“It seemed as if it was the most expeditious way for Lady Pettigrew to meet his lordship and form an opinion of him.”
“Thus, clearing the way for him to be allowed to not only stand up with Miss Pettigrew, but accompany him, chaperoned, of course, to some of the sights.”
“Yes. Astute of you.”
He dipped his head. “I do my poor best.”
“You are doing very well.” She gave him a look of approval, and he wanted to preen.
Marrow and Miss Pettigrew stopped before going through the gate.
“I thought I would escort Miss Pettigrew to her house,” he said.
That did not help Leo at all in his plan to have his friend join him for breakfast.
“Why do we not all go together. The Pettigrews’ home is not far from Berkeley Square,” Theo suggested.
She was brilliant. That would give him time to invite Marrow to break his fast with Leo. “I agree.”
“Very well, then.” Marrow inclined his head. “We shall all go together.”
Leo noticed that the groom accompanying Miss Pettigrew appeared relieved. Why was that?
Marrow kept up a steady stream of conversation about the places Miss Pettigrew should see while in town, volunteering, again, to escort her. She seemed to agree with all his ideas. By the time they reached the house on Upper Grosvenor Street, plans had been made to visit the Tower, the museum, the opera, the theater, Vauxhall, rides in the Park, and various other places. Leo didn’t know when his friend was going to do anything else but accompany Miss Pettigrew around Town. Was Marrow actually attempting to ensure that he had no competition for her hand? If so, that meant Leo had best get busy making sure everything was as Theo wanted it.
They bid adieu to the lady, and he was surprised to find a different groom take Miss Pettigrew’s horse, and the original groom ride off toward Berkeley Square. “Why does it look as if the groom is going to your house?”
“Because he is,” Theo said. “They only have the one here for the Season. Therefore, when we ride together, she will use one of our grooms.”
Marrow started to ride off, and Leo called out to him. “Wait a moment if you will.” He glanced at Theo. “I am going to invite him to break his fast with me so that I can speak with him alone.”
“What an excellent idea.”
He could die happily if she would look at him like that more often.
His friend joined them. “What is it?”
“If you will go with me to escort Lady Theo home, I thought you could join me for breakfast.”
“Thank you. That’s a wonderful idea. My mother wants to speak with me, but she will not be down for a few hours yet.”
“Well, then. Let us go.”
They fell in on either side of Theo as they continued their way.
They were almost at the square when it occurred to Leo that one possible problem with his plan to wed her might exist. He separated them a bit from his friend. “Are you thinking of finding a suitable mate this Season?”
She appeared a bit surprised. “Thatisthe purpose of a come out.”
As unhelpful responses went, that was one of the most unaccommodating. “Meaning?”
Her dark brows slanted down. “If I find someone, then yes. But I am in no hurry.”
Bloody hellhounds! He’d really not expected that answer. For a second, he wished she was more like other young ladies, but then he wouldn’t be interested in her. He’d simply have to find a way to make her want him for a husband.
He helped Theo down from her horse and walked with her to the door. “Until tea.”
“Yes. Until then.” The door opened and she stepped inside.
