Once Leo had finished reading it, he wanted to consign it to the fire. “This boundary dispute has been going on for years. I believe it is finally time to call in a surveyor. I don’t know why my father didn’t do it.”
“I have a feeling we’re going to find out.” Whiting’s tone was dry. “I will find who normally does the surveys for that area and instruct the estate manager to allow him access.”
“Very good.” So far, Leo was extremely pleased with his new secretary. “What else do we have?”
They spent the next hour discussing the best ways to settle the other disputes, and Leo left his secretary to respond to the notes.
“Tell me when you are done, and I will seal and frank them.” He might have to have a seal made for Whiting. It would save time. Leo went to his study and tugged the bellpull. Hoover answered the summons. “Tell my mother I would like to see her now.”
“I believe she is readying herself for an appointment, your grace.”
The devil she was. “Then I’ll speak to her before she departs.”
A few minutes later, Mama entered the parlor. “What did you wish to talk with me about?”
“Please, have a seat.” Leo motioned to a chair.
She raised her chin. “I would rather stand. I must leave immediately.”
“In that case, I shall be blunt. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to introduce me to any young ladies. I know whom I want to wed. I have no interest in anyone else.”
“Although I am sure she is a very nice girl”—his mother sniffed—“I believe you can select someone more suitable.”
“I do not.” What was she getting at? “I do not want anyone who is more interested in my rank or wealth than me as a man.”
“We all wed for those things.” Her chin rose. “You should have a wife you can mold into what you want. That is how your father and I started out.”
This could rapidly devolve into a circular argument. “Theo is of the appropriate rank to marry a duke. She has a suitable dowry”—not that he knew or cared what it was—“and the appropriate education and temperament to be my duchess.” His mother’s countenance assumed a mulish look. “Did you receive and respond in the affirmative to Lady Harrington’s ball?”
Mama inclined her head. “I did. I expect you to escort me.”
“As do I. I plan to leave after supper. Is that convenient for you?”
“Yes. There is a ball I would like to attend after the Harrington event.”
“You may bring me back here and take the town coach.” He had to get at least some sleep before riding with Theo the next day.
“I had hoped you would join me.” He couldn’t believe Mama was actually using a cajoling tone with him.
“I am sorry to disappoint you. Unless something changes, I plan to attend one event an evening for the foreseeable future.”
“Indeed. In that case, I shall see you later.” Head high and her back straight, Mama left the room. She reminded him of a frigate under full sail. This argument was obviously not over. She was not happy that he wouldn’t take her advice.
“I wish you a good day.” Leo rubbed his forehead. Why the devil had she taken a dislike to Theo?
He went back to Whiting’s office. “I shall require you to perform another task.”
“Yes, your grace?” He took off his glasses.
“I’ll have all the letters and invitations delivered to you so that I can see them before anyone else in the household does.”
“Should I answer them?” He appeared to understand how unusual Leo’s request was.
He needed to consider how to handle that. He no longer trusted his mother to accept only the invitations to events he planned to attend. Somehow, he had to find out which entertainments Theo was attending. Would it be as simple as asking Lady Worthington? Theo said her sister made those decisions. “I don’t know yet.”
“Very well, your grace.” Whiting donned his glasses and looked at the correspondence on the desk.
“I have some errands and then a luncheon. I’ll have an answer for you when I return.”
