“Naturally. I do not believe Matt would allow either of those types of gentlemen to be introduced to me.” The problem was that Sarah did not have anyone like Matt to protect her. “How am I to stop them from being introduced to my friend?”
Leo was still trying to recover from seeing Theo lick her spoon clean. His body had immediately reacted. Still, he had to focus on her questions. She was determined to take care of her friend. “I will help. You should ask your family as well. I am certain that if Worthington doesn’t already have a complete list of eligible gentlemen, he soon will.”
Theo appeared to consider his words and nodded. “Yes, you are correct. From what my sisters have told me he is very strict about that sort of thing.”
“There is one more matter.” Leo really should not tell her this, but she had already mentioned mistresses. In fact, she had known about them before she was out. “A gentleman looking for a wife will not keep a mistress.”
Theo’s lips formed a perfect O. “That is good to know. How would one discover if he was keeping one? Who would one ask?”
He’d done it now. He knew her. Why had he not considered that she might just question gentlemen or others. “You cannot ask. I know your family is quite progressive, but it’s not done for an unmarried lady to admit she knows certain things.”
She gave him a look that clearly said he was being an idiot for thinking she might do something so inappropriate. “I was not going to go around asking just anyone.”
Leo needed to end this conversation before he got himself into trouble. “Your sisters would be the best people to query. They will be privy to the information.”
“You are probably right.” She gave him an approving smile.
“From what I understand, married ladies discuss everything.”
There. That was settled. Now to begin the almost courting process. “Would you like to accompany me on a carriage ride tomorrow afternoon?”
“How nice of you to ask.” Theo’s eyes sparkled. “If Grace approves, I will be happy to go with you.”
Leo resisted a smug smile. He had already gained Lady Worthington’s approval. “I look forward to her answer.”
Theo glanced down at her plate and her expressive brows came together. “What is this?”
“Scalloped oysters. I find them quite tasty.” He hoped she liked them. They were one of his favorites.
She speared one of the oysters with her fork, popped it in her mouth and swallowed. “Excellent choice. These are very good.”
He was more pleased than he thought he’d be. “I’m glad you like them. In France, raw oysters are served on ice.”
“That sounds interesting.” She finished the dish then began on the lobster patty. “I would like to go to Paris, but not in the summer. I have been told it is unpleasant.”
“I believe you are correct. Like London, most people flee to the country. I was fortunate enough to be there in early autumn. It was quite enjoyable.” He’d take Theo there on a wedding trip.
“It is a shame that ladies do not make Grand Tours.” Her fork hovered over a piece of cod in sauce. “Although, my nieces are discussing visiting the Continent when they are older.”
Good Lord. What put such an idea in their heads? “They are eight and nine. What made them think about that?”
“Augusta. She has told them a great deal about what she saw during her travels.” Theo finished the fish and started on the asparagus.
“I had forgotten about that. I heard that she and her husband are back in Europe again. Something to do with their son.”
“Yes.” Theo nodded. “It is the stupidest thing imaginable. Phinn’s sister-in-law has taken it into her head that she wants to raise their son.”
“So, they are stopping her by departing. Interesting.” A bit extreme but effective.
“Well, that and a colleague wrote to them asking for her expertise in languages and Phinn’s in ancient architecture.”
Leo wanted to turn the conversation to what Theo wanted. Granted, taking care of several houses and helping with the estates took up a lot of time, but knowing her, as he thought he did, she would want to do more. “I know your sisters are involved in charities of different sorts. Is that something you’re interested in doing as well?”
She dabbed her serviette against her rosy lips and took a sip of champagne. “I have already started working with my sisters in their various charities and donating to them. I want to be able to continue their work as well as to help the dependents on my future husband’s estates.”
Whether her spouse agreed or not, obviously. He couldn’t hide his smile. He would let her do whatever she wished. “That sounds like a superb plan.”
“Thank you.” She returned his smile. “I will, naturally, have to ensure that the gentleman I marry will not attempt to stop me.”
