1 Chapter One

Theodosia-Teddy- Beaumont sat among the other mask debutant girls and their chaperones in the Sterling Manor. Most girls that had begun their season with her were already engaged or married; she was nearly at her spinsterhood, little allowance thanks to her forboding stepmother, Lady Imogen.

*'Not that I would mind becoming a spinster, hope that I wouldn't have to be dragged to these dreadful dinners every time Lady Imogen wishes to show off Anjelica.'* Twitching her nose slightly at the itch of the black fabric material of the mask. Looking over at her younger half-sister, Anjelica giggled with each word the man-Lord Stephen O'Byran- stated. She was flitting her brown eyes at the newly minted suitor that would speak sweet nothings to her.

" Lord O'Byran, I hear that your uncle Mr. Wakefield has returned from one of his many hunting trips. Do you plan on joining in with him?" one of the mask girls nestled on the Chesterfield giddy with the others flitting around.

Lord O'Byran placing a chaste kiss on her hand, wrapping her arm around his walking around the Sterling Manor, "My uncle enjoyed his annual hunting trips more than spending time here with guests whenever we come down to visit," the gaggle of young girls, including Anjelica trailed behind them like spoiled puppies seeking attention.

Two other gentlemen were lounging over near the bar whispering to each other, nearly the same age as Theodosia's father.

Taking the chance to escape the rush of dancing and Lady Imogen's watch, she made it to one of the balconies, peering over the Sterling manor into the garden, taking in the fresh air as the weight ease from her shoulders, catching her mother's voice in the when with the other mothers. Teddy watched as Lady Imogen clucking with the other chaperones, their soft words hidden behind their fans, that didn't stop their words from reaching her ears.

"I worried so when my youngest daughter, Anjelica, came into her season, things were so different for what was the rave nowadays, and that sister of hers, Theodosia, was no help when it came to preparing for the ball." The rest of the chaperones sent the Lady of Westfall solemn looks.

She leans away from the balcony hidden among the shadows as chaperones stride past the double doors, as Teddy heard the words put in a not so delicate matter before as a child. It doesn't mean they don't sting any less.

She was trailing after the older women back towards the parlor room when most of the other guests gather. Before passing by the dining, a whisper caught her attention, having her lean closer to the doors capturing two muffled voices.

One a woman, the other a man.

"Did you see the way through little girls were hanging off of Stephen's words?" a voice chuckled, the sounds of glass at the bar moving around.

A snort was the only response from the other companion. "Father believes that he'll be able to score off those earl daughters to continue paying his lifestyle."

Another unladylike snort, "Unlikely for the spinster one, Geoffery, she seems like a dull while her sister, if anything a bit too bright don't you think?" the woman clucked as the heat of rage spread to Teddy's face.

Though knowing that it was the truth doesn't mean that she couldn't hate the fact others spoke of her. She was an older woman with kittens surrounding her. Teddy knows that she wasn't like other women, not that it bothers her; Lady Imogen made it clear that her peculiarness is something she should keep to herself and not rub it on her sister.

Turning away from the cracked door only to come face to face with a man with gold eyes, a curious expression as he watches her.

A werewolf. "They didn't say that we would be having another guest hiding from us in halls." Teddy sated more than a question.

The gentleman's lips twitch, " Shouldn't one introduce themselves before striking up a conversation?"

Ignoring the rush, the heat runs to her cheeks, "Theodosia Beaumont, and you are, sir?"

A smile showing a few of his canines, bowing slightly, "Silas Knightley, an old friend of Stephen since boarding school. You are Lord Beamount's first daughter, correct? The one that was once engaged to a Dennis Rory?" he questioned.

The heat of embarrassment quickly changed to rage as Teddy stare the werewolf- Knightley- in the eye. "You speak as if you know the truth from what was said about what happened with my engagement with Rory. Let me help you with the truth, sir, what happened between Lord Rory, and I is none of your furry backside concern."

Gathering herself, nodding slightly before hurrying off back to the parlor where her stepmother and the others sat in hush tones to separate when she entered. "Theodosia, there you are; why are you sneaking about and not with Anjelica?" Lady Imogen questioned.

"I had gotten lost on the way from the powder room, so I just came back here, Lady Imogen," Teddy stated, ignoring the looks.

"Honestly, Theodosia, you could at least try to get any of these men's attention to call upon you. Think of all that happens with handsome Dennis losing him to that Willa girl! You could have stabilized your sister if you had only done the right thing and stayed with Lord Rory!" Lady Imogen chastised. Not realizing that their audience grew by a certain werewolf by Lady Imogen's showing.