Theo glanced around the footman at the large town coach standing in front of the house.
Her sister appeared to be in thought. “Yes. We will be happy to ride with him and the duchess.” She turned to Thorton. “Please inform the stables that I will require the carriage to arrive at Thornhill House in two hours.”
“Yes, my lady.” He bowed.
Theo did not understand. “Why two hours?”
“That will be sufficient time to view the artifacts and converse with the other guests.” Grace raised a brow. “One does not wish to be the last to depart.”
“I suppose that makes sense.” In a strange way.
“Good afternoon.” Chandos had replaced the footman. “Allow me to escort you to the coach.”
Normally, Theo would simply take his arm, but she had to wait for her sister.
“Thank you.” Grace took one arm, Theo took the other.
Naturally, he assisted Grace into the vehicle first, then Theo. Grace took the seat next to the duchess and Theo sat next to Chandos.
“Mother.” He motioned with his head to the duchess. “May I introduce you to Lady Worthington and her sister Lady Theo Vivers?”
Turning slightly, her grace smiled politely at Grace. “I believe I knew your mother, Lady Stanwood. She was a few years older than I, but I remember her being very kind to a girl just out.”
“Yes, I have been told that.” Grace returned the smile. “I only hope that I am half as good-natured as she was.”
Then the duchess glanced at Theo. “Good afternoon. I suppose this must be your first real event. I trust you are prepared for it.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you.” She had the distinct feeling that Chandos’s mother did not like her for some reason. Theo assumed a polite smile. “I am, your grace.” She would have thanked the duchess for inquiring, but it had been a statement, not a question.
Chandos caught her attention, cut a look at his mother, and almost rolled his eyes. “Well, then. Now that the formalities are out of the way, I propose we enjoy the rest of the afternoon.”
“I understand the viewing will be well attended,” the duchess said as she adjusted her shawl.
“That is my impression as well,” Grace responded. A small smile played around her lips. “I believe we will all know several of the guests.”
The faint crease between the duchess’s brows deepened. “Including your sisters?”
Once again, Theo pasted a polite smile on her countenance. “Indeed, your grace. My married sisters and their husbands are attending as is my brother Stanwood and his wife.”
“As well as Marrow, Miss Pettigrew, and Lady Pettigrew,” Chandos added. A twinkle entered his eyes. “I would be surprised if we did not see Lady Bellamny and Lady Cowper.”
Was he teasing his mother? “I would be as well.”
“I have not seen Emily Cowper for years,” his mother said. “I do hope you are correct.” Then the duchess’s eyes narrowed at Theo. “How do you know Lady Cowper?”
“My sister knows all the Patronesses,” Grace inserted smoothly. “Although she is just now out, all my younger sisters were with us during the Seasons. I made certain to take them out for rides during the Fashionable Hour. Lady Bellamny has been a family friend all my life.”
“I see.” The duchess appeared not confused, but as if she had the wind taken out of her sails.
This had been a strangely stilted conversation. Fortunately, it was over. They had arrived at Thornhill House.
A footman opened the door and bowed. Chandos jumped down and handed out first Grace, then his mother, and Theo. Grace and the duchess linked arms and proceeded up the steps.
Chandos took Theo’s arm. “Don’t allow her to worry you. She can be a bit of a dragon.”
“She does not bother me at all. Although, I do have the feeling that she does not like me for some reason. Does she give that impression to most younger ladies?”
“I have no idea.” He pulled a face.
