I will see you at luncheon.
Yr. Servant,
Chandos
The fan had a pale yellow background with a Georgian scene of children playing. On each spoke was a small amethyst. “How practical.”
“I guarantee that fan costs more than the pin,” Grace opined.
Theo hoped she did not have to return it. “What does that mean?”
“That a piece of jewelry is not necessarily more expensive than a fan that you would naturally want to keep.”
“I understand.” Theo picked up the pin again. “It is a pretty trinket.”
“Be careful if you decide to wear it. Lord Milford might think that you are interested in him.”
It was definitely going to Elizabeth. “I shall.” She continued looking through the other presents. She held up a silver thimble. “Whoever sent me this will not be thanked.”
Grace looked as if she’d laugh. “I do wonder if it is an indication of what he thinks a lady’s role should be, or a lack of imagination.”
Mary came from the direction of the music room. “What have you received today?”
“Have a look.” Theo showed her youngest sister the thimble. “Do you have any use for this?”
“No, but Nurse might.”
That was an idea. “I’ll ask her. If you find anything you like, you make keep it.”
“Thank you.” Mary grinned. “What are you holding?”
Theo had forgotten she had not put the fan back down. “It’s a gift from Chandos. A fan that will fit in a reticule.”
“I doubt you will find anything you like better than that.”
“I think you are correct. What are you doing this morning?” Theo missed Mary. Their lives were so different now.
“French, Italian, and German. Do you want to join me?”
Considering Mary spoke all three languages better than Theo. “No?”
Her sister laughed. “I would not if I were you. I will be discussing political situations in each language.”
“With whom and where?”
“With Martha at Merton House. Dom has arranged it.” Mary chuckled. “Martha was complaining that we never get any real experience conversing with native speakers.”
That made sense. “When do you leave?”
A knock came on the door. “Now. I must get my hat and gloves.”
“Theo, I would like you to accompany me on morning visits,” Grace said.
“I would like that.” Even though morning visits could be fraught, they were also interesting. Theo was glad Chandos was going to join them at luncheon. She would have an opportunity to thank him for the gift.
Lady Pettigrew and Sarah joined them for morning visits that afternoon.
Partway through the visits they came across Miss Cunningham, who motioned for them to come sit next to her. “I have been hoping to see the two of you.”
