Chapter Thirty-Two #2
“I understand. Her grace wanted to wait for some time before escorting me herself on a tour of the house. However, the wedding is in two weeks. There is too much to do to wait to perform such an important task.”
“Yes, my lady. If I’d known you were coming, I would have been here.”
“I appreciate that. Jaynes has done an admirable job taking notes, as has my maid, Payne.” Theo inclined her head to the housekeeper.
Leo was certain there was some sort of female power struggle going on that he didn’t understand. As his duchess, Theo would be in control of the house. Wouldn’t the servants understand that and obey her?
After several moments, Swisher dropped her gaze. “Very good, my lady.”
Theo smiled, but the expression was one that left no doubt she would be in charge.
“I do not have time at present to inspect the linens. You should know that I will be changing several things in the house. We will begin as soon as we are able. While I am at it, is there anything in your quarters that you would like to refresh?”
For the first time, the housekeeper relaxed. “Yes, my lady. The curtains and bed cover are very old.”
“Excellent. When Mrs. Rollins comes with her fabric books you may choose what you like.”
“Thank you, my lady.” The corners of Swisher’s lips rose slightly.
“You may also join us as we discuss what else should be done.”
Swisher finally decided to curtsey. “Would you like me to show you around these rooms and to the kitchen?”
“Yes, please.” This time, Theo’s smile was warm. “I would appreciate that.”
They toured the servants’ hall, and she met his chef de cuisine, André, who as far as Leo was concerned was being far too charming. He’d be glad when they were done. He was getting hungry, and he’d been invited to her house for dinner.
They returned to the hall. “Are we done?”
“Almost.” She kissed him on the cheek. “I would like to meet your secretary, I also have not seen my footman recently.”
“I know where they are, my lady. I’ll go get him,” one of the younger footmen to whom Theo had spoken earlier said.
“Thank you … Paulie, is it not?”
The lad blushed. “Yes, my lady.”
“Come.” Leo took her hand. “I’ll make Whiting known to you.”
“I have been looking forward to meeting him.”
Thus far, Leo had shown her all the rooms with the exception of his study and his secretary’s office.
And his bedchamber. Two more weeks, and she’d be living there with him.
Unless they took a honeymoon. The only questions were if to take one and where to go.
Her brothers suggested that if he wanted to go to Paris to wait until autumn.
What Leo really wanted was to have her to himself for a while.
They entered Whiting’s office. “Good afternoon.”
He immediately stood. “Your grace. Lady Theo, I presume.”
Her eyes danced as her lips tipped up. “Mr. Whiting. A pleasure to meet you.”
He bowed. “The pleasure is all mine. I take it that you are now betrothed.”
“We are.” Leo never thought Whiting could be so charming. “The wedding is in two weeks.”
“Shall I ask Mrs. Merryweather to prepare a list of the guests her grace will wish to invite to the wedding breakfast?”
“Yes, please do,” Theo said. “If she tries to put you off, you may explain to her that if you do not receive the list within the next few days, it will be too late for her grace’s guests to attend.”
“I understand.” Whiting gave Leo a curious look. “Does her grace not wish for you to marry?”
“She had been urging me to do so for the past year. I have the strong feeling that she had a young lady in mind. I knew who I wanted to wed.”
Theo’s cheeks became pink. He’d like to see how deep her color could be. “In any event, she put Theo off on inspecting the house and failed to tell the staff I would wed soon.”
A thoughtful look appeared on Whiting’s mien. “Just yesterday Mrs. Merryweather mentioned a problem with the dower house.”
That made no sense. “The main dower house is in Bath, and the last report I had was that it was in excellent condition. I also went there to inspect it just before coming to Town.”
“When was the last time she visited the house?” Theo asked.
“I don’t know if she’s ever been.” Something was going on with his mother. He’d have to find out exactly what. “Do you know if she is going out this evening?”
“To the best of my knowledge, she is not. Hoover would know for certain,” Whiting said.
Theo looked worried, then glanced at Leo. “Perhaps you should speak with her after we dine this evening.”
“I’ll do that. This strife between us must end.” He’d always been close to his parents, and she was the last one he had. “Speaking of dinner. We should go.” He glanced at his secretary. “Is there anything of which I should be aware?”
A small smile dawned on Whiting’s face. “I am to be married at the end of June.”
“Excellent!” Theo beamed at him. “Congratulations.”
Leo wasn’t convinced that was wonderful news. “Does that change your employment here?”
“No, your grace.” His secretary stared down at his desk for a few moments, then glanced at Theo. “My lady, are you in need of a secretary or companion?”
“I will need a secretary. I thought to wait until after I was married, however, I will happily meet with her to see if we suit.”
“Thank you. She likes to keep busy.”
“Next week, I think. I will have to look at my diary.”
“My lady,” Payne said, “you could plan to meet with the lady on the same day you consult with Mrs. Rollins.”
“That is an excellent idea. Thank you.” Theo held out her hand to Whiting. “I shall see you again.”
“Yes, my lady. It was a pleasure to finally meet you.”
When they reached the hall again, Hoover and Jones were in conversation. “Your grace,” Hoover said. “Her grace informed me that she was going out tonight. She will be at home for a short while before she leaves again.”
“Thank you.” Leo wouldn’t be meeting with her this evening. “Do you know what her plans are for tomorrow?”
“She has nothing scheduled in the morning.”
It would have to be then. “I’ll be at Worthington House.”
“Yes, your grace.”
Leo was glad he’d brought Theo to his house today. He’d had no idea how much needed to be accomplished. Although he should have. His almost brothers-in-laws had all mentioned improvements her sisters had made to their houses.