Chapter Two
Theo, Grace, and Matt spent four days at Stanwood Place and gave in to the pleads of their two older children to be allowed to remain until their Uncle Charlie and Aunt Oriana came to Town. Mary insisted on staying in order to help with the new babies.
She hugged Theo as their brother and sister entered the coach. “I almost forgot to tell you that Sarah Pettigrew is looking forward to seeing you in Town.” Mary gave Theo one of her “significant looks.”
“You are the only other lady making her come out whom she knows.”
“I will make sure that she feels comfortable.” Tears pricked Theo’s eyes, and she blinked rapidly to dispel them. Mary took care of everyone. This was the first time they had not traveled to Town together. “I cannot wait until you join us.”
“I am looking forward to it.” Mary hugged Theo again. “You had better go. I will see you soon.”
Theo glanced out the back window as they left the drive. Mary stood there watching until Theo could no longer see her sister.
Grace leaned over and patted her knee. “I know you miss her, and she will miss you. However, you must remember that this is your Season. She still has three years before she can make her come out.”
“I know.” Theo took out a handkerchief and blew her nose. “And I knew this was coming. I just did not expect it to be so hard.”
“In some ways it is much like the time when Madeline and Eleanor wed before Alice,” Grace said.
Theo had forgotten about how unhappy Alice had been when her twin, Eleanor, and their sister Madeline had wed and left home.
It seemed a very long time ago. Alice was so miserable that she almost married the wrong gentleman.
At least, Theo was starting out alone. That had to be a little easier.
“You are right.” She should have hugged Mary again and smiled.
“Sarah Pettigrew will be there. That is one person I will know.”
Grace nodded. “I am certain you will become fast friends.”
“Yes.” Theo thought back to how Lord Pettigrew had attempted to deny Sarah a Season by claiming that she was betrothed to Charlie.
Fortunately, it turned out that it was a lie.
That was when Theo and Sarah had met and become friendly.
“I believe you are correct. We must find Sarah’s address.
When do we visit Madam Lisette? And when is Lady Bellamny’s soirée for young ladies? ”
“I have their direction.” Grace grinned.
“Fortunately, they have leased a house not far from us. You have your first fitting in two days, and Lady Bellamny’s soirée is in a week.
That will give you time to have at least one suitable gown.
I sent your measurements ahead. I also ensured that Sarah was invited to the soirée. ”
“Excellent.” Theo was starting to feel better. Grace had thought of everything. Leaning back against the plush squabs, Theo resolved to have the best Season she could. She would find a gentleman who loved her and whom she loved in return. This was her Season, and she would enjoy it.
They spent that night at the inn they normally used, then continued on to Town in the morning.
The day after arriving Theo and Grace called on the Pettigrews.
“The Countess of Worthington and Lady Theodora Vivers,” the butler intoned as he led them to the parlor.
“Theo!” Sarah jumped up and ran to Theo as Lady Pettigrew admonished her daughter for her exuberance. “I am so glad you are here. I do not know anyone else and some of the other ladies I encountered have not been welcoming.”
Humph. That was not at all acceptable. “I am happy you are here as well.” Theo twined her arm with Sarah’s.
“Let us make plans.” Theo recalled all the places she saw during her times in Town.
“There are so many things to do. Before the Season begins, we should visit the Tower, and some of the museums, as well as Burlington Arcade. My older sisters said it is the best inexpensive shopping for items such as fans, hair combs, and so many other things. Pin money”—she raised a brow—“only goes so far.”
“That is so true.” Sarah clapped her hands together. “It seemed to last forever at home, but I imagine London is much more expensive.”
“That is exactly what my sisters said. And you require more things. We are no longer in the schoolroom.” Theo was glad she had come, and she was determined to discover who the unkind ladies were. “And we must visit Davis’s Amphitheatre where they have trick horse riders. We shall have so much fun!”
She turned to Grace. “What else do we have to look forward to?”
“We must not forget the theater and opera. However, Vauxhall will wait until later,” she said. “To which modiste are you giving your custom?” she asked Lady Pettigrew.
The lady heaved a sigh. “That is a question we have not resolved.” She pulled a face. “Apparently, the one who made my gowns is no longer in business, and the others to which I have been recommended do not have time.”
Grace pressed her lips together. “Allow me to see what I can do.
I will notify you soon.”
As their fifteen minutes was at an end, she and Theo rose. Theo took Sarah’s hands. “Would you like to ride in the Park tomorrow morning early? Did you bring your hack?”
“Yes, thank you, and I did. At what time should we meet?”
“Very early.” Theo was grateful that she could have a good ride in the Park. Unfortunately, they must leave no later than daybreak. “Be ready just before sunup. I will come by for you.”
Sarah nodded excitedly. “I will be ready. If I am not, feel free to roust me from my bed.”
“I will do exactly that. I love a good ride in the morning.” Theo hugged her friend again.
Grace addressed Lady Pettigrew. “Theo will have a groom with her.”
Her ladyship’s lips tilted up. “Thank you. I will send one with Sarah as well.”
“I will escort them to the door,” Sarah said. “I look forward to tomorrow morning.”
“As do I.” Theo patted her friend’s hand. “We will have an excellent Season.”
“Yes. We will.” Sarah smiled broadly.
When they reached the door, a Worthington footman was waiting to escort them to the carriage. Once they had been handed inside, Theo turned to Grace. “Why would other young ladies be cruel to Sarah?”
“I have never understood the reason some people cannot be kind.” She slowly shook her head. “What is more important is that you befriend other young ladies who have been made to feel badly.”
“I will do that.” Theo knew it was what her family expected of her. “I am glad we visited them.”
“I am too.” Her sister smiled. “I want you to know that there is no reason to think you must marry. We all expect you to wed the right gentleman for you, even if it takes more than one Season.”
Theo did know that. All her siblings had reinforced that opinion.
Yet, other than Grace, who had not really had a Season, all of them had found their spouses in their first Season.
Theo would as well. She had a feeling that she would.
When they arrived home, she sent a message to the stables that she wanted Epione, her mare, ready early the next morning.
Theo took a deep breath. Mary had been right.
All Theo had to do was to enjoy her Season. All would be well.
Leo had been taking care of the accounts when his butler knocked and entered the study. “Your grace, Lord and Lady Worthington, and Lady Theodora have arrived in Town.”
“Thank you, Hoover. Please ascertain if Lady Theo plans to ride tomorrow morning. If so, have Asclepius readied at daybreak.” Her sisters had all ridden at dawn when they’d been out.
It stood to reason Theo would do the same.
Thankfully, Leo did not need to wait for an introduction before approaching her.
“Yes, your grace.” His butler bowed and left.
It was now time to start planning his campaign.
During the past year, in addition to ensuring that Theo was the right wife for him, he’d spoken with her brothers-in-law about their courtships.
Worthington ladies, whether they were Carpenters or Viverses, were notoriously difficult to court.
From the Marquis of St. Albans, who was married to Alice, Leo had learned to discover her favorite flowers and other things.
The Marquis of Montagu, wed to Eleanor, told Leo not to pretend about who he was.
He must be himself. The Duke of Rothwell, married to Louisa, said not to lie to her.
At. All. The Marquis of Kenilworth, wed to Charlotte, explained in a wry tone that she would not be compromised into marriage.
That seemed strange to Leo, but the ladies were all extremely strong-willed and supported by their family.
Harry Stern and Phinn Carter-Woods, married to Madeline and Augusta respectively, had been no help at all.
The only problem Stern had was his future mother-in-law, which difficulty had been easily overcome, and Carter-Woods had chased Augusta across Europe because she wanted a university degree.
Which she now had. Yet, despite all the advice, Leo still felt as if he was not exactly sure what his future bride wanted or how to pursue her.
And that was not a feeling a duke liked to have.
Surety had been bred in him. He was to always know what was needed.
He lifted the one glass of brandy he allowed himself and sipped.
He was missing something. What the devil was it?
And he’d promised Charlie that Theo would have her come out ball before Leo courted her in earnest.
The next morning, he rode out to the Park and searched for Theo. Finally, he found her in the company of another lady returning from the Serpentine. Drat. He’d been late. Trotting up to them he lifted his hat. “Ladies, good morning.”