Matt shook his head. “We play it as it comes. So far, Chandos has become trustworthy enough for Theo to give him tasks. Let’s wait and see.”
“I have one idea.” Harry Stern leaned back in his chair.” We need to get the duke to take his seat in the Lords. We can always use another peer on our side.”
“Theo would like that as well,” Kenilworth agreed. “The only question is will he have time while he’s dancing attendance on Theo?”
Rothwell frowned. “That’s a good thought. The only other one of the girls to come out by herself was Augusta, and she left for the Continent.”
Matt poured tea that had been carried in and handed out the cups. “Enough of this. Kenilworth, I leave it to you to approach Chandos about taking his seat. Now. Let’s discuss our legislative agenda.”
Leo congratulated himself on letting his valet know to have his cook prepare a substantial breakfast early today. With any luck at all, he would be invited to break his fast with Theo tomorrow. He’d kept the conversation light while he and Marrow were eating; now it was time to ask more questions. “As I said, I have been putting my financial information and estate in order so that I am ready to wed when I find the right bride.”
Marrow placed his serviette on the table. “It hadn’t occurred to me to do that. On the other hand, I really hadn’t planned to wed so soon.” He shook his head thoughtfully. “However, I believe I must start. Fortunately, my father’s man of business keeps the accounts in order. My father has been gradually handing me more control over the estates. Still, he will have to approve my choice of bride.” He picked up his cup of tea and swallowed the rest. “Do you know anything about Miss Pettigrew’s family?”
Leo had not even considered that the tables might be turned on him. “Not a great deal. The family lines are excellent.” At least that’s what he’d gathered at the ball Lady Stern had given. “The father’s a bit of a toad. But I got that from Stanwood. His father didn’t like the man because he was a hard Tory.”
“I don’t think my father will care one way or the other what her father’s political leanings are. Do you know anything about her?”
“She seems nice enough. That Lady Theo befriended her says more about Miss Pettigrew than anything else. Lady Theo will not abide anyone who is puffed up in their own consequence or false in any way.”
“I’d heard that about the Worthington ladies.” Marrow poured himself another cup of tea. “Dowry?”
“Respectable. The father is a baron with one estate in the Midlands near Stanwood’s main estate.”
“I don’t see anything to which m’father could object.” He took a drink and set the cup down. “I suppose I’ll get a better idea when I meet her mother this afternoon.”
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about there.” Lady Pettigrew couldn’t be more different from her husband. “What are you getting up to this Season?”
Marrow shrugged. “I was going to look for a mistress to set up, but I won’t if I am courting Miss Pettigrew. You?”
“My days of Seasonal mistresses are a thing of the past. My only goal is to convince Lady Theo to marry me.”
Marrow looked surprised. “I can’t suppose that will be too difficult. You are a duke and warm enough to keep a wife with the elegancies.”
As if that mattered to her. “You don’t know Theo. She doesn’t care about rank or great wealth. Her brother will make sure no one who cannot support her will be allowed an introduction, but nor will he attempt to influence her choice. Aside from that, I need to be careful in courting her. She’s not impressed with my former self.”
“You really are taken with her.” He shook his head as if amazed. “I actually never thought I’d see the day.”
If only he knew. “I would do anything to make her my wife. She is not a perfect person. None of us are. But she’s perfect for me.”
His friend laughed. “What made you decide that?”
“Last summer not long before Stanwood wed. She found me passed out when I was supposed to be helping. She threw a pail of water on me, then proceeded to give me the best set-down I’ve ever had. And she wasn’t even out yet.”
Marrow went into whoops. “Well, that wouldn’t suit me, but I can see how she is just what you need. Give me a lady who is calm and steady.”
Leo raised his cup. “Such as Miss Pettigrew.”
“It seems that might be so.” His friend raised his cup as well. “Good luck to the both of us.” Marrow gave Leo a narrow-eyed look. “All this talk of finances doesn’t have anything to do with your future wife, does it?”
Leo had made a mull out of that. “Theo is very protective of her friends. Especially ones who she considers rather green.”
“You, my friend, are going to be led a pretty dance before this is all over.” Marrow pushed back his chair and stood.
“Trust me.” It was becoming clearer every day. “I am well aware of that fact. I’ll go along as long as it gets me what I want.”
Theo in his life and in his bed. As his wife and duchess.
Leo arrived about twenty minutes earlier than the appointed time. A footman opened the door. He handed the man his card. “I am here to see Lady Theo.”
