“That would be more efficient.” Leo went to the desk and wrote the letter to his valet.
Theo handed the note to her footman. “This is for Mr. Matson, his grace’s valet. Do not give it to anyone else. Take the small, unmarked coach …”
“Yes, my lady. It shouldn’t take long.”
A few minutes later, Theo’s lady’s maid and her groom begged entrance.
“Come in. After luncheon we are going to Chandos House. Payne, you must look over our quarters and make a list of what we will need.”
“Yes, my lady. I will be prepared.”
Theo nodded and the maid departed. “Mick, make sure the stables are in good shape. I want to know about anything that is awry. Not that I think there will be, but one never knows. There must be sufficient room for my mare and carriage.”
“I know what to look for, my lady.” The groom left as well.
Chandos put down his cup. “This ought to be interesting.”
She gave him a curious look. “How so?”
“I have not even visited the stables since I’ve been here.” Stupid of him really. “I assumed everything was fine.”
“I am doing it because when Alice went to inspect St. Albans’s stables, they were a disaster. That situation was different. The heir’s stables had been closed for years, but she also discovered that the grooms and other stable servants were not being paid enough.”
Theo made him think about the boy who was delivering his message to St. John’s Wood. Thanks to his mother, he wouldn’t make it there today. “There is a lad that I employed to send a message to my other house. If he does a good job, I would like to hire him.”
She gave him a broad smile. “What an excellent idea.”
Matson arrived shortly before luncheon. “I came as quickly as I could, your grace. Is anything wrong?”
“You might say that. Her grace is not available to escort Lady Theo around the house for at least three weeks.”
“I cannot say that I am surprised. Her maid was in a taking that a new mistress would be there.”
“Lady Theo, her personal servants, and you and I will go this afternoon and start the inspection. I did not notify Swisher because, quite frankly, I don’t know where her loyalties lay. Can you recommend a maid that could accompany us?”
“The under housekeeper, Jaynes.”
“When we arrive, please fetch her to us.” Leo glanced at his betrothed.
“Do you know where her grace will be this afternoon?” Theo asked.
“I do not. However, she has ordered the small carriage to be ready at one fifteen.”
Leo glanced at her. “We should arrive just after she departs.”
“I agree.” Her stomach rumbled. “It is time for luncheon.” She turned to Matson. “If you wish, you may join our servants. It would give you a chance to meet Payne and Jones, my other personal servants who will come with me.”
He bowed. “Yes, my lady. I would like that.”
It was not until they were ready to depart an hour later that the boy arrived asking for Theo. “The gentleman that gave me the note said to ask for you. He owes me half a pound.”
“The gentleman is here and there is your payment.”
The boy handed the missive to Theo. “Here, me lady.”
“Thank you. Can you wait for a moment?”
“Aye.” He held his battered hat in his hands in front of him and stood still.
