“It is always a pleasure to be of assistance.” Chandos bowed. “I must be on my way. I will see you this afternoon.”
“I shall see you then. I will be accompanying Grace, Louisa, and Charlotte on morning calls later.”
“First time?”
“Other than to friends in the country, yes. I suppose some good will come of it.”
He threw his head back and laughed. “You must be the first lady to think that. I look forward to hearing how it went.”
“I am curious to see what the difference will be.”
That afternoon, Theo was able to renew her acquaintance with Lady Patricia Marrow, the Earl of Marrow’s sister and daughter of the Marquis of Carlisle, and Miss Felice Albright, daughter of Viscount Albright.
Theo sat in a chair next to the two ladies. “How are you enjoying the Season thus far?”
“We were just discussing that. Not much has happened,” Lady Patricia said. “Except that it appears as if my brother might soon be betrothed.”
“Miss Pettigrew is a particular friend of mine.” Theo hid her smug smile. “They appear to be well suited.”
“They must be,” Lady Patricia said. “And to think that my mother was in despair of him marrying. I wish I could find a gentleman I liked as much.”
“I as well,” Miss Albright agreed.
These ladies might be Theo’s next attempts at matchmaking.
“What are you looking for in a gentleman and a marriage?”
“I would love to travel.” Lady Patricia sighed. “I so wanted to attend Lady Thornhill’s viewing, but my mother thought it might not be suitable.”
“She must be consulting with my mother,” Miss Albright said. “That was Mama’s excuse for not allowing me to attend.” She gave a wistful smile to Theo. “I am not interested in traveling as much as occasionally visiting cities such as Paris. I love the country and seeing to our dependents.”
Perhaps Lord Holland would be suitable for Lady Patricia. Theo would have to ask Chandos if he knew a gentleman who wanted a wife that would help him keep up the estates. “Will you be at Lady Exeter’s ball?”
Both ladies nodded.
“I have heard she gives the most elegant balls,” Miss Albright commented.
“My father knows Lady Exeter’s father. I am looking forward to it,” Lady Patricia commented.
This was excellent. Two ladies of middling age rose as did Grace. “We must be leaving.” Theo stood.
“Oh, I am as well,” Lady Patricia said.
“Yes.” Miss Albright rose. “I see that my mother is ready to move on.” She held out her hand. “I look forward to seeing you at the ball.”
Theo touched the lady’s fingers. “I as well.”
Lady Patricia inclined her head. “I shall see you there.”
Theo must speak with Chandos about the two possibilities that came to mind for each of the ladies. She joined Grace in their carriage. “Will you invite Chandos to attend the ball with us tonight or invite him to dinner?”
“I am happy to do both.” She gave Theo a searching look. “Do I dare ask what this is about?”
“I need his help with something and would like to have time to speak to him.”
“I see.”
The coach started forward and took them to Lady Bellamny’s house, where Theo saw Lady Lana. After greeting the lady, Theo took the chair next to Lady Lana’s. “Are you enjoying the Season thus far?”
