“Since spending time with Theo’s family, I have begun to form an interest. I find it fascinating how much one can accomplish when one is involved.” She glanced at her mother. “Not that I would express my newfound ideas at home. My father is a strict Tory. As you probably know, the Worthington family are not.”
Leaving Grace to converse with Lady Pettigrew, and Sarah to come to know Marrow, Theo meandered to the windows to the garden. She almost jumped when Chandos appeared beside her. “I thought you would stay and talk with your friend.”
“Not while he is chatting with Miss Pettigrew. What do you take me for?”
Chandos was right. He would have been in the way. Theo was really going to have to reevaluate him. “I did not think about it.”
He glanced to the side. “I didn’t hear the children leave.”
“They know when to be quiet. They are old enough to understand when they cannot become involved in the conversation. Although, I suppose I shall now be teased for matchmaking.”
A grin dawned on his too handsome face. It was no wonder that he was a rake. Females of all sorts must fall all over him. He turned to her from gazing out the window. “I will attest that you had nothing to do with it. They found each other all by themselves. I will admit that I was chuffed to discover her ladyship, not Lady Worthington, knew Marrow’s mother. If they do decide they would like to wed, it will make it easier.”
“Quite true. I wonder what happened to her sister.” A frown formed on Theo’s brow.
She probably had the same idea as Leo did. “I got the feeling that her parents were not successful in arranging happy matches for their children.”
“Yes.” She nodded slightly. “That is what I think as well. I do believe she wants a better marriage for Sarah.”
He turned and leaned against the windows to be able to look at her better. “Why is it not important for you to marry this Season?”
Theo raised one shoulder in an elegant shrug. “I suppose I am trying to put it off.”
That he didn’t understand. “Why? All your sisters have successful marriages.”
“Oh, no.” Her smile was a bit sad. “It is not that. It is just that Mary and I have been best friends for so long, I never thought about not coming out with her.”
“She is three years your junior.”
“I know. And I know I am not making sense. She told me to come to Town and find a gentleman to wed so that I could help her when she came out.”
“But you miss her, and she is not here yet.”
“Exactly.” Theo blinked rapidly as if to clear tears from her eyes. “I truly believe that if she could avoid coming this year she would. I am half afraid that it is exactly what she will do.”
“Because she is worried that you will feel badly for coming out first?”
“You are much too preceptive, your grace.” She narrowed her eyes, giving him a suspicious look. “Have you spoken with her?”
“Me?” Leo placed a hand over his heart. “I have not. Although, I will admit to accidentally overhearing her in conversation with Stanwood.” Leo could not resist taking Theo’s hand. “She loves you a great deal. This is hurting her as well. I think you should honor her wishes and find the best gentleman you can to wed.”Which would be me. “I’ll even assist you.”
Even though tears made her eyes more luminous, more beautiful, he liked her smile better. Theo sniffled. “Let us see what happens.”
“Very well. I want you to know I will help whenever I can. I am your friend.” There, he’d said it. Leo held his breath waiting for her to respond.
“Thank you. That is very kind. Perhaps I will take you up on your offer.”
A stir came from the sofa. He glanced over Theo’s shoulder. “Lady Pettigrew and company are departing.”
Theo started to turn around, then seemed to notice that he was holding her hand. “I must bid them farewell.”
Did that mean he should go as well? “Yes. Of course.” Reluctantly Leo released her hand. She was riding with him today. “I will walk with you. Don’t forget we are riding in the Park today.”
“Yes. I will be ready at five.” Her tone was thoughtful, then she glanced down at the hand he’d been holding with an expression he couldn’t interpret.
He followed her to the front door.
When Marrow and the Pettigrew ladies reached the steps, he said, “My lady, may I take Miss Pettigrew riding this afternoon?”
