Payne had a strange look on her face that Theo could not interpret. Should she and her sister not speak about mistresses in front of the maid? She supposed she could ask one of her other sisters if it was improper. Theo knew she could not broach the subject to other ladies, but she had been under the impression that one could speak of all manner of things in front of her maid.
“There you are, my lady.” Her maid stepped back.
“Thank you, Payne.” Theo waited while a long shawl was placed on her shoulders. “I will see you later.”
Mary slipped off the bed and followed Theo out. “I understand Chandos is dining with us before the ball.”
“He is.” As usual, her family had eaten earlier with the children. But on nights when they attended an entertainment of some sort, a second much lighter dinner was served for those attending the event. Even though Mary was not attending, she dined with them as well. They went to the dining room where their sisters and brothers-by-marriage were already gathering.
The doorbell chimed, and Chandos strolled into the room and came directly to Theo. “I was finally able to convince Thorton that he didn’t have to announce me.”
“Theo,” Grace said. “A few notes came for you. The first one was from Lord Feversham. He approached Matt about an introduction and was approved. He will present himself early in the evening to meet you. He would like to reserve a dance.”
“He can have the first country dance.”
“The second was from Lord Bolingbroke.”
“If he is planning to stand up with me, the only set I have left is the first one. He had best be early.”
“I will answer both queries and inform the gentlemen of their dances.” Grace went to a small table in the corner of the room. Dashed off two missives and handed them to their butler. “See that these are delivered immediately.”
“Now, shall we take our places?”
“It will not be long before you will have more requests than sets,” Eleanor remarked.
“You’ll either love or hate the moniker I heard today,” Montagu said.
It had happened to all her sisters. Theo supposed she should have expected it. “What is it?”
“I was at my club and a gentleman referred to you as ‘The Elusive Lady Theodora.’ Then another gentleman said ‘The Elusive One’ is better. They bantered it around for a bit before deciding on ‘The Elusive.’”
“That is ridiculous. I am everywhere, nightly entertainments, riding in the Park. I was even at Lady Thornhill’s viewing.”
“Ah.” Con held up one finger. “You are at only one ball in an evening and only until supper.” He held up a second finger. “And in order for someone to even speak with you they must find Worthington and request permission.”
“That is true. Yet, I hardly see that it makes me elusive.” Gentlemen could be so silly.
St. Albans shook his head. “I would wager that all the other young ladies are being dragged around to two if not three entertainments a night. Also, the balls and other things you have attended are very exclusive.”
Montagu nodded. “I have visions of gentlemen running around Town trying to discover which ball you will attend.”
“That would be interesting,” Charlotte said.
“What is, my love?” her husband responded.
“It is usually gentlemen that a hostess wants at her ball. I wonder if Theo will now be the one person ladies will think is the most valuable guest to attend their entertainment.” She glanced at Grace. “When you hold your ‘at home’ it would not surprise me if you have ladies you barely know attending.”
“It will not only be Grace, but all of us.” Dotty chuckled. “I foresee a great deal of page turning inDebrett’s.”
Theo ate her soup, then took a piece of fish that was brought around as well as haricots verts with almonds. “This is ridiculous.”
Next to her, Chandos swallowed. “When has that ever stopped members of thetonfrom doing anything? In my experience, the more outrageous, the more likely it is to occur.”
“I suppose you are correct. Still”—she shook her head—“it does not matter what I think about it. That will not stop anyone.”
“It will not. But I’ll be here to shield you.” He sounded completely serious.
Why was he still spending time with her? Charlie was in Town. One would think Chandos would get on with his usual activities. Theo would mention it to him, except she did like his company. If he kept it up, she would eventually say something. Until then, she would leave things as they were.
