“You are now. Is it because of your mother?” Other than the fact that Chandos was Charlie’s friend, Theo really did not know much about him.
“Partly. I have other reasons as well. This is the first Season she’s been here since my father died.”
Theo knew his father was deceased, but nothing else about it. “When did he pass on?”
“Shortly after I returned from the Continent.” He was silent for a second. “I did not take it well.”
“That is understandable. I do not remember my father. I think Matt experienced some form of behaving badly when Papa died. Yet, he has always been more of a father to me than a brother.” She wondered if her brother would ever tell her about it.
“I wouldn’t be surprised. I think many men do. I suppose it’s a way of grieving.” Chandos drove forward as the carriage in front of them moved. “For most of us, it is a drastic transition.”
“I imagine it must be. Men inherit the title and estates, or business. They are suddenly responsible for everyone. Grace is the only lady I know who experienced that sort of obligation when her parents died.”
He nodded. “Stanwood told me about it. He said she kept all his brothers and sisters together instead of allowing them to be divided up among their relatives.”
Theo had not understood what a huge accomplishment it was until she was older. “Yes. She is remarkable. I’m glad Grace and Matt married. Before then, he used to go away for weeks at a time. After they wed, he stayed home.”
Chandos had been looking ahead at traffic, then he glanced at Theo. “Sometimes there needs to be a reason to change.”
Was that what Chandos was searching for? A reason? But to do what? Not be a rake? Perhaps there was something she could do to help. Charlotte might have some ideas. Theo glanced up to see they were leaving the Park. Had she truly not seen anyone else she knew? Or had she ignored them?
“Ices?” he asked in a light tone.
“Yes, please. I hope they have some savory ones. They usually do.”
“You mean you hope they have a champagne ice.” He grinned at Theo, and suddenly her chest seemed tighter.
“That or perhaps white wine.” Yet, the champagne ice was excellent.
A waiter ran up to them when they parked on the verge in front of the building. “Would you like to hear our special ices for the day?”
“We would,” Chandos responded. “Please start with your savory ones.”
“Lavender, white wine, Parmesan, and ambergris.”
“All of them sound interesting.” Theo seemed so fascinated Leo wanted to laugh. “I will try the Parmesan.”
“For you, sir?”
“The lavender.” He glanced at her. “If you like, we can each taste the other’s ice.”
“Yes. That is what Mary and I do. Although, she likes the sweeter ones better.” Theo’s expression saddened.
He was starting to consider writing to Stanwood and asking when he planned to come to Town. Leo hated to see Theo in distress. In the meantime, he had to find ways to cheer her. “The ices in Italy are called gelato. They’re wonderful. I hope you can try them someday.”
“I do as well. Maybe I will be allowed to visit Augusta.” Theo clapped her hand to her mouth. “Forget I said that. No one is to know where they are.”
Leo had heard about the problems Phinn and Augusta were having with his sister-in-law, the marchioness. The couple’s location was a closely held secret in the family. “I’ll not tell anyone.”
“Thank you. I must guard my tongue more carefully.” Theo looked so guilty that he decided to take pity on her.
“I was there when the plans were made.”
Her eyes widened. “You knew?”
“Yes. I believe I am the only outsider to be aware of their location.” Leo was about to take her hands when the waiter returned with their ices.
“Let’s try these.” She scooped some onto her spoon and took a bite. “It is different, but tasty. It reminds me of a cheesecake I once ate. What of yours?”
