His mother’s brows rose. “Of course.” She turned back to her ladyship. “I hope to see you soon.”
“Yes. I hope so as well.”
Leo escorted his mother to another lady to bid her good evening. Fortunately, she was still speaking with the Worthington ladies.
Her ladyship smiled at his mother. “Your grace, have you met Lady Worthington and her sisters?”
Mama smiled politely. “Except for the duchess, I have not had the pleasure.”
Once the introductions were made, Leo stepped over to Theo. “May I escort you to your carriage?”
“Yes, if you wish.”
Once he handed her in, he went to his mother and helped her into his coach. He gave her the forward-facing seat, then leaned back against the squabs. “There is something I must tell you.”
In the lamplight he could see her surprise. “What is it, my dear?”
“I have decided to marry Lady Theo Vivers.”
Mama leaned forward a bit and stared at him. “Are you certain? I thought Lady Patricia might be more to your taste.”
“I am absolutely sure. She is the lady I want.”
“Well, then,” Mama huffed. “I do not know why you could not have told me before. When will you announce your betrothal?”
“Not for a while. She doesn’t appear to know I’m interested in her.” That was a lowering statement to make.
“I see.” His mother started to chuckle, then stopped. “Well, this is not a problem you have had before. From what I have seen, females seem to think you are interested even when you are not. This should be diverting.”
“I’m glad you think so.” If he had his way, he’d just carry Theo off, but she’d probably stab him with her knife.
CHAPTER FIVE
Aline of pink streaked through the antelucan sky as Theo rode with her groom, Mick, and one other groom to the Pettigrews’s leased house. Sarah’s mare was standing with a footman in front of the short set of stairs.
As soon as Theo stopped, Sarah came down the steps. “Thank you for your loan of a groom. Mama discovered that Cook has been sending our groom to the market with one of the maids.”
It never occurred to Theo that the Pettigrews had brought only one groom. Although, considering Lord Pettigrew remained in the country, it was not surprising. “This is Straw. He can act as your groom when you require one.”
“Thank you. That is very kind of you.” Sarah glanced at the servant. “Straw?”
He tugged on his cap. “It was better than Berry, miss.”
Understanding dawned on her face. “Well, then. Let us go, shall we?”
The groom cupped his hands, and she mounted her hack. Theo headed down the street toward the Park. Two shadowy figures on horseback approached them from the right as they reached the gate.
“Good morn.”
Chandos?Who was the other man? “Good morning to you. You are up early.”
“As you know, the only time one can gallop without creating a commotion is early morning.” He turned to the gentleman next to him. “Please allow me to present Lord Marrow.”
Theo quickly placed him as the Earl of Marrow, heir to the Marquis of Carlisle. He had a sister, Patricia, who had just come out. “It is nice to meet you.” Theo glanced at Sarah. “This is my friend, Miss Pettigrew.”
“Ladies, my pleasure.” His lordship smiled politely and fell in beside Sarah.
Chandos joined Theo, who glanced at him. “I had no idea riding this early in the morning was so fashionable.”
