as ever replied. "Yes, Ms. Helena of Conan" her smile was small.

Lydia shook her head. "My dear Dorothy never let her hear you address her like that" she warned sweetly.

Dorothy grinned. "Yes lady Theodore" she agreed out loud. Lydia stood up and commenced to leave her office.

"Shut the doors behind me and please" Lydia outstretched her arms to have Red dropped in it, she hadn’t picked the cat all day and must be feeling neglected now.

Lydia cooed the pet as she questioned it. "Whity Red, how have you been?"

Throughout the last week, it had spent its morning and afternoon following and watching Lydia, it’ll only sleep where Lydia was and while it’s night, Lydia doesn’t know.

With haste and a smile on her face, Lydia sashayed to the front door, it swung open and Helena appeared. Decked out in a fitted cream gown.

She appeared to have added a bit of effort to look sleek but simplicity bled out still, Lydia thought.

"Where is my healthy married friend!" She wailed, her voice carrying so much vigour, that Lydia found herself laughing.

"I thought we were sisters now" Lydia retorted and they were soon in a big hug, in the process, squishing the white cat between them.

"Oh pardon me, My stylish and prim sister" They parted and Lydia regarded Helena.

Lydia smiled, her face softening. "You appear to be in high spirits, what good must have happened?"

Helena shrugged. "I ran away from home" Helena sing-songed.

Lydia paused in her steps. "You did what?"

Without appearing to care about a thing, Helena continued. "I have my luggage in the carriage, I have already asked a handsome young boy I saw to help me get them" She must have met with one of the twins. They indeed are handsome.

"Whatever do you mean? Come, I was just about to sit in the garden" Lydia invited.

Helena sighed. "I have my precious fans here, we should stay inside please, for I am about to spill" she whispered so only Lydia could hear.

"Okay, I have my hand fan too, it is just I have been indoors since morning" Lydia reasoned out why she didn’t want to be inside the mansion but in the compound.

Helena narrowed her eyes before an idea came for her. "Then let us sit somewhere that is outside yet inside" she advised.

Lydia blinked before she flicked her fingers. "Right, Joyous? Dorothy? Yes can you set up a table for me in the courtyard please, make haste" she called the maids and fired out instructions.

"Yes lady Theodore," they said in unison as they bowed.

As the midday sun cast its golden rays across the courtyard of the extravagant Theodore mansion, Helena and Lydia emerged together from the back door.

Lydia is adorned in rich fabrics of silk and satin, and it shimmered with every step she took. Her gown was embellished with intricate embroidery and cascading jewels, it trailed behind her in a symphony of extravagance. Her hair, intricately styled by the maids, sparkled under the sunlight and was adorned with precious gems that caught the eye of everyone unless she didn’t go out.

While in stark contrast, Helena was clothed in a simplicity that exuded elegance. As she was in a modest yet finely tailored dress of muted tones, she radiated an understated charm. Her hair pulled back into a neat bun, framed her gentle features with effortless grace. With each step, she carried herself with poise, her demeanour spoke volumes of humility.

As they reached the courtyard, Joyous and Dorothy scurried to set up a table for their anticipated conversation.

Despite their differing attire, Lydia and Helena had shared a warm embrace earlier, making it obvious that their friendship transcended the boundaries of material extravagance.

They Settled into their seats, as they embarked on an afternoon of shared laughter, deep conversation, and unwavering camaraderie amidst the internal conflicts each might have.

Lydia sipped her tea and cleared her throat before asking. "So you left Conan’s home?"

Helena clicked her teeth before responding. "Yes, ran away is the right word" Helena clarified.

"And you have decided to stay here?" it was more of an observation than a question on Lydia’s part.

"For the time being, yes, he cannot find me here" Helena replied with a shrug, it wasn’t as easy as she wanted it to appear.

Lydia appeared flustered. "I am altogether amazed at your confidence and trust in me" she confessed.

Helena chuckled, picking up a cup as she whispered a thank you to the maid. "As Conan calls me I am Lady Clingy" she countered.

"Why did you run away" asked Lydia as she emphasized the ’run away’, it was necessary.

Putting her palm under her chin as though contemplating how much to spill, Helena started. "I did something..." she trailed off.

Lydia lifted an elegant brow. "Bad? Awful? Unacceptable?"

"Let us say, shocking, yes, I did something inconceivable" Helena offered, her lips pressed. "Do not look so confused, or bother yourself with the details, just know that you have me for a few days all to yourself" Helena continued with a teasing smile.

Lydia from her heart smiled as she commented. "That sounds undeniably lovely"

"It is undeniably lovely, Gooseberry" Helena was jolly as she replied.

Lydia’s face scrunched, she was irritated. "Do not call me that! Only Theodore shall"

Helena appeared prickled before she laughed. "Oh? You are such a spoilt brat" Helena chided with a feigned disapproval look on her face.

Lydia scoffed. "And you, annoying"

A moment passed in silence before Helena mumbled. "I cannot believe we have arrived at this phase"

They both busted into laughter as they realised that they were slowly now teasing each other and no longer sugarcoating their words.

The maids offered lunch and silent company.

"Now that you are here we shall invite the dressmaker to the mansion" Lydia brought to light after a while.

Helena blinked, not understanding. "For what?" she asked.

Lydia tutted. "Dresses Miss, dresses, one never gets too much of those, and look at the simplicity you represent, you will soon be a businesswoman" she pointed out.

Helena scoffed. "You who complain so bitterly about my fashion I have a few words of mine to say about your fashion" she countered.

Lydia appeared stricken at the accusation. "Bitterly? My fashion is impeccable" she resorted.

"Oh? But I have got something on you" Helena now carried a cocky expression with a smirk.

With pressed lips, Lydia said. "Do tell, Lena"

Helena turned red instantly. "Oh my word, I have never been given a nickname before" she confessed.

"Falsehood! I-" but then they both interrupted Lydia as they started to laugh abruptly.

"I meant you have a nickname, I have heard Conan call you something before" Lydia cleared after the fit of laughter.

Helena rolled her eyes. "Please, that’s a jab, not a nickname, it isn’t loving or as soft as me, but Lena is"

"Quite right" Lydia agreed lifting a biscuit.

"So the problem you have in your amicable fashion sense is that you never wear gloves" Helena pointed out and as Lydia tried to defend herself Helena held up a finger. "Wait... you are a noble lady married to noblest of men and yet you are frequently seen carrying about without a hand glove, do you wish to be talked about by the Muckraker?"