“She is the one who could not manage to organize your come out ball.”
“Exactly. Not only that, but neither Marrow nor I want to wait that long to wed.”
Leo was happy to keep his mouth full and hear what Theo thought about all of this. Yet something about Sarah’s mother not being able to plan a ball, and Theo arranging her own ball, confused him. “Who is supposed to plan a come out ball?”
She lifted one shoulder in an elegant shrug. “I suppose it depends on one’s family. We plan our own. It is a way of ensuring that we have what we want, and it gives us the valuable experience of being completely responsible for the results. It is one thing to help plan a ball. It is another thing to do it oneself.”
He could understand that. It was the same with most projects.
“Yes,” Sarah said. “Mama has very little experience planning large entertainments. As a consequence, I have no experience. Her ladyship has offered to teach me.”
Leo was starting to understand her dilemma. “Ergo, you would rather agree with your future mother-in-law.”
“Precisely.” Sarah nodded. “It would be of great benefit to me and make Marrow happier.”
Theo finished her tea. “If you want my opinion, I support your inclination to agree with Lady Carlisle with one stipulation. Have the wedding no later than three weeks. That really will give you enough time.”
“And make Marrow even happier.” If it was Leo getting married, he’d want it done as quickly as possible.
“I think you are correct.” Sarah’s brows drew together. “Mama will have to come around. Aside from that, I cannot see that she will be much help.” Sarah glanced at Theo and smiled. “Thank you.”
“Anything to help a friend.” Theo returned the smile. “I believe everything here is under control. I cannot think of anything else that could go wrong.”
“Before I leave”—Sarah looked at Leo then at Theo again—“who will have your supper dance?”
“Lord Milford. Chandos has my first set.”
Milford? Really? Leo must set his mind to finding a suitable lady for the man.
Theo and Sarah rose, prompting him to get to his feet. They all walked to the front door together. Sarah’s maid quickly joined her.
Once she and the maid left, Leo had the sudden urge to take Theo’s hands. “I will see you this evening. However, if you have need of anything else, please call upon me.”
“I will. Thank you again.”
He didn’t want to be thanked. He just wanted to make her happy. “Adieu.”
“Until later.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Theo dragged herself out of bed after only four hours of sleep. Her come out ball had been a success. Everyone had commented on the floral arrangements, the desserts, and the champagne. The only part she had not liked was having to stay up until two o’clock. She could have slept longer, but that would put her off her schedule, and there was another ball this evening.
She was surprised to see Chandos waiting as she descended the stairs. “Good morning. I did not expect to see you.”
“Unlike some people, I was asleep before midnight. Marrow and Sarah are still abed.” He offered her his arm, which she took. “I thought you might be, as well, but I was informed you had called for Epione to be brought around. We still have time for a ride.”
They went out and he lifted her to her mare. “How was the rest of the ball?”
“Lovely. Why did you leave so early?” They rode out of the square.
“I’d already danced with you.” He grinned at her. “I was extremely surprised and delighted that the first set was a waltz. That was an unusual choice.”
She hesitated a moment before telling him the reason. “You waltz so well, that I did not want to waste the supper dance on one.”
“I’m glad. There’s no one else with whom I would rather waltz.” They had almost reached the gate, when he said, “What was the supper set?”
“A country dance.”
