“Will you take Lady Theo to a card party?” Leo asked.
Her eyes brightened. “I would love to attend a card party.”
“And fleece everyone present.” Worthington’s tone was as dry as dust.
She lifted one shoulder and dropped it in an elegant shrug. “They should learn to play more proficiently.”
“We shall see.” Lady Worthington smiled at her husband. “I cannot remember the last time I was invited to one. They took place all the time when I had my shortened Season.”
“I have to admit, it is mostly the older crowd now.” In Leo’s mind it was a lost social event. “Most of the gentlemen, and even ladies, want to gamble for higher stakes than those at a card party.”
“Well, I think it would be fun.” He could see Theo’s mind working on how to get one up.
“Wait until you have gone through your first two weeks of balls and other entertainments before you start planning one,” Lady Kenilworth advised. “You will be exhausted.”
“Speaking of balls and entertainments,” Lady Worthington said. “Lady Thornhill sent an invitation for a private viewing of some artifacts that they brought back from Italy recently as well as other objects they have collected.”
Lady Kenilworth appeared interested. “That should be fascinating. I have attended her salons but have never seen all the items they have displayed in their house.”
“Yes, indeed,” the Duchess of Rothwell agreed. “When is it?”
“On Saturday.” Brows raised, and Lady Worthington gave those gathered a questioning look. “Shall I accept for all of us?”
Everyone nodded, the ladies more emphatically than the gentlemen. Why was that? It really didn’t matter. If Theo was going to be there, Leo wanted to be there as well. “I have never been.”
“It is so interesting,” Lady Montagu said excitedly.
“Other than having to watch those artist chaps trying to get your lady’s attention, it was enjoyable.” Montagu scowled slightly.
“I wholeheartedly agree.” St. Albans huffed. “About the artists.”
His wife practically rolled her eyes. “We were not even married.” She fixed him a look. “In fact, I had told you I was not interested in marrying you.”
He opened his mouth. “Nevertheless,” the duchess said, neatly interrupting what could have become an argument. “She is very well traveled, and it is a joy to visit with her.”
Lady St. Albans raised a brow at her husband. “If you had been paying attention the invitation is for a private viewing.”
“She’ll still probably invite the artist chaps.”
If a bunch of damn artists were going to be there Leo was definitely going, if only to take care none of them made overtures to Theo. “Is sounds like a wonderful time.” He glanced at Lady Worthington. “My lady, may I invite myself to go with you?”
She graciously inclined her head. “Chandos, I would not have mentioned it if you were not allowed to accompany us.”
“Thank you.” Well, that was stupid of him. Of course she would not have spoken of it. He really did have to become used to being around polite company instead of a group of heathens. He finished his brandy. “I should be going now. I have some work to do before I can rest, and an early morning tomorrow.” He turned to Theo. “My lady, would you walk me out?”
“I will.” He rose before she did and offered her his hand. “Allow me.”
“It is amazing how I was always able to rise myself before I was eighteen, but now I must need help.” She had muttered the sentiment more to herself than anyone else.
Lady St. Albans gave Theo a sympathetic look. “All too true.”
Theo took his arm as they strolled to the hall. “I do hope you can manage to rise early.”
He wasn’t even going to ask what she thought he’d be doing instead of the pile of correspondence he had to answer. “I have ordered my valet to have me up and out of the house before the sun rises.”
She smiled at him but shook her head. “Everyone needs their rest.”
“As you will discover next week when the Season starts in earnest.” He wanted to twit her at least a little for not trusting him.
