He knew she’d want a pound of flesh. “Yes, my lady?”
She speared him with a look. “I want you to stand up with one of the shyer young ladies.”
That was easily done. He bowed. “I will be happy to be of assistance.”
“Very well. Until tomorrow.”
As Alice led him away, she slid him a look. “You care very much for Theo.”
This was the time to let her family know how he felt. “I’m in love with her.”
“I thought you might be.” They were almost back to their circle, when she said, “Be patient with her. She is extremely canny when it comes to others. I do not believe she knows her own mind yet.”
Being patient was the hard part. He wanted her now. “I am trying.”
Alice sighed. “You must show her who you truly are. We have all seen the changes over the past year. I do not believe she paid any attention at all.”
And that was the problem. “I don’t know how to do that except to show her that I want to be with her.”
“When you go to Hatchards, engage her in books about your estates. It will make her realize that you are serious about your holdings.”
“I was prepared to discuss novels with her. Such as Miss Austen’s books.” He’d read them while he was up at school and enjoyed them immensely.
“She will be interested in that as well.” Alice tilted her head. A habit all the sisters appeared to share. “She will appreciate that.”
They reached the family as the set was ending. Only two more before the supper dance, and he could have Theo in his arms.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
During the set, Theo had glanced over to where Chandos normally stood and did not see him. Where had he gone? She was sure he was not dancing, but where was he?
“Lady Theo?” Lord Bolingbroke said.
“I beg your pardon?” She should pay more attention to her partner.
“I asked if you enjoyed riding?”
“Horseback riding or in a carriage?” Chandos was still not there.
“Horseback riding. I wanted to ask if you would like to ride with me in the Park tomorrow afternoon.”
“I must ask my sister. Please send an invitation in the morning.” He was returning to their circle with Alice. But where had he gone? She gave herself a mental shake. Why should she care? It was not as if they had an understanding or anything except friendship.
“I shall do that.” He smiled at her. “Thank you.”
He was very nice. “You are welcome.”
Why could she not feel anything for his lordship or any of the other gentlemen? Her sisters had all felt something for the gentlemen they eventually married. Even if it was anger. They felt something.
Chandos’s eyes followed her as his lordship returned Theo to her circle.
Bolingbroke bowed. “You dance extremely well, my lady. Will you be at Almack’s tomorrow?”
“Yes, I will be.”
“May I have the honor of a waltz?”
“I have not yet been approved to waltz at Almack’s. A country dance?”
