An idea that had been forming came to him. “We have three friends who wish to wed close to our date so we can all be at one another’s weddings. Do you think that can be arranged?”
The rector glanced back at his diary. “Yes, if they decide on the dates within the next day or two, I can reserve the following three days.” The rector glanced up at Leo. “You did not want the same day, did you?”
Leo had no idea, but it would not make sense to all get married on the same day. “No, I believe four consecutive dates would be best.”
“In that case, I will write down the days and times that are available.”
“Thank you.” He hoped this would make Theo happy. He rose and held out his hand. “I look forward to seeing you again.”
“I look forward to it as well. I assume the whole family will be there. They usually are.”
“They will be.” Leo left and went to the waiting room. “Crewe, I have dates for all the weddings to be held on consecutive dates.”
“In two weeks?” He looked amazed.
“Yes.” Leo felt like a boy getting away with something.
“Thank God.” Crewe let out a breath. “Our mothers want us to wait until a large wedding can be arranged, and Felice’s mother is being difficult.”
“We are meeting for luncheon at Worthington House at noon tomorrow. Theo is sending the invitations as we speak. When we meet, we can work out the days for our ceremonies.”
“That sounds like the best idea I’ve heard lately.” He clapped Leo on the back. “Thank you. And Theo.”
“Until tomorrow. I have some other errands to run.” Leo put on his hat.
He’d left his carriage at the side entrance. When he reached it, he tossed the boy holding the horses some coins and drove to Burlington Arcade. They must have veils there. If not, someone would know where he could find one. It was a straightforward enough drive, but traffic was heavy, and it took him much longer to arrive than he’d planned. He left his horses with another lad to watch. “I’ll just be a few minutes.” Leo carefully scanned the stores and found one with a good selection of veils. He selected two, one in lace and the other in netting. Both were black. He also found a bonnet that would work perfectly with either one of them. The clerk wrapped them separately as he’d asked. Once outside, he paid the lad and put the packages in a box under the seat. He should probably take his town coach instead of the curricle when he went to the villa. Leo decided to ask Theo when he returned to Worthington House. The only thing he hadn’t done was to notify the caretakers that he’d be bringing someone to visit. Damn! He pulled out his notebook and wrote a quick message.
“I would like you take this to 10 Waverley Place, St. John’s Wood, if you will? I’ll pay for the hackney.”
“How much?” the lad asked.
He had to make this worth the boy’s trouble. “A quid. Half now and half later. Give them the note and tell whoever answers the door to sign it.”
“Do I hafta pay for the hack outa the quid?”
“No, here’s enough to get you there and back. Take the note to Worthington House and tell them it’s for Lady Theo.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll take it now.”
“Good lad.” Leo watched the boy take a hackney and leave. It would take him close to an hour for the trip. He hoped there wasn’t too much to prepare. As for now, he had to go back to Worthington House and find out the status of the luncheon tomorrow.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
After Chandos left, Theo went to her parlor and wrote letters to each of her friends who were marrying soon, suggesting they meet for luncheon tomorrow at noon. She gave them to her footman to deliver. “If anyone wants to write an answer, please either wait for it, or return for it.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Now it was time to write to Chandos’s mother. A task to which she was not looking forward.
The Duchess of Chandos
Chandos House
Park Lane
Mayfair
That might be a little too much considering that the missive would be hand delivered. Yet, better to be overly formal than not.
