Theo had been about to come out from behind the screen but decided to remain where she was.
“I overheard my brother saying that he refused an invitation to one of Lord Fellows’s parties.” The second woman had a low melodic voice.
“Humph. He probably did not want to share his mistress. I understand that is a requirement.”
“I had no idea.” There was a rustling noise. “I wonder who he chose for this Season,” Nasally said.
Theo had never even considered that gentlemen might do that. Share a person? As if they were property. She was glad to hear Chandos would not do anything like that.
“It is a little early to know. I heard he has been driving during the Promenade with a young lady, but then I was told he is a friend of her family. I hope the girl does not decide to fall in love with him,” the lady with the nice voice said.
It was a good thing Theo had already decided that he would not be a good husband for her.
“Goodness no! I remember when … Well, I shall not speak of it. Her mother made sure she made a good match,” Nasally said.
“You do not mean to tell me that he—?”
“No, no, of course not. She had merely formed a fascination for him. He is handsome.”
Theo let out a slow breath.She was glad he had standards.
“Extremely.” Pins rattled in a dish. “If I was not so fond of my Gerald, I would consider Chandos,” the lady with the low voice said.
“It would not do you any good. He refuses to oblige married women,” Nasally commented. “Come to think of it, I have never heard of him being close to a widow.”
“It is a shame that only courtesans have his attention.” The lady with the low voice sighed.
“Indeed, it is.”
Theo was trying to decide if it was a good thing he only went to courtesans or not when the door opened and closed again.
There was movement from the other screen. “Theo. We must return. The supper dance will start soon.”
“I am coming.” She came out from behind the screen. “Did you hear what they said about Chandos?”
“I could not have avoided hearing. They were certainly not keeping their voices down.”
“I wonder who Gerald is.” Her sister had linked arms with her and was swiftly leading them back to the ballroom.
“We will probably never know. I do not remember hearing either voice before.”
“Did you know about those parties?” One of Theo’s sisters must know.
“I have heard something about them.” Alice tugged Theo closer and whispered, “I would not believe everything you hear about Chandos. Then again, what they did say was not very bad at all. He sounds like any other unmarried man on the Town.”
“I suppose you are right.” Theo would like to know when he was planning to acquire a mistress. She could not be seen with him after that happened.
They arrived back to their circle, and Chandos stepped over to stand by her side. Soon the introduction for the supper dance began and he bowed. “My lady, I believe this is my set.”
She placed her hand on the arm he offered. “It is, your grace.”
As Chandos led Theo to the dance floor, she wondered why she had never before noticed how strong his arm was. It was not as if she should not have known. He had given her his arm numerous times over the past year. And lately, he had actually lifted her into and down from carriages and coaches. She gave herself a shake. It was probably just the conversation she had overheard. Theo would like to ask him when he planned to take a mistress. But he was not in the habit of defiling young ladies, and she did not want to shock him. She supposed that at some point, Matt would tell her she could not ride with him, or Chandos would stop suggesting they ride together. She curtseyed and he bowed, then he took her in his arms as they prepared to dance. She would miss sharing ices with him. The first moment the set started she could immediately feel the difference between Lord Holland’s and Chandos’s dancing. He made her feel like a feather. As if she was the most graceful person on earth. She knewhewould never step on her toes.
“We can converse.” His deep voice rumbled through her.
“I was thinking that you are a much better dancer than Lord Holland.”
Chandos flashed a quick smile, and the corners of his eyes crinkled, making him appear even more handsome. Yet, she had always thought he was handsome. A lady required more from a gentleman in order for him to be a husband. “I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to hear that.”
