Louisa nodded. “We already spoke with Dotty about the possibility. She will arrive early next week.”
“I just might be.” Theirs was one of the more interesting endeavors. They took care of war widows in need and took in former prostitutes and their children. All of whom were trained for positions they would like. Eleanor was involved in making mining and other work safer. Alice and Madeline rescued children from the streets, then educated and trained them. One of the boys had taught Theo and Mary how to pick locks even faster than Charlotte picked them. And one of the girls had taught them how to pass notes and things on without being seen. Both those children had gone on to more schooling. Augusta was the only one not involved with charities, but she was academically minded and translated ancient works for scholarly texts. “Where are we meeting and when?”
Louisa glanced at Matt. “If you are going to be in your study, we will use the library.”
“That is fine with me.” He placed his serviette on the table and rose. “Gentlemen.”
Chairs scraped back as they stood.
Kenilworth patted Theo’s shoulder as he passed by. “I am available if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” He was her favorite brother-by-marriage. Although, St. Albans and Harry Stern were close seconds.
“Why did the children decide to break their fast in the schoolroom?”
“They had not had an opportunity to be together since Christmas,” Grace said.
“We even brought Vivienne with us so that she could be with the rest of the cousins.” Charlotte rose. “Dotty wanted more time with little Samuel.”
Samuel was just three months old. He would be like a cousin to Olivia and Robin.
Theo stood as well. “I am glad to be included.”
The gentlemen filed into Matt’s study that was already set with additional chairs near a sofa and armchairs near the fireplace. “Before we begin, I want to discuss Chandos and Theo.”
There were nods all around.
“I know there is only one girl out this Season, but it already seems like more,” Rothwell said.
“That’s because it’s Theo,” Kenilworth said. “She is much more up to snuff than the rest of the sisters were when they came out.”
“And all of them knew what they expected in a husband,” St. Albans added. “Alice has my father shaking in his boots half the time.”
Stern looked at Matt, then the rest of them. “Did Chandos approach any of you for advice?”
“Yes,” they each affirmed.
“He’s smarter than we were,” Montagu muttered.
St. Albans pulled a face. “Definitely cannier than I was.”
“Charlie asked us to assist him.” Matt wanted to word this properly. “Unless it gets to the point that helping him is harming Theo. However, we are not to mention a word to her.”
Kenilworth gave him a dubious look. “I understand the reason. There is absolutely no point in putting up her back. I do think we will pay for this subterfuge at some point.” He glanced at the others. “I did tell him in no uncertain terms that she would not be compromised into marriage. I don’t believe he would try that path. He has too much pride, but just to warn him in the event he becomes desperate.”
“Did you tell your wife?” Montagu asked quietly.
“I learned my lesson about keeping things from Louisa a long time ago,” Rothwell said with feeling. “Theo might be irritated with us, but she’ll get over it quickly. Louisa can hold a grudge.”
Kenilworth nodded. “I wouldn’t dare attempt to keep anything like this from Charlotte.”
The rest of the brothers-in-law agreed.
“When Mary comes to Town, she will have to be told,” St. Albans said. “She and Theo played an important part in me being able to convince Alice to marry me.”
“Mary already knows.” Matt glanced at the rest of his brothers-by-marriage. “She spoke with Charlie and agreed that Chandos would be an excellent match for Theo.”
“What do we do now?” Rothwell looked around the room. “Do we have a plan?”
