Theo’s other brothers-by-marriage ambled into the room and greeted her. This might be an excellent time to address prospects for Sarah. Once everyone was seated and the children had been served, she addressed the adults. “Do you remember Sarah Pettigrew?” They all nodded. “She must find a husband this Season. Otherwise, I have a feeling her father will choose for her.”
“We need a bit more than that,” Kenilworth said. “What is her temperament? What does she like?”
“What does she want in a husband?” Charlotte added.
“She is easy to get along with.” Theo recalled how distressed Sarah was about the unkind ladies. “Someone kind, who will be devoted to her. Naturally he must be able to support a wife and family.”
The gentlemen nodded, and Kenilworth put his cup down. “We will look around.”
“As will we,” Charlotte assured her. “We will all be at Lady Bellamny’s. There are bound to be ladies who wish to marry off their sons.”
“Excellent. I am certain among us we will find the perfect husband for her.” The dishes were making their way around the table. Theo added shirred eggs and rare beef to her plate. She would be busier than she had thought.
CHAPTER THREE
Leo strolled into the breakfast parlor and was surprised to see his mother at the table. “What brings you down so early?”
“Good morning to you too.” She glanced up from a stack of cards at her elbow. “There is too much to organize for me to lay about.”
His mother was the only person, other than his father, who could give him a set-down without raising her voice. Well, there was one other. Theo. “Good morning. What are your plans for the day?”
“I considered taking you on morning visits but decided againstit.”
Thank God for that. He addressed the dishes on the sideboard. “Did you not think I would enjoy them?”
“I thought the young ladies would drive you back to your clubs.” A footman placed a plate on the table in front of her, which consisted of a soft-boiled egg, toast, and marmalade. “I am attending Lady Bellamny’s soirée for young ladies this evening. I will be able to discover there who are the best prospects for you.”
Leo carried his plate to the table, taking the chair across from his mother’s. “That sounds much better than parading me around Town.”
“Indeed.” Mama poured him a cup of tea from the pot on the table. “Gentlemen are not allowed at the main event. However, you may come for supper. By then I will have formed my opinions.”
He wondered if he should tell her that he had already made his decision, but she appeared to be more animated than she had been since his father’s death three years ago. “Tell me when to arrive and I will be there.”
She finished eating her egg and toast then swallowed the rest of her tea and rose. “Be there at eleven for supper. I will see you at dinner.”
He’d planned to dine at his club, but something in her tone made him reconsider. He must find out more about this event. Who could he ask? “Until then.”
Leo donned his coat, hat, and picked up his walking stick. Once he reached the pavement, he almost immediately saw the Marquis of Montagu, one of Theo’s brothers-by-marriage. “Montagu, I’m glad I met up with you.” Leo fell in alongside the man. “What can you tell me about Lady Bellamny’s soirée this evening?”
“It is an event for young ladies to meet other ladies making their come outs. As well as for mothers of marriage-minded sons to look over the crop of young ladies and see their friends that they might not have seen lately. My mother met Eleanor at the event and thought that she’d be perfect for me. Not that Mama gave herself away.”
“Of course not.” Leo was going to have to tell his mother he had made his choice. He didn’t want her trying to find another young lady for him. “Will you be there this evening?”
“Only to fetch Eleanor. She and the rest of the sisters are going to support Theo.”
“Excellent. I shall see you there.” Leo tipped his hat. “I have a few things to do before this evening.”
“I do as well. I say, when are you going to become more involved in the Lords? We could use another Whig vote.”
That was something he had planned to do. It was also something Theo would expect him to do. “Soon. Very soon.”
“Good. I’ll see you this evening.” Montagu strode off.
“Yes, you will.” Even if Leo wasn’t able to start courting Theo formally he could be with her.
Theo studied herself in the cheval mirror for any flaws in either her gown or her hair. She must look and act perfectly this evening. Even though Lady Bellamny had known Theo since she was a child, the Grand Dame would expect perfection. Theo would not be the first of her sisters to fail.
“My lady, it is time for you to go down,” Payne, Theo’s maid, said.
