Whiting nodded and Leo strolled out. It was time to go to meet the other gentlemen. His butler handed him his walking stick, hat, and gloves. “Hoover, I want all of the correspondence to be delivered to Mr. Whiting upon arrival.”
“Even those addressed to her grace?”
“Yes. All of it. There is no need to inform my mother. I shall do so.” After Leo decided what to do.
“As you wish, your grace.”
“I will not be here for luncheon. However, I will dine at home.”
“Cook will be very happy, your grace.”
As much as Leo paid the man, he should take his meals here more often. “It is always a good idea to keep the cook happy. I shall see you later.”
He descended the steps to the drive, then turned onto Park Lane and continued onto Piccadilly. When he arrived at St. James Street, he was hailed by Lord Darnel, an old friend from school.
“Chandos.” The man hurried to Leo. “I haven’t seen you at the usual haunts.”
In other words, the places he used to frequent until last summer. “I’ve been rather busy.”
His chum fell in beside him. “Would you like to have luncheon with me?”
“I’m afraid I have another appointment.” Darnel was frequently in need of something. “Is there anything you want?”
“Yes, actually.” He smiled. “I would like to introduce you to my sister. I understand you might be in the market for a wife.”
Leo had told his mother to keep that quiet. He’d tell the world if he thought Theo wouldn’t be upset. Yet, he had to secure her hand first. He wouldn’t deny he was looking to wed, but he wasn’t going to encourage anyone either. “I’m not interested in meeting any young ladies.”
“Oh. Well, then.” Darnel appeared confused. “I’m sorry to have mentioned it. She will be disappointed.”
Kenilworth strolled up to them. “Are you ready?”
“I am.” Leo turned to Darnel. “Perhaps I shall see you another time.”
“Are you attending Lady Penchly’s ball?” Darnel seemed hopeful.
“Not that I know of. When is it?”
“Tomorrow evening.”
“I shall have to ask my mother. She is keeping the social calendar.” That was a small lie that would, hopefully, stop Darnel asking about his engagements for a while.
He bowed. “Until the next time.”
Darnel left and Kenilworth raised a brow. “I have heard that his father is getting ready to cut him off.”
“That’s not surprising.” He and Leo headed toward Brooks’s. “He wants to introduce me to his sister. I assume it would be a way to get back into his father’s good graces.”
“You’re probably correct. How is your new secretary doing?”
“Quite well. I’m very pleased. Now, if only my mother would fall in line.”
Kenilworth barked a laugh. “I am not certain any of them are capable of that. My mother was so happy I was marrying that she fell all over Charlotte, andshehad not yet decided to marry me. Rothwell’s mother, on the other hand, wasn’t at all happy with his choice of Louisa. And Lady Wolverton—Louisa, Augusta, Madeline, and Theo’s mother—was furious when Madeline decided to wed Stern.”
“My mother believes I need a wife I can mold. I would rather have one with her own opinions and who already knows how to take charge. To forestall any shenanigans on her part, I have decided to have all the household correspondence delivered to my secretary. I just don’t know what to do after that. I only want to accept invitations to events Theo will attend.”
“Charlotte will have the list. We are all called upon to support whomever is making a come out. I can arrange to send it to you.”
“Yes, thank you. Absolutely.” Leo breathed a sigh of relief. “Then I only need to ensure that I’m invited to all of the events.”
