It was Leo’s fault that he knew those types of people in the first place. “I hope you are correct.”
“I am.” Her tone was assured, but he was not at all looking forward to the conversation.
They finished their ride greeting those who stopped. One of them was the Earl of Rochford, a friend of Leo’s and Stanwood’s. “When did you get into Town?”
“Last night.” Rochford turned to Theo. “Good afternoon, my lady. I see you are finally out.”
“I am. How have you been? We have not seen you since New Year’s.”
“Well. I’ve been well. My father had a bout of the influenza, and I was afraid we’d lose him, but he’s hale and hearty now.”
“I am glad to hear that. It’s hard to lose a loved one.”
“When is your come out ball? I expect an invitation.”
“Goodness.” Theo seemed surprised. “I do not even know. I’m certain Grace has the date planned. I will make certain you are on the guest list. Although, I am sure you already are.”
Rochford backed up his horse and bowed. “I hear Stanwood will be in Town soon.”
“Indeed.” Theo grinned. “I was told by my niece, Constance, that he, Oriana, the babies, and Dotty Merton are arriving tomorrow.”
“Excellent.” Rochford waved. “I’ll see you soon.”
They were headed to the gate, when Theo said, “Who are those ladies staring at you?”
The traffic was heavy, but Leo took a quick look. Damn. Ladybirds. “I don’t know.”
She shook her head. “There is something strange about them, but I cannot put my finger on it.”
He knew. They wore paint and were not dressed quite right to be ladies. Still, they weren’t his problem. The only female he wanted was Theo. “I don’t know either.” Fortunately, they were passing through the gate. “On to Gunter’s.”
This time he had white coffee, and she had bitter orange blossom.
“This is excellent. It has a certain bitterness.” Theo licked her spoon, and he almost groaned again. This was going to kill him. “Would you like a bite?”
“I would.” He’d pretend he was licking her. “Here, have some of mine.”
Her adorable nose wrinkled. “I am not sure I will like coffee.”
“Take a smaller taste at first.” Leo could imagine sitting with her naked in his room trying different types of ices.
She dipped her spoon into his cup, and took an almost infinitesimal piece, and sampled it. “Oh, this is much better than I thought it would be. I wonder if I would like real coffee.”
“You’ll have to try it someday.” Preferably with him.
Theo took a larger bite. “I will. This is sooo good.”
He tried hers and it was surprisingly fresh, and it had a hint of the orange peel he’d tasted in Italy. “This is as well.”
They finished their cups, and he signaled for a waiter. As they were waiting, he glanced around, looking for Marrow and Miss Pettigrew. Instead, Leo saw the same two young ladies that had been here before. And, as before, they were staring at him and Theo. He almost thought he had spilled something. The waiter finally arrived, took the cups, and he started the carriage. “Those two young ladies were staring at us again.”
Theo lifted one shoulder in a graceful shrug. “They obviously do not have anything better to do.”
“I suppose I had better ready myself for Worthington’s wrath.”
“You will simply explain to him what happened.” She grinned. “It will not be that bad. I’ll join you when I find a copy of the contract I want.”
Leo hoped she was right but knew how he’d feel if someone like Thanet had tried to approach one of his sisters. He pulled up to the house and a footman and groom ran to the carriage.
