Chapter Thirty-One
After Chandos left, Theo went to her parlor and wrote letters to each of her friends who were marrying soon, suggesting they meet for luncheon tomorrow at noon. She gave them to her footman to deliver. “If anyone wants to write an answer, please either wait for it, or return for it.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Now it was time to write to Chandos’s mother. A task to which she was not looking forward.
The Duchess of Chandos
Chandos House
Park Lane
Mayfair
That might be a little too much considering that the missive would be hand delivered. Yet, better to be overly formal than not.
Your Grace,
I have been given to understand that you would like to escort me to inspect Chandos House.
I would like to suggest that we meet the day after tomorrow at ten o’clock.
If that time does not agree with you, please send alternative dates for the inspection to take place that will occur within the next five days.
Yrs sincerely,
Lady Theodora Vivers
Worthington House
Berkeley Square
Mayfair
Theo read it over twice before she sealed it.
Jones returned with the first of the acceptances for luncheon tomorrow. “I’m to go back in an hour to Miss Pettigrew’s house. She’s at a fitting.”
“Thank you.” Considering the meeting was Sarah’s idea, Theo did not expect any problems. She handed him the letter for the duchess. “Please take this to Chandos House.”
“Straightaway, my lady. It’ll be nice to see a little of where we’ll be livin’.”
“Have fun then.” She shooed him away.
The first note she picked up was from Patricia.
Dear Theo,
I would be delighted to join you to discuss the timing of our weddings. I had already thought that there might be some conflicts if we did not make a plan.
Yr. friend,
P.M.
The second one from Felice merely stated that she would attend.
“Theo.” Grace entered the parlor. “You have a fitting tomorrow as soon as we finish breakfast.”
That was unexpected. “How does she work so quickly?”
“It is an illusion.” Grace smiled. “I sent her the measurements a few months in advance. She knows what you look like, and which colors and styles would suit you the best. That is for the come out gowns. I suppose she and I could be accused of being too optimistic, but then she begins work on the garments you will require after you wed. We have never had one of our sisters fail to marry.”
“But I had said that I did not care about that this Season.”
“Ah, but you see, we all know you. None better than Mary. She was certain it would be Chandos.”
Theo did not understand. “She knew I would not wed a rake.”
“She also knew he was making improvements in himself. Perhaps you should consider that when it comes to ourselves, we are not as clear-eyed as we can be for others. She saw what you could not.”
Theo had to think about that for a while.
What Grace said made sense. When Theo and Mary decided to help St. Albans, they had seen what Alice had not.
That he was trying very hard to give her what she wanted and needed.
“I understand. Although, it is extremely disconcerting to know that I can guide others and have no notion what to do for myself.”
“We all go through it.” Grace chuckled. “Even me. If you remember, I was certain that I could not marry Matt, but you and the others convinced me that I could and showed him the way.”
Theo almost wondered what people without large families did, but she knew.
At least if those people knew someone in her family.
They assisted everyone they were able. One of the things she liked best about Chandos was that he helped people as well.
She looked forward to being his wife. Which reminded her that she must speak with one of her sisters. “Is anyone joining us at luncheon?”
“Not that I know of, why?”
Theo did not want to hurt her feelings, but she had discovered that Grace was not good at explaining things of an intimate nature. “I wanted to speak to my sisters today.”
“Ah. In that case, I will see what I can do.”
She left and a footman came in. “My lady, you have a letter from Miss Pettigrew.”
“Thank you.” Theo broke the seal.
Dear Theo,
I am delighted to join you for luncheon. I am in desperate need of assistance.
Yr. friend forever,
S.P.
Theo wondered what had happened now.
Jones knocked on the open door. “My lady, an answer from the Duchess of Chandos has arrived.”
Theo took the note and opened it.
My dear Lady Theodora,
Unfortunately, I am unavailable for the next week or so. I suggest we meet in three weeks’ time. I will write to you when I am free of other obligations.
Sincerely,
Amelia, Duchess of Chandos
This was a problem. Did she not know when Theo and Chandos were getting married? She might not. He and his mother were not on good terms at the moment. He would just have to deal with the timing.
She rang for tea while she tried to work out a schedule for the next two weeks, but it was useless until Theo knew when she would be able to tour Chandos House.
She was staring out her window when another knock came on the door. “My lady,” Thorton intoned. “The Duke of Chandos.”
“I am so glad you are here.” Theo stood and went to him.
His arms came around her, and he held her against his chest for several moments. “What is it?”
“Did you not tell your mother when we would wed? I received a response from her to my letter asking if we could meet within the next week. She wrote to me saying she was not available for about three weeks. That will not do at all.”
He pressed his lips together and exhaled. “She knows. There’s only one thing to do. Plan around her. If she’s not present, then she cannot complain.”
“I suppose this must be her way of attempting to put off our wedding.”
He touched his finger to her nose. “I think you’re right. She obviously does not know my almost duchess.”
The tea tray arrived with a large pot, and substantial food. Jacque must believe that all gentlemen require sustenance. They sat on one of the small sofas and Theo poured. “What shall we do?”
“We will go to my house after our tea.” He picked up a sandwich.
So sudden. “It might be better to go after luncheon. That way you can warn your housekeeper.”
Chandos shook his head. “I don’t want anyone to know, with the possible exception of my valet. However, considering the time, after the midday meal might be better. Can you gather your servants by then?”
“Yes, Jones just returned. I will send messages to my groom and maid telling them to be ready at one o’clock.” This was a bit sneaky, but needs must. “When does your mother go on morning calls?”
“About that time, I believe. I’ll write a missive to Matson to come here in the town coach. Then we can give him instructions.”
“It might be easier if I have Jones take our small coach and bring your valet back with instructions to send your town coach here.” Theo grinned.
“That would be more efficient.” Leo went to the desk and wrote the letter to his valet.
Theo handed the note to her footman. “This is for Mr. Matson, his grace’s valet. Do not give it to anyone else. Take the small, unmarked coach …”
“Yes, my lady. It shouldn’t take long.”
A few minutes later, Theo’s lady’s maid and her groom begged entrance.
“Come in. After luncheon we are going to Chandos House. Payne, you must look over our quarters and make a list of what we will need.”
“Yes, my lady. I will be prepared.”
Theo nodded and the maid departed. “Mick, make sure the stables are in good shape. I want to know about anything that is awry. Not that I think there will be, but one never knows. There must be sufficient room for my mare and carriage.”
“I know what to look for, my lady.” The groom left as well.
Chandos put down his cup. “This ought to be interesting.”
She gave him a curious look. “How so?”
“I have not even visited the stables since I’ve been here.” Stupid of him really. “I assumed everything was fine.”
“I am doing it because when Alice went to inspect St. Albans’s stables, they were a disaster. That situation was different. The heir’s stables had been closed for years, but she also discovered that the grooms and other stable servants were not being paid enough.”
Theo made him think about the boy who was delivering his message to St. John’s Wood. Thanks to his mother, he wouldn’t make it there today. “There is a lad that I employed to send a message to my other house. If he does a good job, I would like to hire him.”
She gave him a broad smile. “What an excellent idea.”
Matson arrived shortly before luncheon. “I came as quickly as I could, your grace. Is anything wrong?”
“You might say that. Her grace is not available to escort Lady Theo around the house for at least three weeks.”
“I cannot say that I am surprised. Her maid was in a taking that a new mistress would be there.”
“Lady Theo, her personal servants, and you and I will go this afternoon and start the inspection. I did not notify Swisher because, quite frankly, I don’t know where her loyalties lay. Can you recommend a maid that could accompany us?”
“The under housekeeper, Jaynes.”
“When we arrive, please fetch her to us.” Leo glanced at his betrothed.
“Do you know where her grace will be this afternoon?” Theo asked.
“I do not. However, she has ordered the small carriage to be ready at one fifteen.”
Leo glanced at her. “We should arrive just after she departs.”
“I agree.” Her stomach rumbled. “It is time for luncheon.” She turned to Matson. “If you wish, you may join our servants. It would give you a chance to meet Payne and Jones, my other personal servants who will come with me.”
He bowed. “Yes, my lady. I would like that.”
It was not until they were ready to depart an hour later that the boy arrived asking for Theo. “The gentleman that gave me the note said to ask for you. He owes me half a pound.”
“The gentleman is here and there is your payment.”
The boy handed the missive to Theo. “Here, me lady.”
“Thank you. Can you wait for a moment?”
“Aye.” He held his battered hat in his hands in front of him and stood still.
After reading the letter she handed it to Chandos. “There are apparently several problems with your request.”
He took it from her. It was on a much larger piece of paper than he’d given to the boy.
Apparently, they needed to provision the house before he brought a lady to it.
Tomorrow, he was told, would be much better, but any time after that, all would be in order.
“It’s a good thing we made other plans for this afternoon. They are not prepared.”
Theo appeared slightly aghast. “I beg your pardon. Did you not instruct them to keep everything in readiness for an immediate arrival?”
He appeared chagrined. “To be honest, I don’t remember. I didn’t think I’d need the house again.”
She glanced at him, then at the boy. “What’s your name?”
“Clyde.” He gave her a curious look.
“Clyde, it is nice to meet you. Would you like a job as a running messenger?” He was too young to be a footman, but there were times when one wanted to send a message and not have the servant delivering it in livery.
“You would also have the opportunity to learn how to read, write, and add numbers.”
He cast a suspicious look at Leo. “How much ye payin’ me? I got to make sure it’s more than I’m makin’ now. Me ma’s sick.”
Damned if he knew how much to pay the lad. He didn’t even know what his valet received. He glanced at Theo and raised a brow.
She nodded and addressed her attention to the lad. “Clyde, you will be paid twenty pounds a year, in addition to meals, a room if you need it, tea and ale.”
His eyes widened at the amount of money and stayed that way.
“Is that acceptable to you?”
“Aye, me lady.” He nodded enthusiastically. “I can take care of my ma real good.”
“Perhaps we can also do something to help your mother.” Theo gave him a warm smile. “I will make plans to visit her.”
As fast as he’d nodded, he shook his head. “In St. Giles, me lady? It ain’t safe.”
“We will work something out. Now then”—she turned and looked toward the door to the servants’ area where Payne, Jones, and Matson were waiting—“we must be going, but if you come here …” She glanced at Leo with a question in her eyes.
“Have him come to my house. I’ll tell Whiting to take care of it.”
“Very well.” Her brows drew together. “He might as well come with us. That way it can be done today. And he can sign it.”
“Don’t know how ta write,” Clyde said glumly.
“That is all right. It will be explained to you.” Theo gave him a kind look. “And you will soon learn.”
It occurred to Leo that, unlike Worthington House, and in the homes of the other family members, he didn’t have a schoolroom set up for the younger servants.
He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d seen the schoolroom or nursery floor.
He did know that it looked nothing like the ones here.
The children had given him a tour one day when he was waiting for a meeting to start and Theo was out.
Mick entered the hall. “My lady, your grace, the coach is ready.”
This was it. Leo held out his arm for her. He wondered what Theo would think of his home. He also wondered who he’d have to remind that they worked for him. Not his mother.
Mama’s coach passed as they turned into Park Lane. That was one problem resolved. He felt like a child trying to sneak around so his parents couldn’t find him. It was time to recall that he was the one in charge.