MY THEODOSIA Read Online Free PDF

you a moment, Papa Burr?'
    He rose with instant courtesy, thrusting his pen into its ruby-colored glass of shot. Natalie slid into the room twisting her fingers nervously. He settled her on a chair and reseated himself. 'What is it, Natalie? What is troubling you?'
    He smiled kindly at the girl, thinking that it was a pity she was not prettier, though she had a certain style with her retroussé nose and tiny pursed mouth, and she did manage to coax her light nondescript hair into a chic coiffure. She wasn't a Frenchwoman for nothing.
    'It's ... it's about Theo,' she faltered.
    His eyelids flickered, but his warm smile remained unchanged. 'Well, what about Theo? Come, child, you act like a flushed partridge. Out with it.'
    Natalie gulped and in one excited breath went on: 'This morning, she—she said she had rendezvous with a'andsome young man, but she was not even sure of his name. I could not believe my ears. I tried to stop her, of course, but she would not listen. She ran from me, toute étourdie, laughing comme une folle. I—I thought I must tell you.'
    Aaron nodded, his eyes sympathetic. 'You did quite right, my dear,' while he suppressed laughter that would have hurt the earnest and estimable Natalie. So that was all it was. An escapade, a piece of light-hearted foolishment, or she would never have told Natalie.
    They both turned at sounds outside, Minerva's unmistakable whinny, then Theo's clear voice, asking eagerly, 'Is Colonel Burr at home yet?'
    Natalie rose hastily. 'You won't scold her too much today, will you? It is her jour de fête.'
    'I shall not scold her,' said Aaron gravely, 'too much'. Amusement twitched at his mouth as Natalie escaped.
    He stood quietly waiting, as light footsteps ran down the hall toward him.
    Theo burst in, stumbling a little over her flowing skirt. 'Oh, I'm so sorry I was not here to greet you! And, Papa, thank you, thank you for the exquisite present'. She flung her arms about his neck, pressing her warm young cheek to his.
    'I'm glad you like it, child. It should suit you'. He encircled her chin with his hand, tilting her head back to search her face. Her eyes, brilliant and unshadowed, met his with loving candor.
    'Did you enjoy your ride?' he asked quietly, but there was meaning in his tone.
    Theo's tiny white teeth caught her underlip. She lowered her lashes, half-guilty, half-laughing. So he knew. It never occurred to her to wonder how. Sooner or later he always knew everything, anyway.
    'Well, I did, and I didn't,' she answered, choosing her words. 'You see, the other day...'
    'You needn't tell me,' he struck in, smiling. 'You have my most perfect trust, as you know'. He touched her smooth hair in a brief caress.
    Suddenly she averted her face. Slow red washed over her neck and up to the curly auburn bang on her forehead.
    Aaron stared. His intuition, always sensitive, was triggerquick where Theo was concerned. Damme if I don't believe the minx has been kissed. A surface cynicism masked a disagreeable sense of shock. Imperceptibly his whole body stiffened. 'But tell me this, Theo. Will you be riding that way again?' His tone was casual, though he watched her narrowly, intent to catch any secrecy or subtle withdrawal in those transparent features.
    And there was none. Her color had ebbed. She perfectly understood the meaning behind his question. She gave her little gurgle of amusement, shook her head. 'No, I shall not ride that way again. On the whole, I find the—the landscape not to my liking.'
    'Ah-—' said Aaron, satisfied. He reached over the table, flipped open his silver snuffbox, took a pinch with a well-kept thumb and forefinger, and sniffed it delicately. 'Run along now, Miss Prissy'. He seldom called her by her childish nickname any more, and she smiled quick response. 'I'll let you off your studies today,' he went on. 'Go and prepare yourself for the party. You must look your loveliest. There will be a rare gathering to do you honor.'
    When she had gone, he sat