“I was just going to say you don’t look like you’re doing any better than Theo was,” Kenilworth added.
“It’s Ashford.” If Leo could punch the man, he would.
“If it makes you feel any better, Worthington is furious. He’s never made a mistake like that before. He’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. He has decided to accompany Grace tomorrow.” Kenilworth took out his quizzing glass and polished it. “Bolingbroke approached Worthington about Theo riding with him tomorrow.” Leo glanced at the gentleman he hoped would be his brother-in-law. “Worthington asked him if he’d mentioned it to Theo. That was when Bolingbroke admitted that she told him what he had to do. Worthington said that he should do what she instructed.” Kenilworth put his quizzer back. “What are you going to do while she is riding?”
“I’ll be at the Park on my horse. Theo is a bit concerned that her mare won’t handle the crowds well.” Leo wasn’t happy that she’d be going on a horse ride with Bolingbroke, but it was Leo’s own fault. He hadn’t invited her himself. It really didn’t matter. He’d be there to protect her.
Kenilworth snorted. “There isn’t a situation that girl can’t handle on a horse.”
“So I told her.” Leo hoped it had been her way of telling him that she wanted him there.
He had never been so relieved when it was time for the supper dance, and he didn’t have to watch her go off with another gentleman and pretend it didn’t bother him. Dancing with Theo made him feel as if he’d come home. After what she’d told him about her sister, reminded him actually, he’d keep a closer eye on the bounder.
He brought her back a collection of ices and other foods he knew she’d like. The corner of his eye caught Ashford with a young lady.
“Lady Giselle.” It was as if Theo knew what Leo was thinking. “I hope they enjoy each other’s company.”
“I do as well.” He took a seat next to her. “Kenilworth just told me Worthington will accompany your sister to Bristol House.”
“I hope they send him back.” She dipped her spoon into a lemon ice. “This is excellent. It is not sweet at all.”
Movement to his right caused him to look toward it. Ashford and Lady Giselle were staring at them. That pair would definitely bear watching. Leo decided to warn Theo. “I don’t want to alarm you, but the nemesis and the dark-haired lady have been watchingus.”
“Really?” She surreptitiously glanced their way. “I would wager anything that they are plotting.”
He didn’t understand. “What could they possibly think they could do to us?”
“I do not have a clue.” Theo shook her head. “But I recognize that look. We had both better be on our guard.”
For a second, he considered asking if he could reside at Worthington House, but that was an unrealistic idea. He would say something to one of her brothers by marriage. “Are we riding in the morning?”
“Of course.” She grinned. “I would not miss it.”
They met the next day and rode to Miss Pettigrew’s house where Marrow was already waiting. Leo wondered for a moment if she was going to accompany them, when her horse was brought around. A few seconds later, the lady came out of the house. “I am sorry I am late.”
“It is no matter.” Theo smiled at her friend. “I was afraid that more people would be in the Park, yet it appears that they are spending the morning at balls and sleeping.”
Marrow helped Miss Pettigrew mount, and they were off trotting down the street.
They reached the gate and slowed the horses. Theo glanced at her friend. “Last night I had the impression that Lady Giselle and Lord Ashford were plotting something.”
“Well,” Miss Pettigrew said, “I am not surprised. I was going to tell you last evening, but I forgot. Lady Giselle has decided to be a duchess.” Miss Pettigrew glanced at Leo.
It wouldn’t be the first time a young lady or any lady had attempted to convince Leo to wed her. “And, of course, Ashford wants to marry Lady Theo.”
“This should be fun.” Marrow’s tone was as dry as dust. “How do we stop them?”
For some reason, they all looked at Leo. “We have to either discover the plan or watch them until they do something. Once a lady sent me a note to meet her.” He smiled to himself. “She was more than surprised when another gentleman appeared.”
Miss Pettigrew stared at him. “I have read about that in a novel.”
“It is effective.” He could see Theo thinking. “And easily done.”
“I have to know,” Marrow said. “Were they made to wed?”
“They would have been.” Leo could have laughed at the memory. “But a week later, she was caught in flagrante with another gentleman.”
Theo’s brows lowered. “What doesin flagrantemean?”
