Patricia’s eyes sparkled. “I am so happy to be able to travel.”
There was something Leo didn’t know. “Holland, do you not have an estate?”
“I do.” He nodded. “My mother lives there with my younger siblings. The eldest of my brothers manages it. It will be a long time before we will reside there.”
“When we do come back home for visits, we will stay in the town house,” Patricia added.
They strolled and talked through the first two sets, then all of them, with the exception of Holland and Patricia decided to join the first waltz. This was the first time Leo had danced the waltz with Theo since they made love. It made it more special. He held her closer than before, and she seemed even more comfortable in his arms. That had never happened to him before. “Is it different for you?”
“Yes.” Her eyes warmed him. “I can almost feel your hands stroking me.”
Leo almost groaned, and his cock stirred. “Perhaps I can find an empty parlor.”
Her lips curved up in an almost sly smile. “That would be interesting.”
Lord, he was going to enjoy being married to her. Fortunately, he knew exactly where to take her. “I believe it will be.”
By the time the set ended, he was ready to drag her away, but he’d have to be discreet. They and the others rejoined Patricia and Holland, who didn’t dance.
Sarah glanced at Theo and leaned closer. “Would you accompany me to the ladies’ room?”
“Of course.” They linked arms and strolled toward the stairs.
Leo started to go after them, but Marrow placed his hand on Leo’s arm. “Wait a few minutes. If those females do plan to follow them, they won’t if they see you.”
“You’re right.” That could be the reason Theo had not heard from them recently. He’d been too quick. He waited until he deemed enough time had passed, then went to the parlor that had been set aside for the ladies and waited.
When Sarah and Theo reached the ladies’ room, they went immediately behind the screens. She had just stood and shaken out her skirts when the door opened and closed.
“Did you hear that Chandos’s mistress has been seen?” the low-voiced lady said.
“No! In the Park? That’s where he usually takes them,” her nasally friend responded.
This should be interesting.
“No. With him on some street. I cannot remember the name.
In the area where most of the gentlemen house their ladybirds,” the lady with the low voice said as if she was certain.
It was all Theo could do not to laugh. Had someone seen his coach?
“Do you know what she looks like?” Nasally said.
“My brother said that she had red hair. Curly red hair and blue eyes,” low voice responded.
“I suppose she is beautiful.” Nasally sounded jealous.
“That is what he said. She is a great beauty. Her skin is like milk, and she speaks with a slight burr. As if she is from Scotland or maybe from France. There are quite a few of the Scots still in France.”
Now that was a lie. How could they attempt to tarnish his reputation that way?
“I feel sorry for poor Lady Theo. Having to wed the duke. Even if he is handsome,” Nasally responded.
That was kind of her. Unless the lady knew Theo was present.
“And rich. I’ve also heard he is very good in bed.” The lady’s voice was different. As if she was imagining it.
He was that. Theo was going to burst out laughing if they did not leave soon.
