Theo lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “In that case, we can go if you wish.”
“I shall leave a note to my mother to take the coach.” They made their way to the hall, where Leo was provided with pen and paper. “Please find the Duchess of Chandos and give this to her.”
“Your grace.” The butler bowed. “She left you a message that she went home and took the coach.”
Theo covered her mouth and laughed lightly.
“I am glad we were in agreement.” Leo held his arm out forher.
She took it. “We still need to find Lady Thornhill and tell her we are leaving.”
“If you please, my lady. Her ladyship said that she does not expect anyone to search for her. I will pass on the message.”
“Thank you. Please tell her we had a wonderful time, and that her nephew was very helpful.”
“Lord Holland, my lady?” The servant seemed surprised. “I shall indeed tell her.”
A footman entered from the front door. “Lord and Lady Kenilworth’s carriage is waiting.”
Leo didn’t want to give Theo up. Riding with her in the mornings and seeing her at other times during the day was not enough.
“You forgot to tell me how your discussion with Mr. Whiting went.”
“Well.” Leo had forgotten all about it. “He is moving into quarters in my house for the nonce. We’ll see how it works out for both of us. Today, I left him hard at work on the correspondence that arrived.”
“Excellent.” She smiled as he handed her into the coach and followed. “Did he want to make any changes to the contract?”
“Not at all. He was very impressed by it.” He grinned. “Thank you. It always helps to have one’s employees and servants have a good opinion of one.”
“I have never heard that vocalized before.”
Probably because her family were all sensible of what was owed to those who worked for and depended on them. “Would you like to ride with me this afternoon?”
“I almost forgot,” Kenilworth said. “Your phaeton arrived complete with a pair of grays. I took the liberty of sending a footman with a message to have them ready when you arrive.”
She turned to Leo and smiled broadly. “Would you like to ride with me this afternoon?”
“Yes. Absolutely, I would.” All the world would see them together. Perhaps that would stop the idea that he could ever be interested in anyone else.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
It was all Theo could do to keep from bouncing in her seat as they drew closer to Worthington House. She had worked on the design for the carriage and was excited to see it completed. The high-perched phaeton’s glossy, royal-blue body shone in the sun. The trim was in gold, and the wheels were painted deep yellow. The seats were in medium tan leather. Standing hitched to the carriage were two matched grays held by Mick.
Theo sucked in a breath and let it out. “It is even more beautiful than I thought it would be!”
“Look at that pair.” Chandos stared out the window of the coach. “Who selected them?”
“I would dearly love to take all the credit,” Con drawled.” But the truth of the matter is that I merely accompanied Lady Evesham to the gentleman who had them for sale. She was one who approved the purchase.”
Lady Evesham knew more about horseflesh than almost anyone. “I am glad she was there. She and Grace have been friends for years.”
“You, my dear, did an excellent job with the carriage.” Charlotte smiled at Theo. “Is that a place for packages and a fold-down seat in the back?”
“It is.” Theo could not wait to try it out. “In the event I wanted to drive it when I went shopping, I knew I would require a place for packages and a groom or footman.”
The coach stopped, and Chandos jumped out before the steps could be put down. He offered his hand to Theo, but when she took it, he wrapped his arm around her waist and swung her out. “Goodness.” She had to catch her breath. “That was unexpected.”
He gave her an enigmatic smile. “It was effective.”
