Chapter Twenty-Three
During the set, Theo had glanced over to where Chandos normally stood and did not see him. Where had he gone? She was sure he was not dancing, but where was he?
“Lady Theo?” Lord Bolingbroke said.
“I beg your pardon?” She should pay more attention to her partner.
“I asked if you enjoyed riding?”
“Horseback riding or in a carriage?” Chandos was still not there.
“Horseback riding. I wanted to ask if you would like to ride with me in the Park tomorrow afternoon.”
“I must ask my sister. Please send an invitation in the morning.” He was returning to their circle with Alice. But where had he gone? She gave herself a mental shake. Why should she care? It was not as if they had an understanding or anything except friendship.
“I shall do that.” He smiled at her. “Thank you.”
He was very nice. “You are welcome.”
Why could she not feel anything for his lordship or any of the other gentlemen? Her sisters had all felt something for the gentlemen they eventually married. Even if it was anger. They felt something.
Chandos’s eyes followed her as his lordship returned Theo to her circle.
Bolingbroke bowed. “You dance extremely well, my lady. Will you be at Almack’s tomorrow?”
“Yes, I will be.”
“May I have the honor of a waltz?”
“I have not yet been approved to waltz at Almack’s. A country dance?”
“Of course. I wish you a good evening.”
“Thank you. I wish you the same.” She curtseyed. When she turned, Chandos was there.
He held out his arm. “Were your toes safe?”
“Yes. He is actually a very good dancer.” Not as good as you. Yet, she would not tell him that. “He has asked me to go horseback riding tomorrow during the Fashionable Hour.”
“Will you go?” There was something in his eyes she could not decipher.
Theo shrugged. “If Grace allows it. I told him to write an invitation and send it in the morning.”
“It will be a change of pace from the carriage.” He still had that look in his eyes.
“Yes.” What was wrong with her? Riding would be different. It would probably be easier to go around the Park with all the traffic. She should be happier. “Epione has never been in a crowd before.”
“You are an excellent rider. I have faith that you can handle her no matter what happens.”
She would also have her groom with her. “Thank you. I should not worry. She is well trained.”
“Exactly.” He glanced up. “Here is his lordship to collect you.”
What was wrong with her this evening? The only thing Theo could point to was Ashford.
He had put a damper on her evening. There was no use looking to anyone else.
Chandos, for example, was behaving perfectly normally.
He had taken a stroll with Alice, but there was nothing in that.
He never behaved as if he were more than a friend.
Sooner or later, he would find a mistress, and she would find a husband.
She smiled at her next dance partner and curtseyed. Theo could not wait for this night to be over. Finally, it was time for the supper dance, and Chandos led her out.
He bowed. “Are you feeling better?”
“I do not know how anger transformed into malaise.” Theo curtseyed, then they took their positions.
“It was probably discovering that he didn’t care about you, but what you represent.”
“You could be right. I have never had to go through that before.” She did not want to meet another gentleman like Ashford again.
“I do think Worthington is going to be even more careful than before.”
“I know Grace is so angry that she wants to be the one to deal with him, but do you not think Matt would be the better choice?”
“Probably.” They raised their hands and turned in a circle. “But it’s up to them to work it out.”
“Yes.” They lowered their arms. “I hope I do not have to worry about him attempting to abduct me.”
“What?” Despite Chandos’s eyes being focused on her, he did not miss a step. “Why would you think that?”
“Did you not know? Alice was abducted. St. Albans went after her and saved her.”
Chandos nodded. “Yes, I knew about that, but it cannot happen to you. Whoever tried—” As they twirled again his teeth clenched. “I will not allow that to happen to you.”
Other than remaining next to her the entire Season, Theo did not know how he was going to accomplish that. “You will not have time to do anything else if you do that.”
“I will do what I must.” The music ended and he swept her an elegant bow while she curtseyed.
She placed her hand on his arm as he escorted her to the supper room. Simply dancing with him and hearing him vow to protect her had lifted her mood.
Theo’s poor spirits had affected Leo. He’d suspected that it had to be Ashford, and Leo had been right.
He also knew exactly why the bounder had come to the ball.
Ashford had wanted to ensure himself that he could bed her when, in his delusion, they wed.
Not that he’d get a chance to have her. Leo would do everything in his power to see it didn’t happen.
“You look like you’d like to commit murder,” St. Albans said.
“I’m contemplating it.” Leo was either going to murder Ashford or ensure he went back to Shrewsbury. Murder would be more satisfying, but sending him away would work. That bounder would never lay a hand on Theo again.
“I was just going to say you don’t look like you’re doing any better than Theo was,” Kenilworth added.
“It’s Ashford.” If Leo could punch the man, he would.
“If it makes you feel any better, Worthington is furious. He’s never made a mistake like that before.
He’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.
He has decided to accompany Grace tomorrow.
” Kenilworth took out his quizzing glass and polished it.
“Bolingbroke approached Worthington about Theo riding with him tomorrow.” Leo glanced at the gentleman he hoped would be his brother-in-law.
“Worthington asked him if he’d mentioned it to Theo.
That was when Bolingbroke admitted that she told him what he had to do.
Worthington said that he should do what she instructed.
” Kenilworth put his quizzer back. “What are you going to do while she is riding?”
“I’ll be at the Park on my horse. Theo is a bit concerned that her mare won’t handle the crowds well.” Leo wasn’t happy that she’d be going on a horse ride with Bolingbroke, but it was Leo’s own fault. He hadn’t invited her himself. It really didn’t matter. He’d be there to protect her.
Kenilworth snorted. “There isn’t a situation that girl can’t handle on a horse.”
“So I told her.” Leo hoped it had been her way of telling him that she wanted him there.
He had never been so relieved when it was time for the supper dance, and he didn’t have to watch her go off with another gentleman and pretend it didn’t bother him.
Dancing with Theo made him feel as if he’d come home.
After what she’d told him about her sister, reminded him actually, he’d keep a closer eye on the bounder.
He brought her back a collection of ices and other foods he knew she’d like. The corner of his eye caught Ashford with a young lady.
“Lady Giselle.” It was as if Theo knew what Leo was thinking. “I hope they enjoy each other’s company.”
“I do as well.” He took a seat next to her. “Kenilworth just told me Worthington will accompany your sister to Bristol House.”
“I hope they send him back.” She dipped her spoon into a lemon ice. “This is excellent. It is not sweet at all.”
Movement to his right caused him to look toward it. Ashford and Lady Giselle were staring at them. That pair would definitely bear watching. Leo decided to warn Theo. “I don’t want to alarm you, but the nemesis and the dark-haired lady have been watching us.”
“Really?” She surreptitiously glanced their way. “I would wager anything that they are plotting.”
He didn’t understand. “What could they possibly think they could do to us?”
“I do not have a clue.” Theo shook her head. “But I recognize that look. We had both better be on our guard.”
For a second, he considered asking if he could reside at Worthington House, but that was an unrealistic idea. He would say something to one of her brothers by marriage. “Are we riding in the morning?”
“Of course.” She grinned. “I would not miss it.”
They met the next day and rode to Miss Pettigrew’s house where Marrow was already waiting. Leo wondered for a moment if she was going to accompany them, when her horse was brought around. A few seconds later, the lady came out of the house. “I am sorry I am late.”
“It is no matter.” Theo smiled at her friend. “I was afraid that more people would be in the Park, yet it appears that they are spending the morning at balls and sleeping.”
Marrow helped Miss Pettigrew mount, and they were off trotting down the street.
They reached the gate and slowed the horses. Theo glanced at her friend. “Last night I had the impression that Lady Giselle and Lord Ashford were plotting something.”
“Well,” Miss Pettigrew said, “I am not surprised. I was going to tell you last evening, but I forgot. Lady Giselle has decided to be a duchess.” Miss Pettigrew glanced at Leo.
It wouldn’t be the first time a young lady or any lady had attempted to convince Leo to wed her. “And, of course, Ashford wants to marry Lady Theo.”
“This should be fun.” Marrow’s tone was as dry as dust. “How do we stop them?”
For some reason, they all looked at Leo. “We have to either discover the plan or watch them until they do something. Once a lady sent me a note to meet her.” He smiled to himself. “She was more than surprised when another gentleman appeared.”
Miss Pettigrew stared at him. “I have read about that in a novel.”
“It is effective.” He could see Theo thinking. “And easily done.”
“I have to know,” Marrow said. “Were they made to wed?”
“They would have been.” Leo could have laughed at the memory. “But a week later, she was caught in flagrante with another gentleman.”
Theo’s brows lowered. “What does in flagrante mean?”
“It means that I am not going to tell you. Ask one of your sisters. I’m sure they will. Worthington would have my guts for garters if I told you.”
Miss Pettigrew just looked at him. “That is a descriptive way of putting it, your grace.”
Marrow burst into laughter. “It might be time for us to have a nice gallop before you get yourself into trouble.”
“I believe you’re right.” Leo glanced at Theo. “Are you ready to race?”
“I am.” Her mare started to move forward, and they were pounding toward the tree.
Again, they arrived at the oak at the same time. “What have you decided to do?”
Her smile could only be described as unpleasant. “If I can catch her, and if Ashford is at the same entertainment, I will have the note delivered to him.”
“I think it’s an excellent idea.” Although Leo hoped that by the time that pair got around to enacting their scheme, Theo would already be his. “We will have to be vigilant.”
“Yes. We will.” She frowned. “I am not looking forward to this afternoon.”
“With Bolingbroke?”
She nodded. “I do not appreciate that he attempted to go around me to Matt.”
Leo was not going to tell her that most gentlemen would address the lady’s father or guardian. To Theo it was unacceptable. “I understand. Would you like me to be there?”
“Yes. If it would not be too much trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all.” He’d be happy to put a spoke in Bolingbroke’s wheel. “I’m delighted to do it.”
Her groom cleared his throat. She glanced at him. “We had better be going.”
“Yes.” He’d become so used to having her groom following, Leo forgot all about the servant.
“Come and break your fast with us.” She headed toward the Serpentine where Marrow and Miss Pettigrew would be waiting.
“Thank you, I will.” Leo’s valet had become so accustomed to taking his kit to Worthington House, he had the feeling the servant kept a bag packed.
He’d just entered the breakfast room when Kenilworth took Leo aside.
“You will be happy to know that Theo has had in flagrante explained to her. You will be unhappy to know that Worthington will indeed have your guts for garters if you say anything like that in front of her again. Until you are married, of course.”
“I understand. I said it before I realized that I should not have.” He was so used to being able to speak freely with Theo, that he had not even thought about it until it was too late. “I must remember in whose company I am.”
“As long as we are clear about the expected behavior.”
“We are.”
Kenilworth slapped Leo on the back. “That is what I wanted to know.”
Leo suddenly had a thought. “How long did it take Charlotte to agree to marry you?”
“Much too long, but not as long as it took St. Albans to wed Alice. They were almost at the end of the Season.”
“Lord, I hope it doesn’t take that much time.” Leo wanted to groan.
“So do we all. Attending all the balls and other entertainments is exhausting when we’re up with the children in the morning.”
He couldn’t wait until Theo and he had children. First, he had to win her hand. Apropos of that, he should inform the family that he would accompany her on her ride with Bolingbroke. “In the event you were wondering, I will be with her all afternoon.”
Kenilworth gave a sharp nod. “That will save one of us from having to go. I’m famished.”
Leo was as well. He took his seat next to Theo. “What time are we going to Hatchards?”
“After luncheon.” She took a bite of her shirred eggs. “Matt sent a note around last night saying that he needed to meet with the duke concerning his nephew.”
Leo took ham and shirred eggs from the footman, then placed a piece of toast on his plate. “That should be an interesting conversation.”
“I know.” She took a sip of tea as he poured his. “Part of me would like to be there. But even I know that would not be prudent.”
He’d like to be there as well, if only to harm Ashford in some way. “We will do much better at the bookstore.”
She looked at him from beneath her lashes. “We would only get into trouble.”
A footman entered the room. “Lady Theo, flowers have arrived for you.”
“Please have them put in water.” She rubbed her forehead. “Why do they waste their time?”
Leo had been wanting to send her a bouquet; now he was glad he hadn’t. “Perhaps some of them send their valets to purchase them.”
“I just want them to stop.” She bit her lip. “It makes me feel guilty. I am not interested in any of them.”
“Sweetheart,” Alice said. “It is all part of the game. Do not worry about it. They are sending other ladies flowers as well.”
Theo appeared struck by the information and her brow cleared. “If that is what they are doing, then I will not be concerned about it.”
Excellent. Now he could enjoy their time at the bookstore and guard her during the ride. He was starting to feel like Lancelot, until Leo remembered that Lancelot had cuckolded the king. Gawain might be a better choice. Leo almost forgot. Tonight was Almack’s. Definitely Gawain.