He arrived in the breakfast room at the same time as Mama. “Good morning.”
“Good morning to you, my dear.” She held several cards. “I have invitations to discuss with you.”
“Have you received one from Lady Harrington?”
A line formed between his mother’s eyes. “Let me look. The name does not sound familiar.”
“If not, I’ll speak to Lord Harrington.”
Mama frowned. “Harrington, Harrington. That is Lady Markham’s son, is it not?”
Leo, having taken a bite of eggs and ham, chewed quickly and swallowed. “Yes.”
“I am going to her at home today. I will ask her if I can procure an invitation.” She shuffled through the cards. “Actually, it appears as if I must make the rounds. I renewed my acquaintance with several ladies at the soirée, but clearly, not enough of them.” She smiled at him. “Perhaps I should speak with Lady Worthington about which events she is planning to attend.”
“Will that not be obvious?”
His mother’s chin rose. “Not the way I will ask.”
He could only nod. This really was her milieu, not his. “I’ll leave it to you. Whiting is arriving in”—Leo opened his pocket watch and looked at it—“less than an hour.” It was amazing how quickly time passed when one was busy. “I hope we can come to terms.”
“You must have a contract,” Mama said.
“Theo helped me with it yesterday. It’s in my study.”
“I am growing more and more interested in meeting her.”
That’s what Leo was afraid of. He hoped his mother didn’t scare Theo off.
Mary turned from the window to find Grace behind her. “He is very attentive of her.”
Grace nodded her agreement. “We all think it would be a good match.”
“You mean everyone except Theo.” Mary understood Theo’s concerns about Chandos’s past behavior. It was a shame Chandos could not have approached her earlier, giving him more time for Theo to get to know the man he was becoming. That he could not was making his path much more difficult. On the other hand, he had agreed that he must wait until she was out.
“Indeed. I am afraid she will listen to the rumors surrounding his reputation and prior actions.”
“I am sure she will.” Mary turned to go downstairs. “I will help where I can.” This was not going to be easy.
Her sister put her hand on her shoulder. “I know you will. I simply do not know if any of our assistance will work.”
Neither did Mary. Theo had very definite ideas about what she wanted in a husband. And about what she did not want. Chandos would have to tread carefully but firmly if he wanted to win her hand.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Theo waited in the hall, dressed in what she had been assured was a very stylish carriage gown in pale yellow with a matching spencer.
“Are you excited?” Mary asked.
“I am.” Theo could not hide how much she looked forward to the viewing. “It will be my first adult event.”
Grace entered the hall from the corridor to her study. “Are you ready?”
Surely this was not everyone. “Where are the others?”
“Your sisters and the gentlemen will meet us there.” Grace pulled on her gloves.
The doorbell chimed, and Thorton opened the front door. A footman stood there. “His grace of Chandos and the Dowager Duchess of Chandos have arrived. His grace would like to know if you would do him the honor of riding with him.”
