“Very well. Introduce me to this future duke.”
Fortunately, Ashford was exactly where he’d been when Leo had seen him. He bowed slightly. “Lord Ashford, I’d like to introduce you to Lord Darnel.”
The lady next to Ashford poked him, and he looked as if he’d eaten a sour lemon. “Mother, may I present the Duke of Chandos. Your grace, the Duchess of Shrewsbury.”
Leo bowed, took her offered hand and kissed the air above it. “A delight to meet you. You look very like Ladies Stern and Merton.”
“My sister and niece, as I am certain you are aware.” The duchess glanced at Darnel.
“Allow me to make you known to Lord Darnel.” He bowed and took her hand as well. “Darnel, the Duchess of Shrewsbury.”
“Enchanted, your grace.”
“Excellent address, my lord. Your father is the Marquis of Mulgrave.”
“He is, your grace.”
The duchess glanced at Ashford. “Go meet her, then bring her to me so that she may be introduced to me.”
He bowed and went off with Darnel. Leo fell in with them, then turned toward Theo as soon as he could. What he hadn’t wanted was to be stuck with the duchess until Lady Giselle was brought to her. He strode as quickly as he could so as not to be waylaid by anyone before he could get to Theo. “Darnel is taking Ashford to meet Lady Giselle.” He looked at Lady Merton. “Your aunt is nothing like you and your mother.”
“No.” She shook her head. “She would not be. My mother says that her sisters and brother wed the people they were told to and are not happy in their marriages.”
Leo had heard the story about Lady Stern defying her father to wed Sir Henry, who at the time was a mere mister. “I’m glad for her that she was braver.”
Lady Merton smiled. “So are we all.”
It was time for the third dance and Theo went off with her partner. Leo stepped over to St. Albans. “When you asked me if I was in love with Theo, I did not understand what that entailed. However, I have since been struck by the almost certainty that I am in love with her. How did you know?”
“What did your mother say?”
“I didn’t ask. She wants me to wed a different type of lady.” One who would bore Leo to death before a month was out.
“Ah.” St. Albans looked over at his wife, who was speaking with her twin. “The first time I saw her I knew I wanted her. The more I came to know her, the more I knew I had to have her in my life. My mother asked me if I wanted to be with her even when we argued. Which she assured me would happen. And when she was out of sorts. I knew that I did.” He glanced at Leo. “Is it the same with you?”
He’d wanted her when she poured a bucket of cold water on him. “It is. I can’t imagine my life without her.”
Alice came up to him and linked her arm with his. “Come with me. Lady Cowper is here. Rather than waiting until tomorrow, you will ask her now.”
Leo allowed her to tow him to her ladyship.
“My lady, it is a pleasure to see you here.” Alice gave her ladyship a polite smile. “I understand you have already made his grace’s acquaintance.”
“Lady St. Albans, how nice to see you. I have met his grace.”
Lady Cowper gave him a look of inquiry. “How may I help you?”
“My lady, I would like to be recommended to Lady Theo Vivers as a suitable partner for the waltz at Almack’s tomorrow evening.”
Her ladyship’s smile was merely polite, but her eyes danced with mirth. “Your grace, how can I refuse. You must want this very badly to have requested my assistance a day early.”
“I do.” If she only knew how badly.
“Very well. Lord and Lady Worthington always arrive when the doors open. Be there then, and I will make my recommendation.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
He and Alice were about to leave when Lady Cowper said, “There is one minor thing I will ask of you.”
