Chapter Twenty
The next morning after breakfast, Theo was walking Chandos to the front door when the doorbell rang. “Who on earth could be calling at this time of day?”
He grimaced. “I will wager you that your first bouquet of flowers is being delivered.”
“Surely not.” That could not possibly be correct. “They should be sent around to the side door.”
Chandos’s lips twitched. “Not flowers and other trinkets from the gentlemen at the ball.”
A footman opened the door, and a lad stood there holding a bouquet of roses that was almost as large as him. He held out the flowers and his hand. “These are for Lady Theodora.”
“How ostentatious.” If someone was going to send flora, they could at least have been seasonal.
The servant dropped a couple of coins in the boy’s hand and took the blooms. “Where shall I put them, my lady?”
“Find Mrs. Thorton and give them to her.” At least Theo knew their housekeeper was used to this kind of thing. “She will know what to do.”
Chandos’s eyes began to twinkle. “There should be a card telling you who sent them.”
Theo had completely forgotten about that. “I suppose I should read the card before you take them down.”
He plucked a small white missive from the blooms. “Shall I open it?”
“If you would like.” There was really no one from whom she wanted to receive flowers.
“It is from the Marquis of Crewe.”
“Am I supposed to send him a note thanking him?” Why had no one mentioned how she should deal with this?
“Er, no. The next time you see him, thank him for the gift.”
That was easy. “Thank you.”
“It is always a pleasure to be of assistance.” Chandos bowed. “I must be on my way. I will see you this afternoon.”
“I shall see you then. I will be accompanying Grace, Louisa, and Charlotte on morning calls later.”
“First time?”
“Other than to friends in the country, yes. I suppose some good will come of it.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “You must be the first lady to think that. I look forward to hearing how it went.”
“I am curious to see what the difference will be.”
That afternoon, Theo was able to renew her acquaintance with Lady Patricia Marrow, the Earl of Marrow’s sister and daughter of the Marquis of Carlisle, and Miss Felice Albright, daughter of Viscount Albright.
Theo sat in a chair next to the two ladies. “How are you enjoying the Season thus far?”
“We were just discussing that. Not much has happened,” Lady Patricia said. “Except that it appears as if my brother might soon be betrothed.”
“Miss Pettigrew is a particular friend of mine.” Theo hid her smug smile. “They appear to be well suited.”
“They must be,” Lady Patricia said. “And to think that my mother was in despair of him marrying. I wish I could find a gentleman I liked as much.”
“I as well,” Miss Albright agreed.
These ladies might be Theo’s next attempts at matchmaking.
“What are you looking for in a gentleman and a marriage?”
“I would love to travel.” Lady Patricia sighed. “I so wanted to attend Lady Thornhill’s viewing, but my mother thought it might not be suitable.”
“She must be consulting with my mother,” Miss Albright said. “That was Mama’s excuse for not allowing me to attend.” She gave a wistful smile to Theo. “I am not interested in traveling as much as occasionally visiting cities such as Paris. I love the country and seeing to our dependents.”
Perhaps Lord Holland would be suitable for Lady Patricia. Theo would have to ask Chandos if he knew a gentleman who wanted a wife that would help him keep up the estates. “Will you be at Lady Exeter’s ball?”
Both ladies nodded.
“I have heard she gives the most elegant balls,” Miss Albright commented.
“My father knows Lady Exeter’s father. I am looking forward to it,” Lady Patricia commented.
This was excellent. Two ladies of middling age rose as did Grace. “We must be leaving.” Theo stood.
“Oh, I am as well,” Lady Patricia said.
“Yes.” Miss Albright rose. “I see that my mother is ready to move on.” She held out her hand. “I look forward to seeing you at the ball.”
Theo touched the lady’s fingers. “I as well.”
Lady Patricia inclined her head. “I shall see you there.”
Theo must speak with Chandos about the two possibilities that came to mind for each of the ladies. She joined Grace in their carriage. “Will you invite Chandos to attend the ball with us tonight or invite him to dinner?”
“I am happy to do both.” She gave Theo a searching look. “Do I dare ask what this is about?”
“I need his help with something and would like to have time to speak to him.”
“I see.”
The coach started forward and took them to Lady Bellamny’s house, where Theo saw Lady Lana. After greeting the lady, Theo took the chair next to Lady Lana’s. “Are you enjoying the Season thus far?”
“Not really.” She appeared troubled.
“I am said to be a good listener, and I do not repeat what I am told. What is wrong?”
“I really should not.” Her eyes were shadowed. “Yet, I need to tell someone. If I do not make a match this Season, my father will choose someone for me.”
“Oh, dear.” Theo had, of course, heard of this happening. Thankfully, she did not have to face it. “What is it you want in a husband?”
“The normal things, I suppose.” Theo raised one brow.
“To be truthful, I have not allowed myself to think about it. Almost anyone would be better than who my father selects.” Lana sighed.
“I have been half in love with our neighbor’s son, but when I mentioned him to my father, he rejected my idea.
He said that he was not mature enough to wed.
The problem is that I am afraid Father is right.
The other problem is that he does not even notice me. ”
“Will you be at Almack’s on Wednesday?”
“Yes. Mama insists that I attend. I am very afraid I will not be asked to dance.”
Theo could help with that. Once again, Grace was rising. “I will see you then.”
“Thank you for listening.”
Theo patted Lady Lana’s hand. “It was my pleasure. I enjoy helping others.”
They went to one more house before going home.
At tea, Grace assured Theo that Chandos had been invited to dine with them.
She would mention it to him during their ride.
They were once again taking her phaeton.
At present, she must send a note to Dorie Exeter asking if Lords Crew and Holland had been invited to the ball.
Theo sent the message via a running footman and received a prompt response confirming that both gentlemen were attending.
At five o’clock, when she descended the stairs, Chandos was waiting for her. He wore a dark bottle-green jacket that made his eyes appear greener, and fawn trousers.
Leo stepped forward and offered Theo his hand as she reached the bottom step.
It always amazed him how she seemed to float down the stairs.
It was as if her dainty feet never touched the floor.
The light bluish-green color of her gown made her eyes even more beautiful. “Good afternoon. You are enchanting.”
She inclined her head gracefully and smiled. “Thank you, sir.” She took his arm as they strolled out to her phaeton. “I require your assistance.”
The last time she said that he was looking into Marrow’s financials. “How may I help you?”
“I met some other ladies just out at Lady Bellamny’s soirée, and I saw them today during morning visits.” She smiled brightly, and he knew exactly what she was about to ask. “I think Lady Patricia Marrow would be a good match for Lord Holland. She wishes to travel, you see.”
“I didn’t even know his sister and mother were in Town.
” Yet, if Theo could match Lady Patricia and Lord Holland, that would get Holland away from Theo.
“I think your idea is a good one.” He lifted her into the carriage and felt her breathing hitch.
He went around and climbed in the other side as she arranged the ribbons.
“There is also Miss Albright. She is mostly interested in taking care of a home and dependents. Do you know a gentleman who might be right for her? I had thought that Lord Crewe could work.”
Crewe had several estates and would require a wife who was interested in applying her talents in that direction. “We will find out.”
Theo had given her pair their office and they were traveling down the street at a good pace.
“The last one is Lady Lana Grant. Her father is Lord Grant. She is concerned that if she does not find a husband this Season, he will do it. She is so afraid of that happening she could not even tell me what she wanted in a husband. I have to think it must be someone who is kind and able to support a family.”
“Hm. Let me give that some thought.” Leo was glad to hear the lady was not like her friend, Lady Giselle. “There are one or two gentlemen looking to wed who might be suitable. Do you know who will be at Lady Exeter’s ball?”
“I do know that all three ladies will be there as well as Lords Crewe and Holland. If we could arrange for the gentlemen to ask them to dance, that would start it.” Theo’s forehead creased.
A sure sign she was thinking about something.
“I do not think Lord Holland should dance a waltz with Lady Patricia.”
Leo couldn’t keep from laughing. “He stepped on your toes, did he?”
“He did.” They drove through the gate. “It was such a relief to stand up with you.”
“I regret to tell you this, but depending on how much Lady Patricia likes to dance, you might have to find another gentleman for her.”
“I am afraid you are correct.” Theo pulled a face. “Might we ask Lord Marrow?”
“We may.” Leo scanned the carriages and those riding horses. “The opportunity should present itself shortly.” He drew her attention to a carriage pulled up to one side. “He is there with Miss Pettigrew.”