“We are.” Leo never thought Whiting could be so charming. “The wedding is in two weeks.”
“Shall I ask Mrs. Merryweather to prepare a list of the guests her grace will wish to invite to the wedding breakfast?”
“Yes, please do,” Theo said. “If she tries to put you off, you may explain to her that if you do not receive the list within the next few days, it will be too late for her grace’s guests to attend.”
“I understand.” Whiting gave Leo a curious look. “Does her grace not wish for you to marry?”
“She had been urging me to do so for the past year. I have the strong feeling that she had a young lady in mind. I knew who I wanted to wed.”
Theo’s cheeks became pink. He’d like to see how deep her color could be. “In any event, she put Theo off on inspecting the house and failed to tell the staff I would wed soon.”
A thoughtful look appeared on Whiting’s mien. “Just yesterday Mrs. Merryweather mentioned a problem with the dower house.”
That made no sense. “The main dower house is in Bath, and the last report I had was that it was in excellent condition. I also went there to inspect it just before coming to Town.”
“When was the last time she visited the house?” Theo asked.
“I don’t know if she’s ever been.” Something was going on with his mother. He’d have to find out exactly what. “Do you know if she is going out this evening?”
“To the best of my knowledge, she is not. Hoover would know for certain,” Whiting said.
Theo looked worried, then glanced at Leo. “Perhaps you should speak with her after we dine this evening.”
“I’ll do that. This strife between us must end.” He’d always been close to his parents, and she was the last one he had. “Speaking of dinner. We should go.” He glanced at his secretary. “Is there anything of which I should be aware?”
A small smile dawned on Whiting’s face. “I am to be married at the end of June.”
“Excellent!” Theo beamed at him. “Congratulations.”
Leo wasn’t convinced that was wonderful news. “Does that change your employment here?”
“No, your grace.” His secretary stared down at his desk for a few moments, then glanced at Theo. “My lady, are you in need of a secretary or companion?”
“I will need a secretary. I thought to wait until after I was married, however, I will happily meet with her to see if we suit.”
“Thank you. She likes to keep busy.”
“Next week, I think. I will have to look at my diary.”
“My lady,” Payne said, “you could plan to meet with the lady on the same day you consult with Mrs. Rollins.”
“That is an excellent idea. Thank you.” Theo held out her hand to Whiting. “I shall see you again.”
“Yes, my lady. It was a pleasure to finally meet you.”
When they reached the hall again, Hoover and Jones were in conversation. “Your grace,” Hoover said. “Her grace informed me that she was going out tonight. She will be at home for a short while before she leaves again.”
“Thank you.” Leo wouldn’t be meeting with her this evening. “Do you know what her plans are for tomorrow?”
“She has nothing scheduled in the morning.”
It would have to be then. “I’ll be at Worthington House.”
“Yes, your grace.”
Leo was glad he’d brought Theo to his house today. He’d had no idea how much needed to be accomplished. Although he should have. His almost brothers-in-laws had all mentioned improvements her sisters had made to their houses.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
