“I suppose you are right.” She finished the crab cake and dipped her spoon into the soufflé. “Wonderful! I believe I shall have this served at my come out ball.”
“As well as ices?” He smiled at her enthusiasm.
“Definitely ices.” She finished the soufflé and started on the last ice. “I suppose we will have Gunter’s cater them.”
“I believe that is what most people do.” He remembered Charlotte’s whispered words about the next ball. “May I have the supper dance at Lady Exeter’s ball?”
Theo swallowed, then took a sip of champagne. “You may.”
“Thank you.” He had no doubt that by tomorrow morning gentlemen would be lining up at her door and sending tokens to her beauty.
“It is a pleasure dancing with you.” A smile formed on Theo’s rosy lips. “From my short experience, no one does it as well.”
“Thank you. I only hope that you continue to appreciate my skill after you have more experience.” That was one thing in his favor. Leo glanced at Worthington, who was pushing back his chair. “I believe you will leave soon.”
She looked at her brother. “I suppose I will be.”
Worthington spoke to his lady on one side of him and Louisa Rothwell on the other side. Each lady in turn spoke to the person next to her. Long before the message could be repeated to them, the ladies had begun to rise, which meant all the gentlemen were standing.
He pulled out Theo’s chair. “That was effective.”
“He has had a lot of practice.”
When she placed her hand on his arm, he almost covered it with his fingers. “Does this suit you? Departing early?”
“I think so.” She lifted one shoulder and dropped it. “Especially, if I wish to ride early.”
“I can’t imagine many people will be up with the birds as you are.” They joined the line of her family making their way out of the supper room. Lady Worthington found Lady Harrington and they all took their leave of her.
Leo escorted Theo to the coach and helped her in. “I shall see you in the morning.”
She gave him a curious look and tilted her head. “You will not go to another entertainment?”
“No. I am for my couch.” He squeezed her fingers lightly. “Good night.”
“Good night to you.” She continued into the coach, and he moved aside to give Worthington space to assist his wife.
St. Albans came up to Leo. “Are you ready to depart?”
“Yes. Thank you again for the ride.”
“It is no problem at all. Aside from that, my wife overheard a conversation you should know about.”
That sounded ominous. Leo was trying not to hold his breath. “My lady?”
“You may call me Alice. We have known one another for some time now.” She glanced at her husband. “While Theo and I were in the ladies’ room two other ladies entered. Because of where we were, we could not see them. They were discussing your habit of taking a mistress for the Season. The only thing helpful in the exchange was that they agreed that you did not dally with innocents, married women, or widows. However, Theo is well aware that courtesans, even the well-paid ones, often feel as if they have no choice.”
Leo was not going to ask how she came by that piece of information. The family did not withhold knowledge from their girls, and Kenilworth had told Leo about the row Kenilworth had with his wife about his ladybird before she agreed to marry him. “I will not be taking a mistress this Season.”
“I have been informed of that. I wanted you to know that I believe she has the intention to allow you to squire her around until you find a companion.”
That was extremely helpful information. “And when I do not?”
Alice shook her head. “I have no idea. I think she has decided that you are unsuitable to be a husband.” She glanced at her husband. “But others of us had made the same decision and changed our minds.”
“Perseverance,” St. Albans said. “And help from friends.”
“I know all about the part Mary and Theo played in helping us.” Alice gave him a put-upon look.
