“He is turning out to be not at all what I expected.” Theo was torn about him. He still did not have a mistress. He had taken control of his estates, and he was attending the Lords. He was also extremely kind to her. The only question was would his behavior last. “But still. I do not know if I can trust him.”
“It appears to me that he is in love with you. You were greatly attracted to him at Christmas. Are you still?” Mary kept her gaze fixed on Theo.
“Yes.” She rubbed her face. “No. I do not know. I am trying not to think about Chandos. I do not want to fall in love with him.”
“I seem to remember Madeline not wanting to fall in love with Harry because her mother would not approve. It did not work. She fell in love with him anyway.”
“The heart wants what the heart wants.” Theo had heard that often enough. “I will not have my heart broken when he takes a mistress. I cannot. I do not trust easily as it is.”
“What will you do if he declares himself?”
She stared at Mary. It was almost as if she knew something Theo did not. “Will he?”
“He has asked for permission to court you,” Mary confirmed.
“I thought he was spending time with me because of his friendship with Charlie.” Theo did not understand. He had not been particularly lover-like. “I do not know what to do.” She did not even want to think about it, and she did not believe he was serious. “He already said that he was not interested in meeting young ladies.”
“Very well, then. Perhaps I am mistaken.” Mary rose from the chair. “I must go. I will see you later.” She leaned down and bussed Theo’s cheek. “Good luck.”
“Thank you. But I think I will not wed this Season.”
“As you will.” Her sister smiled as she walked out of the room.
Theo glanced at her brooch watch. She had a few minutes more before she had to leave to meet her friends to go shopping. They were gathering here because Worthington House was the most central place to meet. She finished the chapter and donned her bonnet, gloves, and spencer. The doorbell chimed, and she went downstairs. Sarah, Patricia Marrow, and Felice Albright had arrived along with their maids.
The doorbell rang again, and Sophie Cunningham entered. “I am sorry to be late.”
“You are not.” Theo smiled. Jones, her footman, entered the hall. “We are ready to depart.” They had decided to walk to Bruton Street, and she had arranged for the town coach to pick them up at Hatchards in three hours. That would give them time to visit the shops and browse books.
“I have news,” Felice said as they walked down the steps. “Crewe and I are engaged to be married.”
“That is wonderful.” Sarah smiled widely. “Best wishes to you.”
“Yes, indeed.” Patricia grinned. “I will tell you my news as well. Holland is meeting with my father today to ask for my hand.”
They congratulated her and looked at Sophie.
“We are not quite as far along, but Bolingbroke’s mother has arrived in Town and my parents and I have been invited to dine with her. I believe it is important to meet his family before any decisions are made.”
“A very smart thing to do,” Sarah said. “Although, if I had to depend on my parents to be part of Marrow’s decision, we would not be getting married.”
She was probably right, Theo thought. Especially her father.
“Has everyone heard that Lady Giselle and Lord Ashford are engaged to be married?” Sophie asked.
“I had not,” Patricia said. “When did that happen?”
“Last night at the Smythe ball,” Felice said. “Did you not attend?”
“No. My mother is not on good terms with Mrs. Smythe. We received an invitation, but Mama sent our regrets.”
“Theo, what of you and Chandos? Have you decided to wed?”
What was it about today that she was being asked about marrying him? “We are just friends.”
Felice raised a brow. “How can you believe that? He has been dancing attendance on you since before the Season began.”
“Indeed,” Patricia said. “He has eyes for no other lady.”
