Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 27: Ladies supporting women in Critic Arley

Chapter 27: Ladies supporting women in Critic Arley

Lydia went through the three clothes the dressmaker delivered one by one she sat with a sigh her back aching from trying all three on to find out Ms Janet got everyone right and there was no need for any adjustment

"The dresses are beautiful and it was rapidly delivered, I’m content" her voice drifted into the silence as she sat gingerly in her now different gown.

"Thank you Lady Theodore" Ms. Janet expressed her gratitude for the acknowledgement from the lady of the city.

Lydia resisted the urge to roll her eyes before saying "If you ever wish to call me by my name do not hesitate"

Ms Janet didn’t get a chance to reply as the door was stretched open by an attention-seeking face ’Hound’ who came in with a tray that Lydia viewed as old and itch-inducing, the tray carrying a single cup filled with water as his next words confirmed.

"Lord Theodore said to bring water to his thirsty wife"

"I’m the Lady of the house" she pointed out

She thought she saw his lips twitch before he bowed slightly to apologize "Accept my sincerest apologies I was simply relaying a message sent"

She narrowed her eyes, she questioned why the water was just one and none had been brought for the guest, he didn’t have an answer to that making her wonder how much work she really had to do here, she then nodded for him to excuse them and he did, his expansive shoulders leaving a small space between the edge of the door.

"There is something I wish for you to secretly make for me" Lydia continued as she was sure they were alone

"Anything Lady Theodore" Ms Janet had a smile on as she said this

"It’s... Scarfs, male scarfs of white colours" her cheeks now as red as tomatoes

Ms. Janet grinned knowingly "For Lord Theodore, I presume?"

Lydia blushed, there was a weird connection brewing between her and the dressmaker, which was not entirely unwelcome, but gave a pleasant feeling and made her feel comfortable to talk to the woman. Lydia is clueless about what the feeling is but would like to dive deeper.

"Yes... and also good pieces of cotton for the lady’s" she confirmed

Ms Janet nodded "I shall do well to deliver tomorrow"

"Oh no" Lydia’s hand flew out to stop the woman from staying under more pressure than needed.

"No need to rush, take your time"

"That’s alright, I don’t have many customers" the dressmaker shrugged making her dress produce weird sounds

Lydia frowned "And why’s that?, you make fine dresses"

"Maybe because I’m old and well... rude sometimes" she grinned drawing a smile out of Lydia too

"But you’re not rude, and definitely not old"

"The Society doesn’t want a widowed business woman" she stated, Lydia stood up, nodding as she agreed with the statement.

"I think we shall talk better if you come next" she relayed

"But I’m fine, Lady Theodore thanks for caring" At Ms Janet’s refusal Lydia clarified

"We’re all women in Critic Arley and we should support each other"

Ms. Janet simply smiled.

They walked out and Theodore met them at the front before she could ask what he was doing there, per usual, he stretched his hands towards Ms Janet, his face a blank sheet.

"Here is your pay"

Her eyes remained kind as she took the little pouch of Crits from Theodore

"Thank you, My Lord, Lady Theodore" She bowed deeply, trying to hide her teary eyes. Without looking at them she turned and headed for the gate

"I shall tell it to the people how much of a great customer you are" she yelled as she neared her old-looking cart

"I do not crave more people in my mansion" Theodore sassed quickly as the woman scurried away

"Thank you, You shall be rewarded" Lydia yelled back with a smile before directing a scowl to Theodore, afterwards.

"It is getting even more chilling don’t you think?" he tries to avert her scowl

Crossing her arms akimbo she advised "You have to let people come to the house" It sounded like a scold than she intended

"I just dislike their sounds" he defended, his eyebrow raised

Exasperated she snorted, "The sound of life?" He shook his head before stepping into her personal space, tucking the hair blocking his view he whispered

"Gooseberry, take a nap, I’d be stepping out" she unconsciously leaned into his hand

"Don’t stay out late" she whispered back

"Not with you waiting for me" Her smile reflected in his eyes

He dropped a kiss on her forehead, gazed at ocean blue eyes before dropping his hands and leaving.

****************

Orphanage, Critic-Ishelm

"Welcome sire, how can I help you" a scanty-haired brunette greeted Theodore as he took his purposeful step into the building for orphans.

"I do not in any way need your help, where’s the head here?" He went straight to the point making the girl frown, before she could say something she’d have regretted, a voice drew both their attention

"Who is asking?" A tall woman stepped into the wide hallway, her simple white gown just below her knee, she had her hair in a tight bun, highlighting her facial features. Her eyes widened as she recognised who it was and started to acknowledge

"Theod... " but he cut her off with a sharp comment

"Margaret I have a request"

She stared at him for a few seconds before nodding and turning around "Follow me"

Theodore quietly did, fully aware of the gaze of the scanty-haired workers on him, as he followed Margaret’s lead, he frowned at the unnatural silence in the building.

Where are the kids?

The room she led him into, had so many little mirrors on the wall that he wondered if there was a fight here but decided to not comment on them.

"Heard you got married" Margaret took her seat on a blue couch, pointing at the one opposite her, a silent invitation for him to sit.

"It is not a rumour" his reply met her as he took his seat, elegance rolling off his movement.

"Didn’t think it was" she replied "What is it you want?" No excess small talk.

"Girls, at least five of them" he stated

"Theo? What are you asking of me?" Her frown was deep.

The shawl she has around her head effortlessly reminded him of his Gooseberry, but the doubt in her eyes overruled it.

"I’m not going to do whatever it is you might be thinking"

"Then what... "

"My wife needs handmaids and help around the house" he interrupted

"I see, but I can’t help you with that" Her frown eased into a placid face as she watched Theodore’s face question her without a word

"The orphans aren’t my property to just give out when one asks" she answered

He nodded "I shall pay, and it’s employment"

His conviction didn’t work because she uttered "I’m sorry"

"Can I use leverage?" He probed nicely, he knew he could simply threaten her into agreeing but Margaret hasn’t been anything but silent in the city so she earned his respect.

"Theo, get out, use the slave establishment" She stood up, her face red, he knew it was fear so he smirked.

"It was a nice chat, and don’t come snooping around" he warned, knowing well now that she had confirmed he was married she’d want to know who the Lady was.

"I need to know your wife" she whined

"Stay with your indispensable orphans".

Her doors banged behind him as his cold electric blue gaze landed on the worker in the building. He sent her a smirk.

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