As their fifteen minutes was at an end, she and Theo rose. Theo took Sarah’s hands. “Would you like to ride in the Park tomorrow morning early? Did you bring your hack?”
“Yes, thank you, and I did. At what time should we meet?”
“Very early.” Theo was grateful that she could have a good ride in the Park. Unfortunately, they must leave no later than daybreak. “Be ready just before sunup. I will come by for you.”
Sarah nodded excitedly. “I will be ready. If I am not, feel free to roust me from my bed.”
“I will do exactly that. I love a good ride in the morning.” Theo hugged her friend again.
Grace addressed Lady Pettigrew. “Theo will have a groom with her.”
Her ladyship’s lips tilted up. “Thank you. I will send one with Sarah as well.”
“I will escort them to the door,” Sarah said. “I look forward to tomorrow morning.”
“As do I.” Theo patted her friend’s hand. “We will have an excellent Season.”
“Yes. We will.” Sarah smiled broadly.
When they reached the door, a Worthington footman was waiting to escort them to the carriage. Once they had been handed inside, Theo turned to Grace. “Why would other young ladies be cruel to Sarah?”
“I have never understood the reason some people cannot be kind.” She slowly shook her head. “What is more important is that you befriend other young ladies who have been made to feel badly.”
“I will do that.” Theo knew it was what her family expected of her. “I am glad we visited them.”
“I am too.” Her sister smiled. “I want you to know that there is no reason to think you must marry. We all expect you to wed the right gentleman for you, even if it takes more than one Season.”
Theo did know that. All her siblings had reinforced that opinion. Yet, other than Grace, who had not really had a Season, all of them had found their spouses in their first Season. Theo would as well. She had a feeling that she would. When they arrived home, she sent a message to the stables that she wanted Epione, her mare, ready early the next morning. Theo took a deep breath. Mary had been right. All Theo had to do was to enjoy her Season. All would be well.
Leo had been taking care of the accounts when his butler knocked and entered the study. “Your grace, Lord and Lady Worthington, and Lady Theodora have arrived in Town.”
“Thank you, Hoover. Please ascertain if Lady Theo plans to ride tomorrow morning. If so, have Asclepius readied at daybreak.” Her sisters had all ridden at dawn when they’d been out. It stood to reason Theo would do the same. Thankfully, Leo did not need to wait for an introduction before approaching her.
“Yes, your grace.” His butler bowed and left.
It was now time to start planning his campaign. During the past year, in addition to ensuring that Theo was the right wife for him, he’d spoken with her brothers-in-law about their courtships. Worthington ladies, whether they were Carpenters or Viverses, were notoriously difficult to court. From the Marquis of St. Albans, who was married to Alice, Leo had learned to discover her favorite flowers and other things. The Marquis of Montagu, wed to Eleanor, told Leo not to pretend about who he was. He must be himself. The Duke of Rothwell, married to Louisa, said not to lie to her. At. All. The Marquis of Kenilworth, wed to Charlotte, explained in a wry tone that she would not be compromised into marriage. That seemed strange to Leo, but the ladies were all extremely strong-willed and supported by their family. Harry Stern and Phinn Carter-Woods, married to Madeline and Augusta respectively, had been no help at all. The only problem Stern had was his future mother-in-law, which difficulty had been easily overcome, and Carter-Woods had chased Augusta across Europe because she wanted a university degree. Which she now had. Yet, despite all the advice, Leo still felt as if he was not exactly sure what his future bride wanted or how to pursue her. And that was not a feeling a duke liked to have. Surety had been bred in him. He was to always know what was needed. He lifted the one glass of brandy he allowed himself and sipped. He was missing something. What the devil was it? And he’d promised Charlie that Theo would have her come out ball before Leo courted her in earnest.
The next morning, he rode out to the Park and searched for Theo. Finally, he found her in the company of another lady returning from the Serpentine. Drat. He’d been late. Trotting up to them he lifted his hat. “Ladies, good morning.”
Theo gracefully inclined her head. “Your grace. What a surprise to see you up at so early an hour.” Turning in her saddle, she addressed the other lady. “Sarah, you remember the Duke of Chandos? You danced with him last year at Lady Stern’s ball.” Theo raised one dark brow. “Chandos, you, of course, will recall Miss Pettigrew.”
Theo was good. She’d make the perfect duchess. He had a vague memory of being made to dance with multiple ladies at an assembly of some sort and later at the ball, but he never would have remembered the chit’s name. He bowed. “Indeed, I do.” Good Lord, she was making her come out. With Theo. He cut her a look, then smiled and bowed to Miss Pettigrew. “Naturally, I remember. I hope you are enjoying your time in Town.”
The lady giggled. Lightly. But it was still a giggle. “It is delightful seeing you again, your grace.”
“Ah, yes.” He kept his smile in place. A groom rode up, and Theo inclined her head. “You must excuse us. We are due home.”
Backing his horse up, he nodded. “I look forward to our next meeting.”
“As do I.” There was a challenge in Theo’s lapis eyes.
He forced himself to slowly incline his head. He was a duke, drat it. Not merely some gentleman hoping to be deemed acceptable. “Ladies, I wish you a good day.”
Theo’s lips tilted up, and she rode off followed by Miss Pettigrew, who appeared rather confused.
“Do you not like him?” Sarah caught up to Theo. Well, she supposed she had been riding rather quickly.
“I do. He is one of Stanwood’s friends.” She took a breath. “I simply do not trust him.”
