“In a moment.” Mick, her groom, rode up. “I am ready now.”
“I’m ready as well.” Leo smiled at Bolingbroke. “Shall we?”
“I did not know you were joining us, your grace.” He couldn’t hide his disappointment at not having Theo to himself.
“I felt like I needed a ride after tea.”
“You were here for tea?” Bolingbroke appeared more and more distressed, which suited Leo. Sooner or later, the man would get the hint that Theo was his.
“I frequently drink tea here.” He could have added that he broke his fast and dined with them as well, but he’d save that for use if he needed it.
They rode three across until they reached Park Lane, then Leo rode beside Theo, leaving Bolingbroke to ride with the groom.
“You really should not have done that.” She glanced at Leo as they entered the gate.
He tried to give her a contrite look. “I couldn’t help myself.”
“He does seem to be quite deferential to you.”
“I am a duke.” Not that it mattered to her at all.
She shrugged as Bolingbroke caught up to them.
Unsurprisingly, other gentlemen on horseback joined them. Leo decided to hang back and watch the fribbles attempt to gain her attention. One of them said something she obviously didn’t like, and, for a second, she looked as if she’d like to hit him with something hard. The idiot said something else, and she smiled politely. He knew the smile did not reach her expressive eyes. God, she was good at that. Finally, they made their way back to the gate and departed. Leo wanted to ask her if she would like to go to Gunter’s, but he’d have to take Bolingbroke, which Leo would not do. He rode with them to Worthington House and waited until Bolingbroke took his leave.
She didn’t know that Leo would be dancing the waltz with her. That was a surprise. Would she be hurt if he didn’t ask for a set? Or would she work it out? Or had he asked for a set already? He had a vague recollection of doing so, but he usually asked her to stand up with him. Leo had no idea if Worthington would allow him to stand up twice with her, but he wouldn’t know if he didn’t try. “I’ll see you at Almack’s. Do you have the supper dance free?”
“My lady, Payne has been asking for you,” Thorton said.
Leo raised a brow. “Payne?”
“My maid. I must bathe before dinner.” Theo smiled. “I have almost all my dances free. I’m glad you were there today.”
He considered giving her a flip response but decided not to. “I am as well. Until this evening.”
“Yes, until then.”
He arrived home to find a note from Alice St. Albans inviting him to dine with them before going to Almack’s.
He quickly dashed off an acceptance, then went to his secretary’s office. “Is there anything urgent?”
Whiting shook his head. “No, your grace. Although, her grace left a message asking you to request a waltz with a young lady.”
This is what it had come to. Mama writing notes to him. Leo would have to reconcile with her later. After he and Theo were betrothed. “Inform her that I already have plans to ask permission to waltz with another lady.”
“Yes, your grace. I wish you a pleasant evening.”
“To you as well.”
Alice, St. Albans, and Leo arrived at Almack’s as the doors opened. He was surprised to see how plain it was. Simply one large open room with long windows hung with blue curtains. There were not even any alcoves.
Lady Cowper was waiting for them. “My lady, your grace, my lord.” They curtseyed and bowed. “As soon as Lady Theo arrives, I will take you to her. The first dance will be the minuet. I will introduce you to a Miss Cunningham.”
Leo bowed. “It will be my pleasure to stand up with her, my lady.”
“I warn you.” Her ladyship speared him with a look. “Duke or not, you will not be allowed to avoid dancing with other young ladies this evening. From what I have heard, thus far, hostesses have been far too easy on you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He had managed to escape being made to stand up with other young ladies by staying hidden among Theo’s family.
