Chapter Seven
Their youngest footman in training burst into the morning room. “My lady, your other guests are here.”
Theo forced herself not to laugh at Chandos’s expression of surprise. “Please tell her ladyship and show the guests in.”
“Yes, my lady.” The lad went off again.
“Does he do that often?” he drawled.
“He’s better than he was. At least now, he has conquered titles.”
“You told him to inform her ladyship. How, pray tell, with so many ‘ladyships’ in the house, does he know to which one you are referring?”
A burble of laughter threatened to escape. “Grace is the only one called her ladyship. Everyone else is referred to by their titles.”
“Ah. I see.” He glanced out the window. “The children have gone.”
“Yes. They will be here shortly.” Almost as if she had called them, the sound of feet clamoring down the stairs could be heard. She looked up at him and smiled. “As I said.”
“Is that noise coming from the main staircase? I distinctly remember carpet on them.”
“No. I suspect they decided the servants’ stairs would be more useful. They will have either been told or worked out themselves that we have guests. Descending the main staircase would mean having to stop and greet our visitors before coming in here.”
“I wish I’d known to do that when I was a child. It would have saved me a great deal of time.”
This time Theo did laugh. “They are nothing if not resourceful.”
Constance, Charlotte and Con’s oldest daughter, and Vivienne came into the room, followed by the others. Constance was the first to spot Chandos and curtsey. “Good afternoon, your grace. Do you remember our names, or shall we remind you?”
“Good afternoon, Lady Constance. I believe I have spent enough time around you to recall your names. Unless, that is, you have added anyone.”
“No.” She screwed up her face in thought. “Not yet. Probably next year.”
He glanced at Theo, a question in his eyes.
“The next set of them will be old enough. So far, the babies have been born in batches. One of my sisters announces her pregnancy and the others follow.”
Chandos ran a hand though his well-coifed hair. “It almost sounds as if they plan to have the babies together.”
She had often had the same idea. “I suppose I will find that out at some point.”
Grace entered the parlor next to Lady Pettigrew, followed by Miss Pettigrew and Lord Marrow. “I’m glad you see you are already here.” Grace smiled at the other adults. “Please find your seats. Children, sit at the table.”
Hugh was Charlotte and Con’s eldest child. Theo tilted her head toward Chandos. “If it is only Hugh and Constance, and possibly one or two others, they may sit with us. When everyone is here, they must use the table.”
“That is an excellent idea. Shall we find our places?”
Thorton entered followed by two footmen carrying trays filled with tea, biscuits, tartlets, and sandwiches. The children were given milky tea, which the girls practiced pouring.
Theo sat on one of the couches, and, to her surprise, Chandos sat next to her.
Across the long, low table Grace and Lady Pettigrew were on the opposite sofa.
Theo leaned forward to assist Grace in pouring tea and making up the plates.
Once more he surprised her by assisting in handing out the cups of tea and plates.
She had had no idea he was so well trained.
For some reason, she imagined that he was used to being served at all times.
If only he was not a rake, she might allow herself to get to know him better.
“My lord,” Lady Pettigrew said, “how are your parents?” Marrow’s eyes widened in confusion.
Clearly, he had no idea that she might know them.
She chuckled lightly. “Your mother and my elder sister were friends. They came out together. As I recall, although your parents’ match was arranged, they were very much in favor of it. ”
“Indeed. My father has often said that if his parents had not agreed to allow him to marry Mama, he would have eloped with her.”
Lady Pettigrew grinned. “And she said that she would never have done anything so outré.”
Marrow appeared curious. “Is it strange that I have never met your sister?”
“No. She died in childbirth. Her husband lost no time in finding another wife.” Her lips twisted. “One must have an heir. Your mother and I correspond several times a year.”
“I am sorry for your loss. That cannot have been easy.”
Lady Pettigrew blinked rapidly. “It was not. I still miss her.”
Theo had the feeling that her ladyship would have said more, but this was not the time or place. “How long has it been since you have been to Town?”
“So long I cannot even remember. Once I had my son, I never visited the metropolis again until this year. Lord Pettigrew comes up for the Lords, but I was never interested in politics.”
“Are you interested in politics?” Marrow had turned to Sarah.
“Since spending time with Theo’s family, I have begun to form an interest. I find it fascinating how much one can accomplish when one is involved.
” She glanced at her mother. “Not that I would express my newfound ideas at home. My father is a strict Tory. As you probably know, the Worthington family are not.”
Leaving Grace to converse with Lady Pettigrew, and Sarah to come to know Marrow, Theo meandered to the windows to the garden. She almost jumped when Chandos appeared beside her. “I thought you would stay and talk with your friend.”
“Not while he is chatting with Miss Pettigrew. What do you take me for?”
Chandos was right. He would have been in the way. Theo was really going to have to reevaluate him. “I did not think about it.”
He glanced to the side. “I didn’t hear the children leave.”
“They know when to be quiet. They are old enough to understand when they cannot become involved in the conversation. Although, I suppose I shall now be teased for matchmaking.”
A grin dawned on his too handsome face. It was no wonder that he was a rake.
Females of all sorts must fall all over him.
He turned to her from gazing out the window.
“I will attest that you had nothing to do with it. They found each other all by themselves. I will admit that I was chuffed to discover her ladyship, not Lady Worthington, knew Marrow’s mother.
If they do decide they would like to wed, it will make it easier. ”
“Quite true. I wonder what happened to her sister.” A frown formed on Theo’s brow.
She probably had the same idea as Leo did. “I got the feeling that her parents were not successful in arranging happy matches for their children.”
“Yes.” She nodded slightly. “That is what I think as well. I do believe she wants a better marriage for Sarah.”
He turned and leaned against the windows to be able to look at her better. “Why is it not important for you to marry this Season?”
Theo raised one shoulder in an elegant shrug. “I suppose I am trying to put it off.”
That he didn’t understand. “Why? All your sisters have successful marriages.”
“Oh, no.” Her smile was a bit sad. “It is not that. It is just that Mary and I have been best friends for so long, I never thought about not coming out with her.”
“She is three years your junior.”
“I know. And I know I am not making sense. She told me to come to Town and find a gentleman to wed so that I could help her when she came out.”
“But you miss her, and she is not here yet.”
“Exactly.” Theo blinked rapidly as if to clear tears from her eyes. “I truly believe that if she could avoid coming this year she would. I am half afraid that it is exactly what she will do.”
“Because she is worried that you will feel badly for coming out first?”
“You are much too preceptive, your grace.” She narrowed her eyes, giving him a suspicious look. “Have you spoken with her?”
“Me?” Leo placed a hand over his heart. “I have not. Although, I will admit to accidentally overhearing her in conversation with Stanwood.” Leo could not resist taking Theo’s hand.
“She loves you a great deal. This is hurting her as well. I think you should honor her wishes and find the best gentleman you can to wed.” Which would be me. “I’ll even assist you.”
Even though tears made her eyes more luminous, more beautiful, he liked her smile better. Theo sniffled. “Let us see what happens.”
“Very well. I want you to know I will help whenever I can. I am your friend.” There, he’d said it. Leo held his breath waiting for her to respond.
“Thank you. That is very kind. Perhaps I will take you up on your offer.”
A stir came from the sofa. He glanced over Theo’s shoulder. “Lady Pettigrew and company are departing.”
Theo started to turn around, then seemed to notice that he was holding her hand. “I must bid them farewell.”
Did that mean he should go as well? “Yes. Of course.” Reluctantly Leo released her hand. She was riding with him today. “I will walk with you. Don’t forget we are riding in the Park today.”
“Yes. I will be ready at five.” Her tone was thoughtful, then she glanced down at the hand he’d been holding with an expression he couldn’t interpret.
He followed her to the front door.
When Marrow and the Pettigrew ladies reached the steps, he said, “My lady, may I take Miss Pettigrew riding this afternoon?”
Lady Pettigrew raised one brow. “You must ask my daughter first.”
“I already did. She said it was up to you.” He placed his hand over Miss Pettigrew’s, and she smiled at him.
“In that case, you may go.” Her ladyship inclined her head. “You may also escort us to our house.”
“With pleasure.” Marrow bowed, and the three of them turned toward Green Street.
Theo glanced up at Leo, her eyes happily sparkling. “That looks to be going well.”
“I agree. I will see you soon.”
“Until then.”
He watched her enter the house and the door close. If only he could tell if he was making progress. Well, he had at least another hour this afternoon. Less than an hour later, he presented himself at Worthington House.
The front door opened as he jumped down from his curricle and strode up the short walk to the steps.
“Good afternoon, your grace,” the butler said. He turned to the same young footman Leo had seen earlier. “Please advise Lady Theo that his grace has arrived.” The lad started up the stairs at a run. “Walk, if you please. One does not run in the house.”
“Yes, Mr. Thorton.” Back straight, the young servant continued at a much more stately pace.
Leo considered making a comment, but few butlers would welcome one of his quips.
Just as he was wondering if he’d be taken to the parlor off the hall, Theo descended the stairs.
Her peach-colored carriage gown and spencer signalized her creamy skin.
The wide brim of the bonnet allowed curls to frame her face, drawing his attention to her rosy lips.
Few women were lucky enough to have lips that color without using cosmetics.
He went forward and held out his hand as she reached the bottom step. “You are enchanting.”
For a moment he thought she would laugh at him. “Thank you, sir. But it is only a carriage gown.”
“That may be, but any gown can draw attention to a lady’s attributes.”
She gave him a stern look. “I am quite sure this is not a proper conversation for us to be having.”
He managed a contrite expression. “You are most likely correct. I will have to mend my conversational ways.”
Theo laughed as he escorted her to his carriage. “Or keep different company.”
“I am very satisfied with the company I am currently keeping. Thank you very much.” Minx. He handed her into the curricle. “Would you like to visit Gunter’s after we have our ride?”
A delighted smile appeared on her countenance. “I would like that very much. Thank you for suggesting it.”
He started his pair and drove out of Berkeley Square toward the Park. He’d just feathered the corner onto Hill Street when she said, “I would have thought you would have asked an older lady to go with you to on the Grand Strut.”
Leo was absolutely not going to tell her that the only females he allowed to drive with him previously were his ladybirds. “I don’t usually attend the Fashionable Hour.”
“Did Charlie ask you to do this? To watch over me?”
Fortunately, he had to attend to his pair as a dray decided to stop in the middle of the street, and he couldn’t answer her. Not that he had an answer. Not yet. “I thought you might like it. Do you not?”
“Oh, no. I am very pleased you asked me. I simply do not know why you would.”
The Park was already crowded when he drove through the gate. “This is going to take a while.”
“It always does.” Her melodic voice was as dry as it could be.
Leo had thought he’d be showing it to her for the first time.
“Why do I have the feeling you’ve done this before?”
“Grace used to take us. In order to get us used to how it goes.” She waved to two older ladies in a landau pulled up along the verge. “Lady Bellamny, Lady Cowper, how lovely to see you.”
“I am glad to see you as well,” one of the ladies said. The other smiled and nodded.
“Ladies, have you met Chandos?”
The older of the two raised a quizzing glass. “Not since he was in short coats. Your mother seemed to be in good spirits. I trust she is?”
“Better, I think. Now that she’s in Town.”
“So, Lady Cowper was telling me she appeared well. I understand you have vouchers for Almack’s. I expect to see you there.”
So, this was the ferocious Lady Bellamny. “I am happy to have renewed our acquaintance, my lady.” The other one, the one who appeared to be inspecting him, could only be Lady Cowper. “Lady Cowper, my pleasure.”
“I am pleased to meet you as well, your grace.” She glanced at Theo. “My dear, should you really call him by only his title?”
“He is a friend of my brother Stanwood, and I have come to know him over the past years. However, if you believe I should call him your grace, or his grace of Chandos, I shall.”
“Chandos is fine with me, my lady.”
Lady Cowper gave him a put-upon look. “Of course, it is. However, Lady Theo is a lady just out. Not one of your chums. People do not need to get the wrong idea. Address him more formally when in company, my dear.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Run along now,” Lady Bellamny said. “You will be holding up traffic if you do not.”
Leo did as he was told. Although the conversation had given him an insight as to how the Grand Dames of Polite Society thought of Theo. They treated her like one of their own. As to impressions, he wanted the ton to know that Theo was his.