“From what I have heard, Matt will insist that I leave the entertainment after supper, or at midnight.”
Leo seemed to remember that being mentioned. “Then you will be able to have several hours before riding.”
“That is what I hope.” Theo removed her hand from his arm, and the footman opened the door. “Have a good evening.”
“You as well.” He didn’t want to leave. Or rather he wanted to kiss her before he left. No. Actually he wanted to kiss her and take her to bed. Instead, he strolled out the door to where his curricle waited. The streets were still busy with wagons and drays making deliveries, maids bringing children back home from the park in the middle of Berkeley Square, and patrons headed to Gunter’s. In the past, he would have been preparing for an evening out at his club, at some hell, or with his mistress. But not tonight, and not any night again. He resisted glancing toward the door until he’d climbed into the carriage. Theo was still there. Speaking to the footman. He waved and she waved back. If only he could take that as a sign that she was interested in him.
The next morning, he arrived at the Park so early he had to wait for the rest of their little group to join him. Marrow was the first to come, followed by Theo and Miss Pettigrew.
“Good morning.” Theo smiled.
“Good morn to you.” Leo returned her smile. “Shall we race?”
“Absolutely.” They started their horses and quickly moved from walking to trotting to a full gallop. She beat him by a nose. Her mare pranced around clearly proud of herself. His stallion snorted as if to say, “I let you do that.”
Her mare tossed her head in answer.
“What is her name?”
“Epione. It means soothing.” She leaned over and patted the horse’s neck. “What is your stallion’s name?”
“Asclepius. The name means healing. I got him just after my father became ill. I suppose in my way I’d hoped it would help heal him.” Did she know that in myth, Asclepius married Epione and had several children? Was that a sign that Leo and Theo would wed? “She’s quite pleased with winning the race.”
“She always is when she wins.” Theo patted the mare again. “Let’s walk around and cool them off.”
“A good idea.” They searched the Park. “I see Marrow and Miss Pettigrew have decided to visit the Serpentine again.”
Theo stared in that direction. “I wonder how dinner went last night.”
“Let’s meander over and ask.” Leo hoped his friend was making more progress than he was. That meant Theo would have less to take up her thoughts. Giving her more time to think about him.
A devilish look entered her eyes. “Who is playing gooseberry this time.”
“Me?” He placed his palm over his heart. “Never, I am merely overly inquisitive.”
She laughed out loud. It was from her stomach, and he would only hear it in moments like this when no one else was near them. They started toward their friends.
“Do you think they will tell us?” Theo whispered as they drew closer. “What if they have two different ideas of what happened?”
“We’ll soon find out.”
CHAPTER TEN
Theo slid a look at Chandos as they joined their friends. “I forgot to ask. How did your evening go last night?”
The couple glanced at each other, and Sarah responded, “It was very enjoyable.”
“Er, yes. Very enjoyable. I am going to escort Lady and Miss Pettigrew to a private viewing this weekend.”
Theo slid Leo a quick look. “At Lady Thornhill’s?”
“Why, yes!” Sarah was clearly surprised. “How did you know?”
“We have been invited as well. Apparently, the viewing will have a number of participants.”
Chandos’s forehead wrinkled briefly. “I was about to ask how your mother knew her ladyship, but naturally, they would have kept up a correspondence.”
“They have.” Sarah’s expression was wistful. “I am glad they did, but it is a shame it has been so long since they have been able to visit.”
