Chandos smiled. “The supper dance?”
“Yes.” She smiled back.
His gaze stayed on her for a long moment. “I should tell you something that I was told.”
He looked and sounded serious. “What is it?”
“Apparently, Lady Giselle wants to wed a duke and has decided on me. Naturally, I want nothing to do with her, but because I am attending these balls, I could be at risk of being compromised.”
Theo did not like the lady, but that type of behavior was beyond the pale. “I will think of something.”
“Thank you.” His eyes searched hers as if he was looking for something. “I knew I could depend upon you.”
By the time she and her family were ready to leave for the ball that evening, Theo, with the help of Mary, had devised a plan. When they arrived at Brownly House, Theo gathered Chandos, Sarah, and Lord Marrow. “Did Chandos tell you about Lady Giselle?” Sarah and Marrow nodded. “The only way I can think of that she could possibly compromise him is to send him a note to meet her.”
“It probably would not be signed with her name,” Sarah said. “She will use your name.”
Theo had not thought of that. “Indeed. Still, we must give her the opportunity to have him receive the note.”
“What if some other gentleman received the message?” Lord Marrow said.
“That would involve an innocent.” That was the hard part. If Chandos just did not go, Lady Giselle would try again. Therefore, someone had to meet her.
“She has been seen with Ashford lately,” Chandos commented.
“That would be perfect.” Sarah grinned. “They can have each other. She wants a duke, and he will be a duke, and it would keep him away from you, Theo.”
“I’ll have to appear as if I’m available to receive a note.” Chandos glanced at Lord Marrow. “We should take to strolling the ballrooms.”
“I agree.” He nodded. “I think this will work.”
“Do not look now, but Ashford has entered the room.”
“What I do not understand is why he seems to be assisting her.” What did he have to gain?
“And there is Lady Giselle with her mother,” Sarah said. “Very well.” Theo’s shoulders tightened as if she was about to do battle. Or how she thought that would feel. “Let us begin our scheme.”
If Leo hadn’t already been in love with Theo, he would be now. Seeing her take charge of keeping him safe from being compromised was incredible. As to Ashford, she might not know why he would help Lady Giselle, but Leo did. The bounder obviously thought that with him out of the way, he’d have a chance with Theo.
He glanced down at her. “Are you obligated for every set?”
“No.” Her lips curved up. “You were right. I did require more sleep. I received requests but turned down some. I am only dancing four sets, to include the supper dance. I have my first dance with Lord Milford. The second with Lord Bolingbroke. Then I am free for one set. Another dance, and so on.”
“While you are dancing, I will stroll the room with Marrow.” As long as Marrow wasn’t standing up with Sarah. They would have to coordinate this plan for the next entertainment and the ones after until the lady played her hand. “I have to say that this takes the enjoyment out of these events.”
“Do you really think so?” Sarah frowned. “For me it makes them more interesting.”
Marrow huffed. “That is because you, my love, are not the potential victim.”
She shrugged. “You are right, of course. I would not like it at all if someone was attempting to compromise me.”
By the end of the evening, Leo was frustrated. “Lady Giselle and Ashford are both spending a great deal of time watching us, or rather me, but they did nothing.”
Theo put her hand on Leo’s arm. “This is the first time you have given them a chance to approach you. It might take a few nights.”
“I suppose it will.” He wanted this over. “I just do not like waiting around like a bird to be shot.”
“Hmm.” She gazed up at him. “Dobirds just stand around waiting to be killed?”
