Chapter Nine #2
His wife practically rolled her eyes. “We were not even married.” She fixed him a look. “In fact, I had told you I was not interested in marrying you.”
He opened his mouth. “Nevertheless,” the duchess said, neatly interrupting what could have become an argument. “She is very well traveled, and it is a joy to visit with her.”
Lady St. Albans raised a brow at her husband. “If you had been paying attention the invitation is for a private viewing.”
“She’ll still probably invite the artist chaps.”
If a bunch of damn artists were going to be there Leo was definitely going, if only to take care none of them made overtures to Theo. “Is sounds like a wonderful time.” He glanced at Lady Worthington. “My lady, may I invite myself to go with you?”
She graciously inclined her head. “Chandos, I would not have mentioned it if you were not allowed to accompany us.”
“Thank you.” Well, that was stupid of him.
Of course she would not have spoken of it.
He really did have to become used to being around polite company instead of a group of heathens.
He finished his brandy. “I should be going now. I have some work to do before I can rest, and an early morning tomorrow.” He turned to Theo. “My lady, would you walk me out?”
“I will.” He rose before she did and offered her his hand. “Allow me.”
“It is amazing how I was always able to rise myself before I was eighteen, but now I must need help.” She had muttered the sentiment more to herself than anyone else.
Lady St. Albans gave Theo a sympathetic look. “All too true.”
Theo took his arm as they strolled to the hall. “I do hope you can manage to rise early.”
He wasn’t even going to ask what she thought he’d be doing instead of the pile of correspondence he had to answer. “I have ordered my valet to have me up and out of the house before the sun rises.”
She smiled at him but shook her head. “Everyone needs their rest.”
“As you will discover next week when the Season starts in earnest.” He wanted to twit her at least a little for not trusting him.
“From what I have heard, Matt will insist that I leave the entertainment after supper, or at midnight.”
Leo seemed to remember that being mentioned. “Then you will be able to have several hours before riding.”
“That is what I hope.” Theo removed her hand from his arm, and the footman opened the door. “Have a good evening.”
“You as well.” He didn’t want to leave. Or rather he wanted to kiss her before he left.
No. Actually he wanted to kiss her and take her to bed.
Instead, he strolled out the door to where his curricle waited.
The streets were still busy with wagons and drays making deliveries, maids bringing children back home from the park in the middle of Berkeley Square, and patrons headed to Gunter’s.
In the past, he would have been preparing for an evening out at his club, at some hell, or with his mistress.
But not tonight, and not any night again.
He resisted glancing toward the door until he’d climbed into the carriage.
Theo was still there. Speaking to the footman.
He waved and she waved back. If only he could take that as a sign that she was interested in him.
The next morning, he arrived at the Park so early he had to wait for the rest of their little group to join him. Marrow was the first to come, followed by Theo and Miss Pettigrew.
“Good morning.” Theo smiled.
“Good morn to you.” Leo returned her smile. “Shall we race?”
“Absolutely.” They started their horses and quickly moved from walking to trotting to a full gallop. She beat him by a nose. Her mare pranced around clearly proud of herself. His stallion snorted as if to say, “I let you do that.”
Her mare tossed her head in answer.
“What is her name?”
“Epione. It means soothing.” She leaned over and patted the horse’s neck. “What is your stallion’s name?”
“Asclepius. The name means healing. I got him just after my father became ill. I suppose in my way I’d hoped it would help heal him.
” Did she know that in myth, Asclepius married Epione and had several children?
Was that a sign that Leo and Theo would wed?
“She’s quite pleased with winning the race. ”
“She always is when she wins.” Theo patted the mare again. “Let’s walk around and cool them off.”
“A good idea.” They searched the Park. “I see Marrow and Miss Pettigrew have decided to visit the Serpentine again.”
Theo stared in that direction. “I wonder how dinner went last night.”
“Let’s meander over and ask.” Leo hoped his friend was making more progress than he was. That meant Theo would have less to take up her thoughts. Giving her more time to think about him.
A devilish look entered her eyes. “Who is playing gooseberry this time.”
“Me?” He placed his palm over his heart. “Never, I am merely overly inquisitive.”
She laughed out loud. It was from her stomach, and he would only hear it in moments like this when no one else was near them. They started toward their friends.
“Do you think they will tell us?” Theo whispered as they drew closer. “What if they have two different ideas of what happened?”
“We’ll soon find out.”