Chapter Six: A Bold Request

The next few days passed in a blur for Theodore Blackwood. The whirlwind of aristocratic obligations, polite dinners, and social expectations that always surrounded him felt strangely hollow in comparison to the lingering thoughts of Lady Eleanor Kensington. Since that evening at her estate, where he had escorted her around the gardens, his mind had been preoccupied with little else. She haunted his thoughts—her sharp wit, her defiant spirit, and the way her eyes sparkled with a mix of intelligence and curiosity that seemed so foreign to the typical women of his world.

Theodore had spent the hours since their meeting with an unusual restlessness, pacing the grand rooms of Blackwood House, as if the weight of his inheritance and his family’s expectations were no longer enough to anchor him. It was not a thought he had entertained lightly, but the truth had become inescapable—he was drawn to Eleanor in a way he had never experienced before. His attraction to her was not merely physical; it was something far deeper, something that tugged at him in a way he couldn’t ignore.

And so, after days of contemplation, he had made up his mind. He would go to the Kensington estate once more, but this time with a purpose: he would ask for permission to escort Lady Eleanor to the opera.

It was a bold move, one that carried all the weight of propriety and the expectations of their families, yet Theodore could not shake the feeling that this was the next step, the natural progression of things. A public event—such as a night at the opera—would allow them to interact beyond the constraints of private, carefully guarded settings. It was an opportunity to see her again, to talk to her, and to perhaps—just perhaps—break free from the stifling expectations of their respective families.

Theodore was sitting in his study, a room filled with dark wood and leather-bound books, a quiet retreat from the bustling world outside. His fingers drummed nervously on the armrest of his chair, his thoughts a million miles away as he stared out the window. The clock on the mantelpiece ticked softly in the background, the sound almost deafening in the silence.

“Brother, you look positively miserable!” A voice broke through his thoughts, and Theodore turned to see his younger sister, Catherine, leaning against the doorframe with a mischievous smile on her face. Catherine, at twenty, was the opposite of Theodore—bubbly, inquisitive, and without a care for the rigid structure of their society. She had inherited the Blackwood charm, with her bright eyes and an unrestrained smile, a stark contrast to her older brother’s more reserved nature.

“What is it now, Catherine?” Theodore asked, raising an eyebrow in mock irritation.

Catherine sauntered into the room, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. “You’re staring at that window as if you’re contemplating the meaning of life. Honestly, you’re a man of action, Theodore. But right now, you’re acting like you’re stuck in some kind of eternal dilemma. What’s on your mind?”

Theodore let out a sigh, rubbing his temple. “It’s nothing, really. Just... thoughts that don’t seem to leave me.”

“Oh, I see,” Catherine said, a knowing glint in her eyes. “It’s a woman, isn’t it?”

Theodore froze, his heart skipping a beat. Catherine’s perceptiveness was both a gift and a curse. He had always prided himself on his ability to maintain composure, yet with her, he could never quite hide his thoughts. “What makes you think that?” he asked, his voice betraying more than he intended.

“Oh, please. You’ve been practically humming with tension every time Eleanor Kensington’s name comes up,” Catherine teased, crossing her arms and leaning back against the desk. “It’s written all over your face. I thought you’d never admit it, but now it’s as clear as day.”

Theodore ran a hand through his dark hair, leaning back in his chair. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I’m your sister, Theodore. I know you better than you know yourself,” Catherine quipped, grinning. “Now, are you going to do something about this... fascination of yours, or are you going to keep brooding in here?”

Theodore’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean, ‘do something about it’?”

Catherine’s grin widened. “Well, you’re not one for idle fantasies, are you? If you like her—Lady Kensington, that is—you’ll need to make your intentions known. And what better way than to invite her to the opera?”

Theodore blinked in surprise. “The opera?”

“Yes! It’s the perfect opportunity,” Catherine said, her excitement palpable. “It’s public, it’s proper, and it gives you the chance to get to know her better outside of this endless parade of dinners and balls. You can’t just keep staring at her across the room and pretending it means nothing. Do something!”

Theodore sat silently, contemplating his sister’s words. He had always prided himself on being methodical, cautious—qualities that served him well in his position as heir to the Duke of Islington. But Catherine was right. If he didn’t act now, if he didn’t make his intentions known, he risked losing the opportunity to discover what lay between him and Eleanor.

Still, there was a part of him that hesitated. The Blackwood family’s position was one of prominence and influence, and any step Theodore took in the direction of Lady Eleanor Kensington would be closely scrutinized by both families. He had seen firsthand how such decisions could lead to entanglements that were difficult to unravel.

Yet, despite his reservations, there was a part of him that simply couldn’t deny the pull he felt toward her. He wanted to know her better, to understand her beyond the carefully crafted persona she presented to society. He wanted to see the fire behind her composed exterior. And if the opera was the key to that, then he would go.

“Alright,” Theodore said, standing up and straightening his jacket. “I will do it. I’ll ask her. I’ll go to her family, ask for permission, and see where this goes.”

Catherine’s face broke into a grin. “Oh, Theodore, I knew you had it in you! It’s about time you did something bold.”

Theodore smiled wryly, though there was a glint of determination in his eyes. “It’s not boldness, Catherine. It’s simply... necessary.”

With that, he turned on his heel and made his way out of the study. His sister’s laughter echoed behind him, but he didn’t pay it any mind. He had a purpose now.

---

The Kensington estate was as grand as it had been when Theodore had first visited, but this time, the weight of his visit felt different. The air seemed heavier, charged with the anticipation of what was to come. His carriage had pulled up to the grand entrance, and Theodore had stepped out, adjusting his coat and preparing himself for what he was about to do.

He was greeted by the butler, who led him through the opulent corridors to the drawing room, where the Duke and Duchess of Kensington awaited him. He could already sense the subtle pressure of the situation. His visit, though not unexpected, would be scrutinized. His purpose was clear: he was here to request permission to escort their daughter, Lady Eleanor, to the opera.

As he stepped into the drawing room, he saw the Duke and Duchess seated comfortably by the fire. The Duke, an imposing figure with a reputation for being both shrewd and calculating, looked up at him with a polite but expectant smile. His gaze flicked toward the Duchess, who, though a woman of considerable grace and elegance, had a keen eye for detail.

“Lord Blackwood,” the Duke greeted him, his voice rich and commanding. “It’s always a pleasure to have you in our home. What brings you here today?”

Theodore took a deep breath, steadying himself before speaking. “Your Grace, Duchess, I hope this evening finds you well.”

“Quite well, thank you,” the Duchess replied, her smile warm but inquisitive. “And what may we do for you, Lord Blackwood?”

Theodore hesitated for a moment, then spoke with the confidence that he had been trained to wield his entire life. “I would like to request permission to escort your daughter, Lady Eleanor, to the opera. I believe it would be a suitable opportunity for us to enjoy a cultured evening together, and I would be honored if you would grant me this privilege.”

A slight pause fell over the room. The Duke exchanged a glance with his wife, and for a moment, Theodore wondered whether he had made a grave mistake. But the Duchess, ever the diplomat, was the first to respond.

“We would be delighted to see you both attend, Lord Blackwood,” she said with a smile that held both approval and a hint of curiosity. “Lady Eleanor would be quite pleased, I’m sure.”

The Duke nodded slowly. “Yes, indeed. We have long thought highly of the Blackwood family. You may proceed, Lord Blackwood.”

Theodore’s heart lifted, though he kept his composure. This was only the beginning, he knew, but it was a step forward—a step that would lead him closer to the enigmatic Lady Eleanor Kensington.

---

As he left the Kensington estate, the evening air seemed to carry the promise of something more. He had done it. The invitation had been given. And now, there was nothing left to do but wait for her response.

Theodore Blackwood had taken the first step. Now, only time would tell where it would lead.