“You remind me of the statues I saw, but with more hair. And larger. Much larger.”
He tossed back his head and laughed. “That is the best compliment I’ve ever received.”
Theo leaned her head on his shoulder. “I wonder who they are.”
“Considering they almost drove you from me, if I found out, it would not go well for them.” The crown of her bonnet pressed down. “I don’t like that hat. I can’t kiss your hair.”
Theo laughed. “I’ll be able to remove it soon.”
“Good.” He turned his head. “What can you tell me about them?”
“Not much.” She shook her head. “One has a husband whose name is Gerald. One spoke in a nasal tone. Oh, and there is a brother who purports to know you. That is where most of the information came from.”
“The erroneous information.” Chandos’s voice was hard.
“Yes.” He had a right to be upset. They had almost lost each other because of the gossip.
“Do they sound like anyone you know?”
He shook his head. “No.” He glanced out the coach window. “It’s time to change hats.”
Theo quickly donned her own bonnet. “That is better. I can see everything now.” Including someone staring at the coach. “Who is that, I wonder?”
“Who?” Chandos leaned forward. “We must have passed them.”
She shrugged. “I suppose it does not matter. I am allowed to be here with you.”
“When is the next ball?”
“Why?”
“Because every set is mine.” He cut her a look. “If you agree, of course.”
“As long as we do not have to stand up for every dance.”
“Only the waltzes.” The amorous look was back in his eyes. “We can explore the grounds.”
“That sounds delightful.” Now that she knew what he meant to do. “It is tomorrow evening.”
When they arrived at Worthington House, there was a note waiting from Mrs. Rollins informing Theo that the Rollinses were available the next morning. “We have an appointment with Mr. and Mrs. Rollins tomorrow at ten.”
“Excellent. The sooner we can have what we want done in the house the better.”
“I will write back to her, accepting the time.” A few minutes later, Theo sent Jones off with the message. “Do you know if your mother will be there?”
“No. I do know that she plans to invite you to tea. I shall be there as well.”
“Perhaps she is ready to accept our marriage.” Although, she would not mind Chandos being present.
“We had a discussion, but I’m still not certain about her feelings.”
They were in a small parlor when the door opened, and she heard Charlotte’s voice. Chandos turned to Theo. “What do we tell them about where we were?”
“Nothing. I doubt if anyone will ask.” She reached up and stroked his cheek. “We are betrothed. We can always tell them about our luncheon.”
He took her hand and kissed it. “We are indeed.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
