“Not really.” She appeared troubled.
“I am said to be a good listener, and I do not repeat what I am told. What is wrong?”
“I really should not.” Her eyes were shadowed. “Yet, I need to tell someone. If I do not make a match this Season, my father will choose someone for me.”
“Oh, dear.” Theo had, of course, heard of this happening. Thankfully, she did not have to face it. “What is it you want in a husband?”
“The normal things, I suppose.” Theo raised one brow. “To be truthful, I have not allowed myself to think about it. Almost anyone would be better than who my father selects.” Lana sighed. “I have been half in love with our neighbor’s son, but when I mentioned him to my father, he rejected my idea. He said that he was not mature enough to wed. The problem is that I am afraid Father is right. The other problem is that he does not even notice me.”
“Will you be at Almack’s on Wednesday?”
“Yes. Mama insists that I attend. I am very afraid I will not be asked to dance.”
Theo could help with that. Once again, Grace was rising. “I will see you then.”
“Thank you for listening.”
Theo patted Lady Lana’s hand. “It was my pleasure. I enjoy helping others.”
They went to one more house before going home. At tea, Grace assured Theo that Chandos had been invited to dine with them. She would mention it to him during their ride. They were once again taking her phaeton. At present, she must send a note to Dorie Exeter asking if Lords Crew and Holland had been invited to the ball. Theo sent the message via a running footman and received a prompt response confirming that both gentlemen were attending.
At five o’clock, when she descended the stairs, Chandos was waiting for her. He wore a dark bottle-green jacket that made his eyes appear greener, and fawn trousers.
Leo stepped forward and offered Theo his hand as she reached the bottom step. It always amazed him how she seemed to float down the stairs. It was as if her dainty feet never touched the floor. The light bluish-green color of her gown made her eyes even more beautiful. “Good afternoon. You are enchanting.”
She inclined her head gracefully and smiled. “Thank you, sir.” She took his arm as they strolled out to her phaeton. “I require your assistance.”
The last time she said that he was looking into Marrow’s financials. “How may I help you?”
“I met some other ladies just out at Lady Bellamny’s soirée, and I saw them today during morning visits.” She smiled brightly, and he knew exactly what she was about to ask. “I think Lady Patricia Marrow would be a good match for Lord Holland. She wishes to travel, you see.”
“I didn’t even know his sister and mother were in Town.” Yet, if Theo could match Lady Patricia and Lord Holland, that would get Holland away from Theo. “I think your idea is a good one.” He lifted her into the carriage and felt her breathing hitch. He went around and climbed in the other side as she arranged the ribbons.
“There is also Miss Albright. She is mostly interested in taking care of a home and dependents. Do you know a gentleman who might be right for her? I had thought that Lord Crewe could work.”
Crewe had several estates and would require a wife who was interested in applying her talents in that direction. “We will find out.”
Theo had given her pair their office and they were traveling down the street at a good pace. “The last one is Lady Lana Grant. Her father is Lord Grant. She is concerned that if she does not find a husband this Season, he will do it. She is so afraid of that happening she could not even tell me what she wanted in a husband. I have to think it must be someone who is kind and able to support a family.”
“Hm. Let me give that some thought.” Leo was glad to hear the lady was not like her friend, Lady Giselle. “There are one or two gentlemen looking to wed who might be suitable. Do you know who will be at Lady Exeter’s ball?”
“I do know that all three ladies will be there as well as Lords Crewe and Holland. If we could arrange for the gentlemen to ask them to dance, that would start it.” Theo’s forehead creased. A sure sign she was thinking about something. “I do not think Lord Holland should dance a waltz with Lady Patricia.”
Leo couldn’t keep from laughing. “He stepped on your toes, did he?”
“He did.” They drove through the gate. “It was such a relief to stand up with you.”
“I regret to tell you this, but depending on how much Lady Patricia likes to dance, you might have to find another gentleman for her.”
“I am afraid you are correct.” Theo pulled a face. “Might we ask Lord Marrow?”
“We may.” Leo scanned the carriages and those riding horses. “The opportunity should present itself shortly.” He drew her attention to a carriage pulled up to one side. “He is there with Miss Pettigrew.”
“Excellent.” As happy as he was to be able to help her, he was even more pleased when she smiled at him. She expertly maneuvered the phaeton around and stopped next to Marrow and Miss Pettigrew. “Good afternoon.” Then she glanced at the landau carrying a younger lady, and an older woman, probably the lady’s mother. “Lady Patricia, how delightful to see you.”
“Lady Theo, good day.” She turned to the other woman. “Mama, allow me to introduce you to Lady Theo Vivers. Lady Theo, my mother, Lady Carlisle.”
“It is very nice to meet you, Lady Theo. I watched you make your way over here. It was quite adroit driving.” She glanced at her daughter.
