Spoiled (29 page)

A
fter Michael and Evangeline had gone off on their honeymoon, Theodora went to stay with Lord and Lady Ashbourne at Ashbourne Abbey. Eventually, she would make her home with her brother and new sister-in-law at Illingham Vicarage. She also spent some time with Lord and Lady Ilam, and frequently visited Mr and Mrs Granby, who were finding the house a little empty and quiet with their only daughter gone.

The first time that she stayed overnight at Granby Park, she was invited to sleep in Evangeline's old room. ‘You will find some of her things are still here,' Mrs Granby said.

Theodora walked over to the window, remembering some of the conversations that she and Evangeline had had on that very window seat. Lying on the chest of drawers was a book and, picking it up, she saw that it was Mary Wollstonecraft's
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
.

‘Borrow it if you like,' said Mrs Granby. ‘I think Evangeline has finished with it.'

‘Do you know, I think I just might,' Theodora replied with a smile.