“I agree. I assume you will join me when the ladies, and, hopefully, their gentlemen, meet to discuss the wedding dates.”
“I will. I’ll warn you I am not putting off our date for any of theirs.”
Theo looked at him and raised a brow. “In order to have a date, you must first go to St. George’s and speak to the rector. He must be reserved, and itisthe Season.”
Chandos opened his mouth and closed it. “I’ll take care of that immediately after the meeting.”
“Good. While you are securing a date, I will send the invitations. What are our plans for this afternoon?”
The corners of his lips rose slowly. “Visiting a house. Do you have a veil?”
“No.” She had never had need of one. “You should buy one after seeing the rector.” She also needed to speak with one of her sisters to gather more information. Theo had the feeling it should be either Alice or Charlotte. Both of their husbands had been men like Chandos before marrying.
They arrived in the breakfast room to find everyone smiling. Chandos was heartily welcomed. The children shot questions at him about his estate, horses, and whether there was a lake or river. He glanced at her. “Why does that matter?”
“Because,” Gideon said. “We’ll be visiting, and we must know what to expect.”
“So far, the best one is Whippoorwill Manor,” Hugh added.
“But Uncle Charlie has a real castle,” Elizabeth objected. “That should be the best one.”
Leo swallowed a sip of tea. “I see. Is this a competition?”
“No.” Constance shook her head, causing her braids to swing. “It is so that we know how much there is for us to do.”
“Understandable.” Apparently planning was ingrained. “Well, my main estate has an old castle. It will take some work before you can play in it. Although, that shouldn’t take too long. I’ll get on it immediately.” He was glad to see that met with their approval. Worthington gave him a look and tapped his watch, and Leo applied himself to his food.
Not long after that, Worthington rose. “Chandos, Theo, with me.”
The meeting was short. He immediately agreed that Theo would keep all her personal and real property that was currently in her possession or that she might acquire during the marriage. In the event of his death, she would have guardianship of any children they might have. That if his mother was still living at the time of his demise, that Theo would have her own house in which to live if they did not have children. A suitable allowance and widow’s portion was agreed to. One section of the agreement was a bit different than what her brothers had told him was that Theo wanted complete access to all the estate’s financial information. Leo had no problem agreeing. She actually had more experience in dealing with estate matters than he did.
Worthington handed him a pen. “Now you may sign it.”
The whole thing took just under than an hour. Thus, giving him time to go to St. George’s before luncheon. He kissed Theo. “I hope to return soon with a date.”
He arrived at the church only to have to wait while the rector spoke with another gentleman. It turned out the person was Crewe. Leo slapped his friend on the back. “I’m glad to see you. Were you able to get a wedding date and when it is?”
Crewe appeared confused. “Why?”
“The ladies are going to get together and attempt to coordinate the dates so that we can all attend each other’s weddings.”
“Excellent idea.” Crewe’s brows drew together. “When do you want your wedding?”
“In two weeks.” Leo would not put it off.
“We really need Marrow and Holland here.” Crewe glanced at the piece of paper he held.
“Do you have a date and time?” Leo had assumed the man did. He’d just come from the rector.
“I was sent to get possible dates and times.”
The cleric signaled to Leo that he was to go in. “Wait here, would you?”
Crewe nodded. “I’m not expected back for a while.”
Leo knocked on the door and was told to enter. “Good morning. I’m the Duke of Chandos. My betrothed is Lady Theo Vivers. I have been told to get a date for two weeks from today.”
“Your grace.” The rector stood and bowed. “Please take a seat and allow me to look at my diary. I would like to perform the service myself. You see, I have married all of her sisters.” Leo had to stop himself from fidgeting. Something he hadn’t done since he got his knuckles rapped when he was ten years old. “Ah. We are both in luck. I have a space two weeks from today.”
