It occurred to him that a year ago, if anyone would have told him he’d be playing this role and liking it, he wouldn’t have believed them.
When the dance ended, he took her back to her mother and went to Theo. “The lady I stood up with, Miss Cunningham, does not know any other young ladies. Would you allow me to introduce her to you?”
“Of course.” Theo glanced around. “Sarah, come with me, please. We are going to meet another young lady.”
Miss Pettigrew smiled. “I would be delighted. Is she from our part of the country?”
Theo glanced at him.
“No, Harrogate.” He held out his arms for them both, but Marrow stepped over to escort Miss Pettigrew. When they arrived, Lady Cowper was presenting another gentleman to Miss Cunningham. Her ladyship inclined her head before leaving. Leo gave a sharp nod to the gentleman. “Miss Cunningham. Here are Lady Theo Vivers and Miss Sarah Pettigrew.”
Theo took the lady’s hands. “I am very happy to meet you.”
Miss Cunningham smiled and curtseyed. “The pleasure is mine.”
Miss Pettigrew came up with Marrow. “I am Miss Pettigrew. May I present Lord Marrow?”
“I am delighted to meet you both.” She curtseyed again.
Until Leo had begun attending these types of entertainments, he never realized how much bowing and curtseying went on.
As Leo strolled back to Theo’s family with her, the first notes of the waltz began to play. “My lady, shall we?”
“Yes, indeed.” Her smile almost took his breath away.
They took their places on the floor. “I wish I could dance the Viennese waltz with you.”
“What is the difference?” Theo held her arms up as she turned.
“I’ll show you one day.” After they were betrothed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
After breakfast the next day, the flowers started to arrive as well as trinkets. One was a gold heart charm hanging from a gold safety pin. Theo opened the note that had been placed in the velvet pouch.
For the most beautiful lady in England.
With deep respect and regard,
Milford
“I cannot accept this.” It must be too expensive.
Grace entered the hall. “What is it?”
Theo held up the pin. “It is from Lord Milford. It must be too expensive to accept.”
Her sister took it from her and inspected. “It actually is not. I saw one when I was shopping and almost got it for Elizabeth. My concern was that one of the twins would find it and hurt themselves trying to open it.”
So much for that idea. Theo had to keep it. Or give it to Elizabeth with express directions to keep it away from the younger children. “Very well.”
Grace began sifting through the other gifts that were on a long side table against the wall. “What is this?” She held up a pouch the size of a reticule. “Open it.”
Theo took the bag and took out the fan inside. Even closed one could see it was beautiful. A long narrow note fell out when she opened the fan.
Dear Theo,
I hope you can find a use for this. It’s made to fit in a reticule.
