“You must admit that they were right. Normanby was a blackguard.” St. Albans sat back against the squabs.
“The two of them are very perceptive.” Alice’s brows slanted down. “When it comes to other people. Somehow, I do not have the feeling that Theo will be the same when it comes to herself.”
And that was the rub. “I shall come as close to living in her pocket as I can be without being betrothed to her.”
Her sister nodded. “Be her friend.”
That is what all of them had said. “I wish I had Theo to help me.”
Alice laughed. “That would be helpful.” She stared over his shoulder. “Mary might be able to be of assistance. Still, it is early days.”
For everyone but Leo it was early days. But he’d been working toward this for almost a year. “You’re right, of course. I must be patient.”
“Are you attending Dorie Exeter’s ball?”
“I am. I have already asked Theo for the supper dance.” Being able to be before the other gentlemen was a masterstroke.
“I managed to have the supper dance with Alice. It didn’t help,” St. Albans grumbled.
“That is because you were irritating the life out of me,” his wife pointed out.
Leo hoped that he wasn’t upsetting Theo. “Will someone tell me if she doesn’t want to dance with me?”
“Trust me,” Alice said. “Theo knows you well enough that she will tell you herself. She will be kinder to a gentleman who appears unsure of himself.”
It was then that Leo knew his real rival was the Earl of Holland. The man was much too nice and unpretentious. He also had a great deal of knowledge about things Theo might find interesting. The coach slowed and turned into his drive, then came to a stop. “Thank you for the conversation and the ride. I shall see you tomorrow evening.”
“I am happy to help.” Alice smiled. “I’ll give some thought to what more I can do.”
“I would appreciate that.” It was then he remembered his plan for Almack’s. “I was going to have my mother assist in arranging for me to be presented to Theo as a suitable partner for the waltz at Almack’s. Would you do it?”
“Yes.” Alice nodded. “I would be pleased to help you. Arrive at Almack’s as soon as the doors open. We will meet you there.”
“Excellent. I must thank you again.” After this evening, he had the feeling he would not be the only one wanting to be presented to Theo. “Good night.”
“Good night.” Their coach drove away.
Hoover opened the door for Leo. “Has my mother returned?”
“No, your grace. We do not expect her for another few hours.”
Had she always stayed out late? He took a good look at his aging butler. He was fagged to death. “I insist you go to bed. A footman can wait up for her.”
“Your grace. She asked that I be here.”
“And I have countermanded that order. Go to bed. I will be up early.”
“Yes, your grace.” Hoover bowed.
It was a short carriage ride from Harrington House to Worthington House. Theo tried to think over the events of the evening but could not work out what she wanted to know about it. Very strange.
“How did you like the ball?” Grace asked.
“I enjoyed it immensely. I do wish some of the gentlemen were better dancers.”
“I predict the house will be filled with flowers tomorrow.” Matt groaned.
Why? “I did not stand up with that many gentlemen. Three of them were friends.”
