“Papa gave Mama a list of what he wanted, and authorized his solicitor here to sign it for him,” Sarah offered.
Marrow made a moue of disgust. Theo wondered if it was because of what Lord Pettigrew wanted. “I’ll tell our father that if he wants to avoid delay, he should hurry our solicitor along. But why the rush?”
“Because.” Theo could not resist a slightly smug smile. “Once you have the settlement agreements signed, you can wed by special license, and no one can contest it on the grounds that we ladies have not yet reached our majorities. The contracts are clear evidence that permission has been granted.”
“Ohhh, that is devious.” Sarah grinned. “All we have to do is insist that we marry on the dates we picked.”
Crewe looked at Theo with approval. “You could have been a lawyer, my lady.”
“Much better for her to be a duchess.” Chandos poured everyone glasses of wine. “My duchess. Is there anything we haven’t discussed that we need to?” They all looked at each other around the table and shook their heads. “Excellent. Tell either Theo or me if anyone has a problem they cannot resolve by themselves.” After they toasted to their respective weddings, and finished eating, he rose and offered Theo his hand. “I have something extremely important to show my betrothed.”
“Really? What?” Theo could not think of a thing. “I must leave word for Grace so she will not worry.”
“Tell Thorton. He’ll inform her.”
“That will do. We cannot leave before our guests.”
The gentlemen took their ladies’ arms and quickly strode to the door.
Crewe flashed Chandos a devilish look. “Shall I guess?”
“No.” He narrowed his eyes. “You may keep your suspicions to yourself.”
Theo did not understand why they had to rush. “You can at least tell me.”
Crewe barked a laugh and pulled Felice out the door. “Come, my love. We do not want to be run over.”
Theo only had a chance to wave goodbye before Chandos lifted her into the coach. Once he entered and sat next to her, Theo had had enough secrecy. “Tell me now where we are going.”
“To my villa in St. John’s Wood.”
Theo almost dropped her jaw. “But the note said it would not be ready.”
“I had the forethought to send Jaynes, with two footmen and two maids, there early this morning. They will ensure it is up to your standards and mine.” His green gaze caught hers. “Are you sure you want to do this? We can wait.”
“I am certain.” She pressed her lips to his. He would have to show her how to go on.
Once they were past the Park, he handed her a bonnet and veil. “Put these on so that if anyone sees us, they will not recognize you.”
She removed her hat and donned the new one. It had a wide brim that curled down in the back, hiding her hair. Theo decided to wear the net so that she could see a bit at least. The veil covered her entire face, neck, and shoulders. “What about my gown?”
“The villa has a solid gate. No one will be able to see you depart the coach and enter the house.”
That was discreet. They made the drive mainly in silence as she sat back and looked out the window. She had never been on this side of London before. Finally, they entered a leafy area with charming free-standing houses and town houses. Tall walls with entry gates surrounded the houses. The coach slowed and turned into one of the drives. The house was three stories in white brick with long windows. Behind them, the gate closed. “It is beautiful!”
Chandos jumped down and held out his hand for her. “It’s one of my favorite properties. In a way, it’s a shame that the area has become synonymous with courtesans.”
Thus, making it more easily sold than kept. “Is the inside as lovely?”
He grinned. “I think so. You will have to tell me.”
Theo had images of naked people painted on the ceilings. “I am looking forward to seeing it.”
He used his key, and they entered a small mostly marble hall with scantily clad, Greek-looking statues placed in nooks. The walls were painted azure. The ceiling motif was mostly naked bodies, but they were cherubs. A curved staircase rose to the next level. “It is beautiful.” She glanced around. “Will no one greet us?”
“Uh, no. We will serve and wait on ourselves today.” Chandos twined his arm with hers. “Come with me.”
As they ascended the stairs, she was becoming a bit nervous. Theo supposed that was normal. After all, she had never been intimate with a gentleman before. He opened the door to a parlor decorated in various shades of medium to light green, with windows and a French door leading to a small balcony. “This is like a fairy-tale house.”
