The next morning, after riding with Theo and breaking his fast at her house, Leo went home to speak with his mother. His betrothed had reminded him that he must listen to what she had to say, and he would. But no matter what else happened, his mother was not going to talk him out of marrying Theo.
He found Mama in the breakfast room, sipping a cup of tea. He bussed her cheek. “Good morning.”
“You are in a good mood.” She, clearly, was not.
“We must talk. I understand that when Theo wrote to you asking for a date to tour the house, you suggested she wait for a few weeks.”
Mama assumed a sour look. “And I understand that she completely ignored me and was here yesterday with herpersonalservants.”
This would not stand. Theo wouldn’t be blamed. “She was, because I insisted on bringing them here.” He resisted drumming his fingers on the table. “There is a great deal to do before our marriage.”
“I do not know why this must happen so quickly.” His mother’s tone was tense.
“No, you don’t know why it must happen at all.” Leo was forcing himself to be calm. “You wanted me to wed. I’m doing just that. Why are you upset?”
She put down her teacup. “When you were young, around eight years old, my closest friend gave birth to a lovely little girl. I tried to convince your father to enter into a betrothal contract for you to marry her. He would not do it.” Mama screwed up her lips as if she had eaten a lemon. “He asked me if I never wondered why the duke and duchess’s apartments were so far apart. I admitted that it had crossed my mind, and he told me that it was because until you, every marriage had been arranged, and that several of the couples actively hated one another.” She lifted her empty cup and put it down. “Despite that, my friend and I never gave up hope. Clarissa came out this year. But you would have nothing to do with her. You would not even meet her. It was embarrassing for me.”
Leo had been so focused on marrying Theo, he’d never mentioned it to his mother, until they arrived in Town. “I told you before the beginning of the Season that I knew who I wanted to wed.”
“Yes, yes, I know you did. I do not understand how you could have made your mind up so quickly, and to a lady with whom you would clash. Suddenly falling in love does not make for a stable marriage.”
“I wasn’t sudden. I have known Theo for almost four years as my friend’s sister. Last year I realized that she might be the perfect lady for me. I spent a great deal of time visiting whichever house she was at to make sure she was the right one.” He wished he’d rung for tea. “Mama, Theo is kind, intelligent, funny, the best whist player I’ve ever met, and knows how to run estates better than I do, and grand houses. She will also not put up with anyone, including herself, being treated badly.” And beautiful. “Even if you had told me about this Clarissa, it wouldn’t have mattered. I had made my decision.”
“You could have told me.” There was weary anger in her tone.
“I didn’t tell anyone. Not even her brother, who is one of my best friends, until I asked for permission to court her.” There was no point in telling his mother that he’d had to prove himself to her family or they wouldn’t have allowed him near her. Mama would never have understood.
“I suppose they gave it right away. They must have been very pleased.”
“Actually, no. I was told it was her decision to make, and she took a lot of convincing.” His mother still didn’t look happy. “I do not want this to continue to cause a rift between us. That said, Theo is the lady I will have for my wife. It would make me very happy if you could bring yourself to accept her.”
“I suppose she is going to make a lot of changes.”
He had no doubt Mama had insisted on reviewing Jaynes’s notes. “Yes. First of which will be the location of the duchess’s chambers. She is contacting an architect her family works with, and his wife, who is a decorator.”
Her eyes widened. “You are going to remodel the house?”
“We are. One of our proposals is to move the schoolroom and nursery and expand the whole top floor into servants’ quarters.” That would be enough to tell her at present.
“Goodness. I never even thought of that. Not that your father would have agreed.” She frowned briefly. “Where will everyone live while this is going on?”
“We’ll discuss that when we meet with the architect.” Then Leo realized she wanted to know where she’d live. “I will give all of this serious thought. If you have any ideas, we would like to hear them. Before the final plans are made.”
“Yes. This certainly is not the situation I had imagined it to be.” She stared at him for several moments, then reached out to him across the table. “I apologize for not welcoming Lady Theo. I wish to make amends. Perhaps she could join me for tea this afternoon.”
No, no, no!He had plans for her after luncheon. And he’d be there when she had tea with his mother. “I’ll ask, but I believe she has something she must do. Tomorrow?”
“Yes, that might be better.” Mama appeared more resigned than pleased.
He glanced at the clock. How could time go so quickly? “I am meeting Theo and some of our friends for luncheon. I’ll see you later.”
“Yes, dear. Have a good time.”
“I will.” If they could get all their weddings arranged to everyone’s satisfaction, it would be a miracle. Leo made sure he had the dates the rector had given to him.
After giving orders for the unmarked town coach to be at Worthington House just after one and to wait for him, Leo decided to walk to Worthington House. As he was passing Grosvenor Square, he saw Crewe and Felice descending the steps from Crewe House. “Good day.”
“It will be if we can get these weddings arranged,” Felice said in an exasperated tone.
