“Chandos.” Mama’s tone took him by surprise. “When am I going to meet this paragon you have decided to wed?”
“I thought you met her at Lady Bellamny’s.”
She flipped her hand dismissively. “An introduction and a few pleasantries only.”
“Have you been invited to Lady Thornhill’s viewing?” That would make it much less fraught. He was not ready for Theo to come here.
“I have and shall attend.” His mother gave him a sharp look. “As will she and her family. That will do nicely.” Mama waved him away. “You may go now.”
Wonderful. Now he had to worry about what she would say to Theo. He didn’t need more complications. But it looked as if he was going to get them.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Before Theo went into dinner, she and Chandos had stopped by the secretary’s office and reviewed the contract. As she knew it would be, it was exactly as he wanted. The secretary assured him the document would be sent to Chandos House immediately.
She was interested that during the meal, he held conversations with the children, ranging from their favorite games to what they were studying in class. He even got into a conversation with the girls on their plans to go on a Grand Tour and what they should visit. Theo had never seen this side of him before.
Later, she and Mary met in Theo’s chamber.
“I am so glad you are here.” It finally struck Theo how lost she had been without her sister.
“I am happy I came as well.” Mary’s countenance was solemn. “I almost remained in the country. Then Dotty had the idea to bring Martha to Town.”
“You would have deserted me?” Theo did not know what to think about such an idea of abandonment.
“Theo, both of us have to work out a way to go on with different lives.”
How did she continue to forget that? Perhaps because she was not seriously looking for a husband. “You are right. I just do not like it.”
“It is the way of life.” Mary was quiet for a few seconds. “I like Chandos a great deal.”
“He is becoming a good friend.” Until the Season began in earnest, and he too went his own way. “Unfortunately, he has a number of habits I will not abide.” Then she remembered that her sister and the others were not supposed to have arrived until later. “What made you come today?”
“Oriana and Dotty originally thought it would be easier to travel more slowly.” Mary grinned. “But neither of them really like slow travel. We were going to stay at Alice and St. Albans’s estate, but by the time we were at the turnoff, they decided to continue to Town.”
“Will you be allowed to attend Lady Thornhill’s viewing tomorrow?”
“No.” Mary shook her head. “Grace said that it will be more like an afternoon salon or soirée, and it would not be proper.”
And that was it in a nutshell. Mary would be allowed to participate in very few, if any, of the activities which Theo was attending. Chandos was right. “I am very glad Martha was able to come to Town.”
Tears filled Mary’s eyes, but she nodded. “I am as well. It will make this Season much easier.”
Theo reached over and embraced her sister. They stayed that way for a long time. “I will always be here for you. Even if I do find a gentleman and wed.”
Mary wiped her eyes. “What do you mean ‘even if you do wed’? You will find the right gentleman and you will marry him.”
“I shall try.” More than that, Theo could not promise. Other than Augusta, Theo did not believe any of her sisters had been so pococurante about marriage.
Mary yawned. “I am for my bed. It has been a long, tiring day.”
“I agree.” It had been an emotionally exhausting day. “Will you be allowed to ride with me in the morning?”
She shook her head again. “No. As you and I did, Martha and I will ride ante-noon.” She smiled. “Sedately and properly chaperoned.”
“Ugh. I will see you at breakfast.”
“You will.” Mary jumped off the bed and went to the door. “Good night.”
