“Hmm. That’s exactly what Sarah said.” Marrow glanced at Chandos. “What do you think?”
He scowled. “I think that if I ever find out who they are I’m going to publicly embarrass them.”
Well then. Some part of Theo hoped they did discover who the ladies were. “Let us race to the tree.”
“Let’s just gallop.” He smiled. “We’ve won our race.”
“We will meet you by the Serpentine,” Sarah called after them.
They got to the tree and Chandos reined his horse in. “Why do we still have your groom?”
“In the event anything untoward occurs. Matt is very careful. Aside from that, he is my groom and will come with me when we marry.”
“I’m not going to pretend to understand, but I will accept it. How many more servants are you bringing with you?”
“Only my maid and my footman.” Theo was not surprised that he was confused. Most ladies only brought their maid, if that.
They reached Sarah and Marrow, who were discussing their wedding. Sarah turned to Theo. “When is your ceremony?”
“In two weeks.” Chandos’s jaw firmed. “We would like you to be able to attend our wedding.”
“I agree,” Marrow said. “However, we don’t want to change whatever you have planned for afterward.”
Theo would like to be at their wedding as well, and Patricia and Holland’s, and Felice and Crewe’s. “Do you know if the others have dates for their ceremonies yet?”
“I do not,” Sarah said. “We should all get together and discuss it. Luncheon or tea?”
“Brandy,” Marrow muttered.
Chandos barked a laugh. “If you ever want to leave Town after you’re married, you had better go along with them.”
Sarah had had an excellent idea. The discussion might be rather lengthy. “Luncheon.” It would be easier for Theo to arrange. “We can have it at Worthington House. I shall send out the invitations this morning.”
“After the settlement agreement meeting?” Chandos asked.
“Yes.” She had a feeling he knew what would occur.
Mick cleared his throat.
“We must go, or we will be late to breakfast.” She shot her betrothed a smile. “And for time keeping.”
They rode to the gate, then on to Worthington House. Thorton opened the door and bowed. “Your valet is here, your grace.”
“I will see you soon,” Theo said as she ascended the stairs. Chandos handed his hat and gloves to the butler. As usual, her maid had a bath ready. “When would you like to meet the staff at Chandos House and inspect your quarters and my chambers?”
“As soon as possible, I should think, my lady. There is a great deal to be organized.”
Theo soaped up and stood to be rinsed. “I will discuss it with Chandos at breakfast.”
“Yes, my lady.” Payne handed Theo a warmed towel.
She finished dressing and arrived at the landing to find him waiting and took his arm. “When do you suggest I meet with your mother to inspect the house? I must bring my maid, footman, and groom as well.”
“This should be interesting.” He pressed his lips together. “I want you to know that the second, the moment we are wed, she will no longer control the house or any of the estates. She has her own dower properties.”
“What about any changes I wish to make to the decorations or the nursery?”
“You may start on them. She has her own apartments. I suggest we leave them as they are until she moves from the house.”
