Her ladyship laughed lightly. “I will when the time comes.”
Now, Leo really did want to learn more. Perhaps he’d ask Merton when they came to Town. Leo placed his lips as close to Theo’s ear as he could without drawing attention. “Would you like to ride with me this afternoon and go to Gunter’s?”
Her lips curved into a definite smile. “I would. Five o’clock?”
It was then he remembered to ask about a secretary. He had not wanted to interrupt the conversation during the meeting. “I find that I am in need of a secretary. My mother suggested Mr. Horace Whiting and Mr. Robert Howard. Have any of you heard of them? Or do you have other recommendations?”
“I would not suggest Mr. Howard. He does not know what he wants to do at all,” Louisa said. “His mother was complaining about him recently.”
“Whiting?” Montagu said. “Did he just leave a position?”
Leo nodded. “That is what my mother said.”
“The minister who lost him was not pleased.” Rothwell grinned, making Leo wonder at the reason.
“But it was because Whiting did most of the work,” Kenilworth added. “I understand he is extremely competent.”
“That’s what I have heard as well,” Rothwell confirmed. “Much more so than the secretary for whom he worked.”
Leo was pleased that both men were known. “I will find out how to contact him for an interview.”
“I believe he has rooms on Jermyn Street,” Montagu said. “If not, someone at Whiting House will be able to direct you.”
“Thank you.” Leo would write a letter when he got home and let his butler take care of the rest.
A clock chimed, and the children rose from their chairs. It must be time to go back to their classes. Lady Worthington stood as well, and Leo and the other gentlemen rose as did the ladies.
He glanced at Theo. “I’ll see you at five.”
“Good luck with your secretary search.”
“Thank you. Hopefully, the information I have will do.”
“I hope so too.” She smiled. “I will see you later.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Worthington said. Leo had the feeling he was going to be questioned.
They got to the front door and Worthington stepped outside with Leo. “How is it going with Theo?”
He shook his head. “To be honest, I have no idea. She seems to like my company, but she’s not given me any indication that she thinks of me as anything other than a friend. I’m not sure how or if I should press her.”
Worthington stared across at the park. “It’s early days yet. Continue as you are for a while.”
That wasn’t helpful. “Thank you. I’ll take your advice.”
“Tomorrow we’re meeting at Brooks’s for luncheon at one. Please join us.”
“I will. Thank you again.” Leo climbed into his curricle.
“Oh, there’s one other thing. Theo’s phaeton will arrive on Wednesday morning. You might want to suggest that she take you for a drive.”
Now, that was a wonderful idea. He knew she was an excellent whip. “I’ll do that.”
Worthington left, and Leo started his pair. He had to find a secretary. Otherwise, either the estate was going to suffer, or his courtship of Theo was. Neither outcome was acceptable. When he arrived home, he went directly to his study and penned a note to Whiting and called for Hoover.
“I was told Mr. Whiting has or had rooms on Jermyn Street. If he cannot be found there, his father is Lord Whiting. This must be delivered as soon as possible.”
“We’ll find him, your grace. Should the footman wait for a response?”
