“Thank you. I am delighted to meet you, my lady.”
“I understand that I have you to thank for my son’s—she cut Marrow a look—“good fortune.”
Miss Pettigrew blushed and gazed adoringly at Marrow, who returned the look. Without blushing.
“It was all fortunate happenstance, my lady.”
And that was what Theo did. She accomplished whatever she was after, then acted as if it had all simply came to be. Leo had never met anyone like her. She was the most modest force of nature to exist.
Marrow glanced at Leo and mouthed, “Gunter’s?”
Leo nodded slightly. “Lady Theo, we should be off. We’re in danger of holding up traffic.”
She looked around. “Indeed, we are. Lady Carlisle, Lady Patricia, I hope to see you again soon.”
Before the carriage behind them could complain, she started her horses. “I take it we are meeting Lord Marrow and Sarah at Gunter’s.”
“Yes. He has something he wishes to tell me. We are being hailed.”
Theo pulled up to the verge and Crewe came riding up just ahead of Hereford. “Good afternoon, my lady. Chandos.”
“Good day, my lord.” Theo smiled. “Thank you for the flowers.”
Leo simply nodded. Then he remembered he’d forgotten to ask her how many gifts she’d received.
“If you are attending the Exeter ball this evening, it would be my honor if you would allow me the supper dance.”
“I am sorry, my lord.” She gave him an apologetic smile. “The supper dance is taken.”
By him. Leo was about to smirk, when Crewe said, “In that case, the first waltz.”
The bounder! Unfortunately, Leo knew the man was said to be an excellent dancer. Then again, Theo had already decided to match him to Miss Albright. He watched with interest to see what she would do. A sly smile appeared on her lips. “I would be delighted, my lord.” She glanced to the side and behind her. “Miss Albright, how lovely to see you here.”
Miss Albright, a pretty lady with blond hair, gray eyes, and an amused expression, was driving a regular phaeton with a groom sitting in the back. “And you.”
“May I introduce Lord Crewe to you?”
“You may.” She studied Crewe with the same thoroughness one would a horse one wanted to purchase.
“Miss Albright, Lord Crewe. Lord Crewe, Miss Albright.” Theo was clearly enjoying herself.
Laughter lit Miss Albright’s eyes. “It is nice to meet you, my lord.”
“I am delighted to meet you, Miss Albright. We were just talking about Lady Exeter’s ball. May I enquire as to if you will be attending.”
“I will be.”
“May I have the honor of requesting the supper dance?”
“You may. I would be pleased.”
Looking very much like a petulant child, Hereford pushed his way forward. Then remembered that he could not speak until Theo decided to acknowledge him. Fortunately, for him, she was all that was gracious.
“Lord Hereford, how nice to see you.” Once again, she turned to Miss Albright, who clearly understood the farce and made the introductions.
He asked for her first waltz, which she accepted. Then asked Theo, who gave him the first country dance. After which, Hereford took himself off.
Crewe bowed to the ladies then met Leo’s gaze. “It was a pleasure coming upon you.”
