Chapter Four
Sarah slipped into the chair on Theo’s other side. “I wanted to thank you for what you said to Lady Giselle.”
“You are welcome.” Knowing how much one’s reputation mattered, there was really nothing else Theo could have done. “I hope it made her think twice about being mean to another lady, or gentleman, for that matter.”
Sarah leaned closer to Theo. “My mother told me that the duke is a rake.”
“Oh, indeed he is, but he is harmless enough.” At least for her he was. Chandos knew better than to try to seduce her. “You might remember that he is also a close friend of my brother Stanwood. It would not surprise me if he was recruited to watch after me this Season.”
“Oh.” Sarah’s brows slanted down. “I never thought of that. Does this occur often in your family?”
Theo let out a sigh. “Indeed, it does. If you pay attention, you will see that all of my brothers-by-marriage are here. They will also, along with my sisters, be at most of the events I attend, if not all of them.”
“I wish I came from a large family.” Theo knew that Sarah had an older brother, but he was out of the country on his Grand Tour.
“You may take advantage of mine.” Theo smiled. “I am certain they will be happy to help.” Which reminded her that she must also request Chandos’s assistance in finding a husband for her friend. Sarah’s father was not to be trusted.
Chandos returned to the table with the rest of the gentlemen.
He was followed by a footman carrying a tray with three plates and glasses of champagne.
“I selected every savory item I could find.” His lips tilted up as he placed the dish in front of her.
“I also brought some things that I hope will tempt Miss Pettigrew’s palate. ”
Sarah blushed bright red. “Thank you, your grace. You really did not need to go to all the trouble.”
He appeared taken aback. “If you wanted to eat I did. No one else knew you had joined us. Rothwell has a plate for your mother.”
“Oh, dear.” She fanned her face. “Thank you again.”
He was being exceptionally kind this evening. Once Chandos had taken his seat Theo leaned toward him. “That was very nice of you. Both for the food and for noticing she was sitting with us.”
“I notice many things.” His tone was deeper than it had been. Almost intimate. “At times I get the feeling there are so many of you, the occasional addition goes unremarked.”
That was perceptive. The back of her neck tingled, and she gave herself a shake.
What else could she expect from a rake? Theo glanced over to see Sarah in conversation with Rothwell.
“I have something to ask you. I think Miss Pettigrew might require some help in finding a suitable husband.” In fact, Theo might make that her mission this Season.
She had met a number of ladies this evening with sons.
“Do you have any ideas as to who might be a good match for her?”
He looked at Theo with open curiosity. “You want me to play matchmaker?”
He sounded astonished. “Yes. If you would not mind. After all, you know more single gentlemen than anyone else I know.”
He stared at her for a few moments, then said, “What does she want in a husband?”
This time she was prepared to answer that question. “He must be genuinely nice and kind. He must be loyal to her after the marriage, and he must not be a rake.”
The corners of his well-formed lips tilted up. “I have the feeling rakes are not au courant this Season.”
Theo wanted to roll her eyes. “Are they ever in fashion?”
“Occasionally. I will consider her desires.” His green eyes narrowed a bit as he regarded her. “It might be of help if you explain to me exactly what you believe a rake is.”
“A man who cannot be trusted with an unmarried lady, and who will keep a mistress after marriage.” That should be obvious.
“Ah.” He raised his chin a bit in understanding. “In that case, I agree that they are never au courant. At least not to anyone who wants a love match.”
“Why do you ask?” Was there more than one way to be a rake?
“Well, there were some who would have considered both Kenilworth and St. Albans, indeed, even Worthington, to have been rakes. Not your definition of a rake, but men who kept mistresses and so forth when they were single.”
Theo had heard things about Kenilworth and St. Albans, but Matt? “Really?”
“I prefer the term ‘a gentleman about Town’ over rake.” Chandos finished one lobster patty and started on another one. That reminded her she should taste what he had brought her before supper ended.
“Hmm.” She picked up a spoon and sampled the ice. “This is delicious! How does one know the difference?”
“I believe it is champagne.” He smiled. “For one thing, a gentleman who is used to being on the Town does not ruin young ladies. Ergo, once he decides to wed, parents of young ladies are more likely to encourage a suit than not.”
“That makes sense.” She finished her ice and licked the spoon. “I agree with your assessment that it is champagne.” Next, she tried the lobster patty.
He stared at her with an intent expression in his eyes. “In addition to rakes, fortune hunters and those who cannot support a family are also to be avoided.”
“Naturally. I do not believe Matt would allow either of those types of gentlemen to be introduced to me.” The problem was that Sarah did not have anyone like Matt to protect her. “How am I to stop them from being introduced to my friend?”
Leo was still trying to recover from seeing Theo lick her spoon clean.
His body had immediately reacted. Still, he had to focus on her questions.
She was determined to take care of her friend.
“I will help. You should ask your family as well. I am certain that if Worthington doesn’t already have a complete list of eligible gentlemen, he soon will. ”
Theo appeared to consider his words and nodded. “Yes, you are correct. From what my sisters have told me he is very strict about that sort of thing.”
“There is one more matter.” Leo really should not tell her this, but she had already mentioned mistresses. In fact, she had known about them before she was out. “A gentleman looking for a wife will not keep a mistress.”
Theo’s lips formed a perfect O. “That is good to know. How would one discover if he was keeping one? Who would one ask?”
He’d done it now. He knew her. Why had he not considered that she might just question gentlemen or others. “You cannot ask. I know your family is quite progressive, but it’s not done for an unmarried lady to admit she knows certain things.”
She gave him a look that clearly said he was being an idiot for thinking she might do something so inappropriate. “I was not going to go around asking just anyone.”
Leo needed to end this conversation before he got himself into trouble. “Your sisters would be the best people to query. They will be privy to the information.”
“You are probably right.” She gave him an approving smile.
“From what I understand, married ladies discuss everything.”
There. That was settled. Now to begin the almost courting process. “Would you like to accompany me on a carriage ride tomorrow afternoon?”
“How nice of you to ask.” Theo’s eyes sparkled. “If Grace approves, I will be happy to go with you.”
Leo resisted a smug smile. He had already gained Lady Worthington’s approval. “I look forward to her answer.”
Theo glanced down at her plate and her expressive brows came together. “What is this?”
“Scalloped oysters. I find them quite tasty.” He hoped she liked them. They were one of his favorites.
She speared one of the oysters with her fork, popped it in her mouth and swallowed. “Excellent choice. These are very good.”
He was more pleased than he thought he’d be. “I’m glad you like them. In France, raw oysters are served on ice.”
“That sounds interesting.” She finished the dish then began on the lobster patty. “I would like to go to Paris, but not in the summer. I have been told it is unpleasant.”
“I believe you are correct. Like London, most people flee to the country. I was fortunate enough to be there in early autumn. It was quite enjoyable.” He’d take Theo there on a wedding trip.
“It is a shame that ladies do not make Grand Tours.” Her fork hovered over a piece of cod in sauce. “Although, my nieces are discussing visiting the Continent when they are older.”
Good Lord. What put such an idea in their heads? “They are eight and nine. What made them think about that?”
“Augusta. She has told them a great deal about what she saw during her travels.” Theo finished the fish and started on the asparagus.
“I had forgotten about that. I heard that she and her husband are back in Europe again. Something to do with their son.”
“Yes.” Theo nodded. “It is the stupidest thing imaginable. Phinn’s sister-in-law has taken it into her head that she wants to raise their son.”
“So, they are stopping her by departing. Interesting.” A bit extreme but effective.
“Well, that and a colleague wrote to them asking for her expertise in languages and Phinn’s in ancient architecture.”
Leo wanted to turn the conversation to what Theo wanted.
Granted, taking care of several houses and helping with the estates took up a lot of time, but knowing her, as he thought he did, she would want to do more.
“I know your sisters are involved in charities of different sorts. Is that something you’re interested in doing as well? ”
She dabbed her serviette against her rosy lips and took a sip of champagne. “I have already started working with my sisters in their various charities and donating to them. I want to be able to continue their work as well as to help the dependents on my future husband’s estates.”
Whether her spouse agreed or not, obviously. He couldn’t hide his smile. He would let her do whatever she wished. “That sounds like a superb plan.”
“Thank you.” She returned his smile. “I will, naturally, have to ensure that the gentleman I marry will not attempt to stop me.”