“No.” She tilted her head. “The next dance only.”
The dance ended, and Sarah, accompanied by Lord Marrow, joined them shortly after. “I will never stand up with him again.”
Theo knew her own reason, but what had happened to put Sarah off the man? “What did he do?”
She glanced up at the ceiling and huffed. “Every time he opened his mouth, it was to ask a question about you. He seems to think that his uncle will arrange a marriage.” Her hands landed on her hips. “Not only that, but he came here this evening to ensure himself that you would be a suitable wife.”
Theo almost dropped her jaw. “Grace, are you very sure that I must sit out the next dance?”
“Dearest, I am tempted to allow it, but that would be the equivalent of giving him a cut direct. I am not prepared to allow you to do that at this time.”
Dotty gave Theo a sympathetic look. “She is correct. It would reflect badly on you.”
“Very well.” She could not argue with her sister’s reasoning.
Lord Crewe came up to her and raised a brow. “Are you able to dance?”
“Unfortunately, I am not. I must rest my ankle for a bit.” He glanced across the room to where Miss Albright stood with her mother. Clearly, he wanted to spend time with her.
“Go on.” Theo waved him away. “Chandos will keep me company.”
Lord Crewe bowed. “You are all that is gracious, my lady.”
He glanced at Leo and winked. It occurred to Leo that Theo had been doing an excellent job of ridding him of his competition for her hand. Ashford, though, would be a problem. He wasn’t the type to be easily dissuaded. Still, there might be another solution. “Theo.”
“Hmm?” She glanced at him and had not even noticed that he’d used her name.
“If you were to find a lady for Ashford, who would it be?”
“I would not wish anyone on him.” Her tone was flat and slightly dismissive.
He agreed with her but needs must. “No, but surely there is someone who would be suitable in both temperament and rank.”
“Theo,” Miss Pettigrew said. “This is very bad of me, but what of Lady Giselle?”
Slowly, Theo turned her head toward her friend. “That might be an excellent idea. The question is how to arrange an introduction.”
The lady his mother had warned him about and who had been staring at them. But who was her family? “Lady Giselle?”
“Lady Giselle Darnel,” Miss Pettigrew said.
The woman her brother had been attempting to foist on him.
“I know her brother. I will make him known to Ashford.”
Marrow grinned. “I sense a scheme coming together.”
Leo scanned the ballroom. As luck would have it, Darnel was headed toward the card room. Ashford was standing next to an older lady. Probably his mother. “If you will excuse me. I shall not be long.”
He skirted the room and caught up with Darnel before he sat down at a table. “I know you wanted me to meet your sister, but I think I have a better gentleman than I to interest her.”
When he glanced at the card table, Leo could see the lust for play in Darnel’s eyes. “Who is it?”
“Ashford. His courtesy title is baron, but his father is the Duke of Shrewsbury.”
“She does want to be a duchess.” Darnel appeared to study Leo’s face. “Are you sure you’re not interested?”
“Absolutely. I have made my choice.” And no one or nothing was going to dissuade him. Especially now that he was sure he was in love. As it happened, he’d worked it out for himself.
