Chapter Thirty
Theo was ready to go a good half hour before Chandos was due to arrive.
She had never been so happy. She had been so afraid of being hurt, that she ignored her common sense.
The only explanation for him “living in her pocket,” as her friend had said, was that he wanted to marry her.
Finally, she heard a horse stop in front of the house, and she almost flew down the stairs but waited as Thorton opened the door.
“Good morning, your grace.” Thorton bowed. “Allow me and the staff to congratulate you on your pending marriage.”
Chandos glanced at her over the butler’s shoulder. “Thank you, Thorton. May I take my betrothed for a ride?”
“You may, sir.” The butler stepped aside, and Theo stepped into Chandos’s arms.
“I love you.” She gazed into his warm green eyes.
“I love you too.” He held out his arm. “Shall we go, my love?”
My love. Theo had waited so long to hear those words. “Indeed, we shall.”
He lifted her onto her mare, and stroked her leg before letting go. “We have something to discuss on our way to the Park.”
Chandos sounded serious. Could it be about the marriage settlements? Matt would not budge on them. They rode out of the square. “What is it?”
“We have no place to be private except for a house that I own.”
That was a strange way of putting it. “Not Chandos House.”
“Not with my mother there. She had her heart set on me marrying a lady who is malleable and would bore me within a week. The chance that she would give us any time alone is nonexistent. She’s already asked when you will visit to inspect the house. She plans to take you around herself.”
“Oh, dear.” Theo had not wanted a difficult relationship with her mother-in-law.
Yet, she would not be the first one. Louisa had had a problem with hers.
What was it about the mothers of dukes? Only Alice was lucky in St. Albans’s mother, then again his father was still alive. “Very well. What do you suggest?”
“As I said, I have a house.” He seemed hesitant. “It is where my mistresses lived. One at a time. I never had more than one at a time.”
If Chandos was not so solemn, Theo would have laughed. “Yes, I understand.” This might be interesting. “May I see it?”
“Yes, but there are plans to be made before you go. You’ll need to wear a bonnet that covers your hair and a veil.”
How strange. “I do not understand.”
“The area is generally known as the part of Town where courtesans live.”
“Ahh.” That was something Theo had not known. “So, if I am seen there, it will, naturally, be assumed that I am your mistress.”
“Exactly.” His mouth was set in a stern line.
The idea of going to a house and an area that housed mistresses appealed to her sense of adventure and curiosity. “Very well. Make the plans.”
His lips curved slowly up. “If you’re sure you want to be with me before we have the ceremony.”
“I am. As long as you promise not to die.” None of her sisters or her brother Stanwood had waited.
His eyes twinkled. “I will do my utmost to include purchasing a special license so that the service may be performed on my death bed if necessary.”
“Let us hope it does not come to that.” Although Theo could imagine her family rushing her to him. “What will you do with the house after we are wed?”
Chandos shrugged. “Probably sell it. I’ve already had some offers.”
It spoke well of him that gentlemen knew he would not keep a mistress after he was married.
Marrow and Sarah joined them as they reached the Park.
“I am so glad everything turned out well,” she said, then glanced at Marrow and turned a deep red.
“She told me what you heard.” His lips were pressed together as if he was trying not to laugh. “Don’t you think it odd that the same two ladies entered the ladies’ room after you entered and discussed Chandos?”
Theo had not even considered it. She had been too upset. “It could be. On the other hand, many of us are invited to the same balls, and it might be coincidence.”
“Hmm. That’s exactly what Sarah said.” Marrow glanced at Chandos. “What do you think?”
He scowled. “I think that if I ever find out who they are I’m going to publicly embarrass them.”
Well then. Some part of Theo hoped they did discover who the ladies were. “Let us race to the tree.”
“Let’s just gallop.” He smiled. “We’ve won our race.”
“We will meet you by the Serpentine,” Sarah called after them.
They got to the tree and Chandos reined his horse in. “Why do we still have your groom?”
“In the event anything untoward occurs. Matt is very careful. Aside from that, he is my groom and will come with me when we marry.”
“I’m not going to pretend to understand, but I will accept it. How many more servants are you bringing with you?”
“Only my maid and my footman.” Theo was not surprised that he was confused. Most ladies only brought their maid, if that.
They reached Sarah and Marrow, who were discussing their wedding. Sarah turned to Theo. “When is your ceremony?”
“In two weeks.” Chandos’s jaw firmed. “We would like you to be able to attend our wedding.”
“I agree,” Marrow said. “However, we don’t want to change whatever you have planned for afterward.”
Theo would like to be at their wedding as well, and Patricia and Holland’s, and Felice and Crewe’s. “Do you know if the others have dates for their ceremonies yet?”
“I do not,” Sarah said. “We should all get together and discuss it. Luncheon or tea?”
“Brandy,” Marrow muttered.
Chandos barked a laugh. “If you ever want to leave Town after you’re married, you had better go along with them.”
Sarah had had an excellent idea. The discussion might be rather lengthy. “Luncheon.” It would be easier for Theo to arrange. “We can have it at Worthington House. I shall send out the invitations this morning.”
“After the settlement agreement meeting?” Chandos asked.
“Yes.” She had a feeling he knew what would occur.
Mick cleared his throat.
“We must go, or we will be late to breakfast.” She shot her betrothed a smile. “And for time keeping.”
They rode to the gate, then on to Worthington House. Thorton opened the door and bowed. “Your valet is here, your grace.”
“I will see you soon,” Theo said as she ascended the stairs. Chandos handed his hat and gloves to the butler. As usual, her maid had a bath ready. “When would you like to meet the staff at Chandos House and inspect your quarters and my chambers?”
“As soon as possible, I should think, my lady. There is a great deal to be organized.”
Theo soaped up and stood to be rinsed. “I will discuss it with Chandos at breakfast.”
“Yes, my lady.” Payne handed Theo a warmed towel.
She finished dressing and arrived at the landing to find him waiting and took his arm. “When do you suggest I meet with your mother to inspect the house? I must bring my maid, footman, and groom as well.”
“This should be interesting.” He pressed his lips together. “I want you to know that the second, the moment we are wed, she will no longer control the house or any of the estates. She has her own dower properties.”
“What about any changes I wish to make to the decorations or the nursery?”
“You may start on them. She has her own apartments. I suggest we leave them as they are until she moves from the house.”
“I agree. I assume you will join me when the ladies, and, hopefully, their gentlemen, meet to discuss the wedding dates.”
“I will. I’ll warn you I am not putting off our date for any of theirs.”
Theo looked at him and raised a brow. “In order to have a date, you must first go to St. George’s and speak to the rector. He must be reserved, and it is the Season.”
Chandos opened his mouth and closed it. “I’ll take care of that immediately after the meeting.”
“Good. While you are securing a date, I will send the invitations. What are our plans for this afternoon?”
The corners of his lips rose slowly. “Visiting a house. Do you have a veil?”
“No.” She had never had need of one. “You should buy one after seeing the rector.” She also needed to speak with one of her sisters to gather more information. Theo had the feeling it should be either Alice or Charlotte. Both of their husbands had been men like Chandos before marrying.
They arrived in the breakfast room to find everyone smiling. Chandos was heartily welcomed. The children shot questions at him about his estate, horses, and whether there was a lake or river. He glanced at her. “Why does that matter?”
“Because,” Gideon said. “We’ll be visiting, and we must know what to expect.”
“So far, the best one is Whippoorwill Manor,” Hugh added.
“But Uncle Charlie has a real castle,” Elizabeth objected. “That should be the best one.”
Leo swallowed a sip of tea. “I see. Is this a competition?”
“No.” Constance shook her head, causing her braids to swing. “It is so that we know how much there is for us to do.”
“Understandable.” Apparently planning was ingrained.
“Well, my main estate has an old castle. It will take some work before you can play in it. Although, that shouldn’t take too long.
I’ll get on it immediately.” He was glad to see that met with their approval.
Worthington gave him a look and tapped his watch, and Leo applied himself to his food.
Not long after that, Worthington rose. “Chandos, Theo, with me.”