Chapter Fifty-Three: Impressions and Teases

The night had fallen quietly over Kensington estate. The grand chandeliers in the sitting room cast a soft glow over the two women sitting by the fireplace, their laughter echoing in the otherwise silent room. Eleanor and Catherine, who had spent the evening discussing everything from society’s expectations to the latest fashions, had found a moment of lighthearted fun. 

"Come on, you have to do it properly," Eleanor insisted, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “It’s all in the tone, Catherine. You need to raise your voice like this.” 

Catherine, her cheeks flushed from laughing, took a deep breath and tried again. She cleared her throat dramatically before adopting a deep, slightly formal tone. “Eleanor,” she began, with exaggerated sophistication, “you’re looking particularly exquisite tonight. I trust you’re enjoying the fine wine? It’s of the highest quality, you know.” 

Eleanor collapsed into a fit of giggles at the perfect imitation of Theo’s typical way of speaking—his serious, almost theatrical nature when it came to matters of quality and formality. 

“No, no, no,” Eleanor said between laughs, holding her stomach. “You’ve got it all wrong! He doesn’t say it like that! He’s more like this…” Eleanor closed her eyes, her face softening slightly as she adopted her best impression of Theo. “My dear Eleanor,” she intoned with a touch of his cool, deep voice. “We must maintain the utmost standards, for nothing less would do for someone of your stature.” 

Catherine clutched her sides as the two of them burst into another round of laughter. “Oh, that’s perfect” she said, wiping her eyes. “You really have him nailed. It’s just too good.” 

Eleanor couldn’t help but join her. “Oh, but Theo has such a way of being so serious, so *proper* at the most random moments. It makes me want to laugh! But then I remember...he is a Blackwood.” 

The two women settled into a comfortable silence for a moment, the warmth of the fire and the ease of their friendship filling the space. 

"You know," Catherine said after a pause, still grinning, "I’ve never seen Theo so smitten with anyone before. Not like he is with you. You’ve really changed him, Eleanor." 

Eleanor, who had been leaning back in her chair, tilted her head and smiled softly. "I think the change goes both ways. He’s been good for me too. I’m starting to see things differently, and I think... I think that’s why we work." 

Their conversation shifted from playful to more introspective, the bond between the two women growing deeper as they shared their experiences in their marriages, their futures, and their hopes for what was to come. But just as they were starting to delve into a more serious conversation, they heard the sound of footsteps approaching. 

The door to the sitting room creaked open, and two tall figures emerged in the doorway. Theo and Edmund stood there, leaning casually against the doorframe with knowing smirks on their faces. 

"Well, well, well," Theo said, his voice low and amused. "What’s this? I must say, I’m intrigued. Is this how you see us?" 

Eleanor and Catherine exchanged quick glances before bursting into another round of laughter. Both men raised an eyebrow at the sight. 

“Please,” Edmund chuckled, stepping into the room, his voice light but teasing. “Do us the honor of repeating those impressions for us. We’re dying to hear them again.” 

Catherine leaned back in her chair and shrugged exaggeratedly. "Oh, it’s nothing much, really,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she mimicked Edmund’s slightly pompous mannerisms. “Just that ‘I’m Lord Darlington, and I expect everything to be done according to my preferences.” She rolled her eyes for added effect. 

Eleanor, not to be outdone, turned to Theo, her expression turning into a perfect imitation of his calm, composed demeanor. “I am Theodore Blackwood,” she said, her voice dropping slightly deeper as she squared her shoulders. “And I think you’ll find, Eleanor, that this is the best course of action for everyone involved.” 

Both men couldn’t help but laugh at the spot-on impersonations. They had heard themselves mimicked before, but never with such accuracy, and it was difficult to maintain their composure. Theo looked at Eleanor, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. 

“I think we’ve been had,” he said, trying to suppress his amusement. “I didn’t realize we were so… predictable.” 

“Predictable?” Eleanor raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying herself. “Oh, no, Theo. Not predictable. Just consistent. You both have your little routines, don’t you?” 

Theo’s eyes softened, and he stepped toward her. “Oh, we do, do we?” he teased, lowering his voice to a more playful tone. “Well, it seems my dear wife has been studying me.” 

“Of course, I have,” Eleanor replied, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “How else could I have such an impeccable impression of you?” 

Before Theo could reply, Edmund laughed. “I’ll admit, you two have a great sense of humor. But I must say, I’m not sure I like the idea of being mocked in such a way.” He feigned offense, placing a hand dramatically over his heart. 

“Well,” Catherine grinned, “perhaps if you didn’t take yourself so seriously all the time, you wouldn’t be such an easy target.” 

Theo looked over at Edmund and shrugged nonchalantly. “I think I’m in the clear. Eleanor hasn’t made an impression of me yet that would upset my ego.” 

"Let’s see about that," Edmund said with a grin, his gaze flicking toward his brother. “It seems someone here thinks they have mastered the art of subtlety." 

As if on cue, Theo leaned toward Eleanor, his smile turning into something more playful and teasing. “No one is as good at keeping secrets and remaining calm as you, my darling wife. You, of course, are the epitome of grace and restraint.” 

Eleanor raised an eyebrow at him, her lips curling into a teasing smile. “Oh, is that how you see me?” she asked, stepping closer. “Because if that’s the case…” 

Before she could finish her sentence, Theo scooped her up in his arms, lifting her effortlessly off the ground. Eleanor gasped, surprised by his sudden movement, but she quickly recovered and wrapped her arms around his neck, her laughter ringing through the room. 

Catherine watched in amusement as Edmund chuckled beside her. “It’s hard to get the upper hand when your husband’s this charming,” she said, her eyes twinkling. 

“You know,” Edmund said, “I think we should all retire for the night. Theo looks like he has plans for his wife, and I’ve a feeling they’re going to need some privacy” 

Theo shot Edmund a playful glance. “Indeed, I do. But as for you two, I suggest you get some rest as well. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.” 

Catherine smiled knowingly as Theo carried Eleanor out of the sitting room, her voice drifting back to them. “We’ll see you in the morning, dear brother.”