Chapter Twenty-Seven: A Teasing Revelation

The morning sun filtered through the curtains of the Blackwood estate, casting a warm golden glow across the elegant interior. Theodore Blackwood paced the length of his study, his thoughts occupied by a particular someone—Eleanor Kensington. His fingers hovered over his phone, resisting the temptation to send her another message. It had been a few hours since their last flirtatious exchange the night before, but the anticipation of hearing from her again soon was enough to keep him on edge.

He was shaken from his reverie as a voice called out from the doorway.

“Brother,” Catherine Blackwood’s voice was both teasing and sweet, as she leaned casually against the doorframe. "I see you're lost in your thoughts. I do hope they're not occupied by Lady Kensington again." She raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Theo turned, his expression betraying nothing, though his heart did a slight, guilty flutter. He had been texting Eleanor all night, and now, having been caught in the act by his younger sister, he felt a little exposed. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Catherine," he replied coolly, his voice laced with feigned innocence.

Catherine smirked as she sauntered into the room, her steps light and playful. "Oh, don't try to fool me," she teased, her eyes glimmering with amusement. "I saw you last night, sneaking glances at your phone like it was a forbidden treasure. And now, every time I walk into your study, I find you staring at that screen again." She arched her eyebrow knowingly, leaning against the edge of his desk. "It’s obvious—you're quite taken with Lady Kensington. And I daresay she’s quite taken with you as well."

Theo sighed, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation, though his lips curved upward in a small, secret smile. "I am not sure where you're getting these ideas from, but I assure you, Catherine, you’re mistaken."

"Oh, am I?" Catherine laughed, her voice full of affection but with a teasing edge. "If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve become completely charmed by her. You can hardly keep your thoughts straight when you’re with her. It's positively endearing to watch." She stepped closer to him, lowering her voice in an exaggerated whisper. “I overheard your conversation with her the other day. The words you were exchanging were positively scandalous. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were already courting her... but without the formalities."

Theo’s face flushed ever so slightly, but he regained his composure quickly. "That’s enough, Catherine. Don’t be ridiculous." He cleared his throat, but Catherine's knowing smile did not waver.

“Oh, I’m not being ridiculous,” she said lightly, as she circled around him like a playful fox. “I’m just stating the obvious. You’ve been texting each other every night, haven’t you? I can tell because you look like a fool every time your phone buzzes. It’s like watching a lovesick puppy, Theo."

He scowled, attempting to hold his ground, but Catherine only laughed louder, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Catherine, stop it," Theo muttered, though he couldn’t stop the smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Catherine placed her hand on his shoulder, looking at him with genuine warmth. "Oh, Theo, there’s no need to be embarrassed," she said sweetly. "Everyone knows how young love works. It’s intoxicating, all-consuming, and utterly delightful to witness. I only wish I could’ve been as giddy and carefree when I first met Edmund."

Theo’s eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of her husband, Edmund, who was also a friend of his. "I thought you said you weren’t one for all the theatrics of courtship," he remarked with a teasing edge, recalling how Catherine had once dismissed the idea of romance as something childish and overly sentimental.

"I was," Catherine admitted, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. "But then Edmund came along, and well..." She sighed dramatically, the fondness in her eyes evident. "He made me see the magic of it all. And now, well, I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Theo softened at his sister’s sincerity, his teasing demeanor giving way to affection. "You’re lucky, then," he said quietly. "To have found that."

Catherine smiled warmly at him. "I know. But you'll find it too, Theo. You and Eleanor... there’s something special there." She nudged him playfully with her elbow. "Even I can see it, and I'm not the type to indulge in this kind of talk. You’ve already got that spark." She gave him a knowing look, her voice lowering to a playful whisper. "Just don’t let your teasing get out of hand with her. I’ve seen the way you act when you think no one’s watching. Trust me, you’ll be the one in over your head soon enough."

Theo's gaze turned thoughtful as his mind drifted back to Eleanor. His sister’s teasing had touched something deeper inside him, something he hadn’t quite admitted to himself yet. Eleanor Kensington was not like the other women in their circle, and he was increasingly drawn to her every word, every glance, every touch. It was a dangerous thing, this feeling, but it was also undeniable.

“I’ll be careful,” Theo said with a small grin, although the gleam in his eyes suggested he was far more serious than he let on. "I don’t intend to let my guard down, Catherine. Not yet." 

Catherine laughed, clearly unconvinced. "Of course, brother. But I wouldn’t be so sure about that." She gave him one last playful shove before heading for the door. "You’ll see. All that teasing won’t matter when you’re standing at the altar."

Theo stood still, staring at the space where his sister had just been, her words echoing in his mind. Could it be that his sister was right? Was he truly falling for Eleanor Kensington in a way that went beyond flirtation and intrigue? 

A sudden knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. A servant entered with a small stack of invitations on a silver tray. "Lord Blackwood, the formal tea invitations for Lady Kensington have been sent. There’s also a reply from the Duke and Duchess confirming the date."

Theo took the stack, his fingers brushing lightly over the embossed invitations. Eleanor would be there, of course. He could hardly wait. The anticipation of seeing her again made his pulse race with both excitement and uncertainty. He would not let this opportunity slip by. Whatever this was between them, it was no longer just a passing attraction—it was something much deeper. 

“Thank you,” Theo said to the servant, his voice steady. As he glanced at the invitation in his hands, his thoughts again wandered to Eleanor, to the spark that seemed to grow with every encounter.

Yes, he was falling for her. And, much to his surprise, he didn’t mind one bit.