“Yes. I think you’re right. My mother’s companion is a widow and is responsible for responding to all invitations.”
They left the Park and Theo headed toward Berkeley Square. “Shall we go to Gunter’s?”
“Yes indeed.” He rubbed his chin. “I wonder if those two girls will be there staring at us again.”
“I suppose we shall see.” Theo hoped they had found something better to do.
The waiter ran out when they pulled to the side of the road. He glanced up and seemed to hesitate for a moment before reciting the list of specialties.
“I shall have the Gruyère.”
“I believe I will have the Riesling,” Chandos said.
“That sounds good as well.” She liked Riesling wine.
“You will have to tell me if you enjoy it.” He fell silent, his forehead creased as if he was concerned about something.
“Are you having some sort of difficulty?”
“No.” He shook his head, but his expression did not change. “Not a difficulty.” He turned and looked at her fully. “What I said about not wanting to meet young ladies. I did not mean you.”
Was that all? Theo smiled. “I know that. You are already acquainted with me. You know that I do not have any designs on you.”
“Indeed.” Leo didn’t know why he just hadn’t kept his mouth shut. Now she was more firmly convinced than before that he was not looking to marry.
The ices arrived and they each took a taste of the other’s.
“I cannot decide between the wine or the cheese.” Theo took another bite of hers.
“I know what you mean. The cheese has a depth, but the wine is light and has a slightly fruity taste.”
“Hmm. Perhaps the cheese now, while there is still a slight chill in the air, and the wine when it becomes warmer.”
“Cannot we eat both in both types of weather?” Why did she want to categorize them?
“I suppose.” Her forehead wrinkled, and he wanted to soothe it. “I like for things to have their places.”
That was interesting. “Does that include people?”
She finished her ice. “I have never thought about it. But it might. It makes it easier to say this person belongs here and that person there. Or this person had this function and that person another.”
“Is that not somewhat simplistic?” He did not want to insult her. “Especially for someone as intelligent as you are?”
She gazed at him as if trying to work out a puzzle. “How do you look at people?”
“I believe everyone, or most people, have different facets that they show at different times or with different people. For example, your sister Lady Worthington. At times she is a mother and might be stern or worried or playful. At other times she is an elegant and graceful lady. And she also has large houses and properties to manage or help to manage. She draws on a different part of herself for her different positions.” Theo tilted her head to one side and continued to gaze at him. “You also have different facets. You are a younger sister, an aunt, a manager of servants and estates. You must behave differently in each of those roles.”
“I understand.” Her forehead smoothed. “It is the same with you.”
“It is. We also grow and mature.” How did he turn this conversation to one where she might understand that he had changed? “What might have been entertaining for a few years no longer has the appeal it once did. Fortunately, or unfortunately, one sees that more with gentlemen than ladies.”
“Such as when gentlemen drink to excess, gamble, and do other things?”
“Yes. Most of us must change to have the lives we truly want.”
“And will you do that eventually?”
Before he could answer, the waiter came back to collect the dishes and the payment. Then Kenilworth and his lady stopped next to them.
