Sarah leaned closer to Theo. “My mother told me that the duke is a rake.”
“Oh, indeed he is, but he is harmless enough.” At least for her he was. Chandos knew better than to try to seduce her. “You might remember that he is also a close friend of my brother Stanwood. It would not surprise me if he was recruited to watch after me this Season.”
“Oh.” Sarah’s brows slanted down. “I never thought of that. Does this occur often in your family?”
Theo let out a sigh. “Indeed, it does. If you pay attention, you will see that all of my brothers-by-marriage are here. They will also, along with my sisters, be at most of the events I attend, if not all of them.”
“I wish I came from a large family.” Theo knew that Sarah had an older brother, but he was out of the country on his Grand Tour.
“You may take advantage of mine.” Theo smiled. “I am certain they will be happy to help.” Which reminded her that she must also request Chandos’s assistance in finding a husband for her friend. Sarah’s father was not to be trusted.
Chandos returned to the table with the rest of the gentlemen. He was followed by a footman carrying a tray with three plates and glasses of champagne. “I selected every savory item I could find.” His lips tilted up as he placed the dish in front of her. “I also brought some things that I hope will tempt Miss Pettigrew’s palate.”
Sarah blushed bright red. “Thank you, your grace. You really did not need to go to all the trouble.”
He appeared taken aback. “If you wanted to eat I did. No one else knew you had joined us. Rothwell has a plate for your mother.”
“Oh, dear.” She fanned her face. “Thank you again.”
He was being exceptionally kind this evening. Once Chandos had taken his seat Theo leaned toward him. “That was very nice of you. Both for the food and for noticing she was sitting with us.”
“I notice many things.” His tone was deeper than it had been. Almost intimate. “At times I get the feeling there are so many of you, the occasional addition goes unremarked.”
That was perceptive. The back of her neck tingled, and she gave herself a shake. What else could she expect from a rake? Theo glanced over to see Sarah in conversation with Rothwell. “I have something to ask you. I think Miss Pettigrew might require some help in finding a suitable husband.” In fact, Theo might make that her mission this Season. She had met a number of ladies this evening with sons. “Do you have any ideas as to who might be a good match for her?”
He looked at Theo with open curiosity. “You want me to play matchmaker?”
He sounded astonished. “Yes. If you would not mind. After all, you know more single gentlemen than anyone else I know.”
He stared at her for a few moments, then said, “What does she want in a husband?”
This time she was prepared to answer that question. “He must be genuinely nice and kind. He must be loyal to her after the marriage, and he must not be a rake.”
The corners of his well-formed lips tilted up. “I have the feeling rakes are notau courantthis Season.”
Theo wanted to roll her eyes. “Are they ever in fashion?”
“Occasionally. I will consider her desires.” His green eyes narrowed a bit as he regarded her. “It might be of help if you explain to me exactly what you believe a rake is.”
“A man who cannot be trusted with an unmarried lady, and who will keep a mistress after marriage.” That should be obvious.
“Ah.” He raised his chin a bit in understanding. “In that case, I agree that they are neverau courant. At least not to anyone who wants a love match.”
“Why do you ask?” Was there more than one way to be a rake?
“Well, there were some who would have considered both Kenilworth and St. Albans, indeed, even Worthington, to have been rakes. Not your definition of a rake, but men who kept mistresses and so forth when they were single.”
Theo had heard things about Kenilworth and St. Albans, but Matt? “Really?”
“I prefer the term ‘a gentleman about Town’ over rake.” Chandos finished one lobster patty and started on another one. That reminded her she should taste what he had brought her before supper ended.
“Hmm.” She picked up a spoon and sampled the ice. “This is delicious! How does one know the difference?”
“I believe it is champagne.” He smiled. “For one thing, a gentleman who is used to being on the Town does not ruin young ladies. Ergo, once he decides to wed, parents of young ladies are more likely to encourage a suit than not.”
“That makes sense.” She finished her ice and licked the spoon. “I agree with your assessment that it is champagne.” Next, she tried the lobster patty.
He stared at her with an intent expression in his eyes. “In addition to rakes, fortune hunters and those who cannot support a family are also to be avoided.”
