“Thank you.” He smiled and, for a brief minute, butterflies took up residence in her breast. “I would be delighted.”
As she drew up in front of the house, her brother’s town coach was being led away. “I wonder what happened to take so long?”
“I suspect we’ll find out shortly.” Chandos jumped down and came around to her side of the phaeton. When he clasped his hands around her waist and lifted her down, the butterflies returned. It was disconcerting to say the least. Theo sucked in a breath just to make sure she could still breathe.
The door opened as they approached it. Thorton bowed. “Tea will be served in the morning room. His lordship and her ladyship will be there momentarily.”
Theo kept her voice low. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Chandos took her arm, and they made their way to the parlor. The only ones there were the footmen setting out the sandwiches, tarts, and biscuits.
“I wonder where everyone is?” Surely Grace would have everyone here to learn what had happened.
“We’re coming,” Charlotte said. “Some of us are just quicker than others.”
“Some of you live closer,” Eleanor responded.
“That is fair.” They took their seats as the teapots were carried in. “The children will have tea in the schoolroom.”
“That sounds serious.” Madeline said as she and Harry strolled into the morning room. “I am sorry that we missed the ball last evening.” She bussed Theo’s cheek.
“There is nothing you could have done.”
“There is something I could have done,” Harry said. “I never liked Ashford. I would have stopped him from being presented to you.”
Soon the rest of them had arrived as well as Matt and Grace. Matt stood as tea was being poured out. “Here are how things stand. I made very clear that Theo would not have anything to do with Lord Ashford. His uncle made clear that Ashford wanted to wed Theo. They even went so far as to make a proposal of marriage. I explained that I had never arranged a match for one of my sisters and I would not start now.” He looked at her. “You may treat him as you wish. If he approaches you, tell one of us. If you are with your footman or groom, they will be allowed to take any action they deem necessary to see you are safe.”
“I understand.” Theo would also start carrying her knife and her pistol.
“I’ll send a groom with you this afternoon.”
She nodded once.
“I will be there as well,” Chandos said.
“I asked him to come.” Firstly, because she was not at all happy with Bolingbroke, and second, she did not trust Ashford. “I just wanted a nice calm Season.”
“You did not want a Season at all,” Mary retorted.
“I might have been better off waiting.”
That made everyone groan. “Enough,” Alice said. “You are having your Season. It has merely become a bit more interesting.”
Theo could do without all the interest. She turned to Chandos. “Shall we send for your hack?”
“If you please. I want to be here when Bolingbroke arrives.”
A thought occurred to Theo. “Maybe I can find a match for him.”
“Do you have anyone in mind?” He accepted a cup of tea.
“Possibly. Lady Lana Grant.” The only problem was that she was Lady Giselle’s good friend. “I will think about it.”
The other thing Theo had to think about was her recent reactions to Chandos. She could not allow herself to fall in love with him. Not after hearing what those ladies had said. Not after what she knew of his past.
Asclepius arrived at the same time as Bolingbroke. Leo had already assisted Theo onto her mare. Not that she required help. He just liked doing it. Then again, she couldn’t use the same technique she used in the country. He mounted his horse.
The other gentleman smiled at them both. “Lady Theo, are you ready to go?”
