Page 9 of Catching Lady Theo
“Excellent.” Theo was happy for her friend. “Let us introduce ourselves to some of the other ladies. I see Lady Lana standing with someone else. We first met when we were both in Town a few years ago.”
Sarah came to a stop. “Which one is Lady Lana?”
“Red hair, pale green gown.” Sarah had a strange look on her face. “Why?”
“The lady next to her is one who was cruel to me.”
That would not be allowed to stand. “We will greet Lady Lana and find out who the other female is.”
“If you think we should.” Sarah sounded dubious.
“Indeed, I do.” Theo firmed her jaw. “I wish to know why she believes she is better than others.”
Lady Giselle Darnel stood beside her dear friend Lady Lana Grant at Lady Bellamny’s event. “I have decided whom I will wed.”
Lana’s eyes widened. “Already? We have not even been to a ball or Almack’s, and there are no gentlemen here.”
“I saw him this afternoon in the Park. It is the Duke of Chandos. He will do quite nicely.”
“The Duke of Chandos?” She sounded out of breath. “Giselle, you cannot. He is a rake. My mother told me I was not to accept a set from him if he was bold enough to ask without an introduction. Which she said she would not allow.”
Lana was a dear, but Giselle was sure her friend was not the sort of lady who would attract a great deal of attention from gentlemen. In fact, she was certain Lana would need help in acquiring a husband in one Season. “He is a duke. A wealthy, young, and handsome duke. And I have a desire to be a duchess.”
Lana’s forehead wrinkled. “There is that, I suppose.”
“Do not frown. You will get lines.” Giselle was constantly having to remind Lana to keep her face as calm as possible. “I will think of something to gain his attention. I heard he received a card for Almack’s. He has never before attended. That must mean he is looking for a wife.”
“Perhaps his mother is pushing him to have an heir,” Lana said. “I would not want to marry either a rake or someone who does not truly wish to wed.”
Giselle shrugged lightly. “That only matters if one wants a love match.” She glanced across the room where her mother was in conversation with another lady. “I wonder who that is.”
“That is the Dowager Duchess of Chandos,” Lana said helpfully. “Mama pointed her out to me earlier.”
That might mean his grace was going to attend the supper. “We should try to find a table close to her at supper.”
“Oh, look. There is Lady Theodora Vivers coming this way.” Lana smiled. “She was very nice to me when I met her a few years ago and again at a store selling hats earlier this week.”
Giselle groaned. “She has that ninny Miss Pettigrew with her.”
“Whatever you do, do not take against Lady Theo. Her family is extremely well connected.”
That was odd, Lana never spoke to Giselle in such a firm tone. “You make her sound as if she is related to the royal family.”
“She might as well be.” Her friend appeared as if she would faint. “One of her sisters is the Duchess of Rothwell. Another is the Marchioness of St. Albans, he is the heir to—”
“I know, I know. Just remain calm.”
When Lady Theo reached them, she smiled at Lana. “It is good to see you again.” Her hard blue eyes cut to Giselle. “Please introduce me to your companion.”
“It is very good to see you too.” Lana looked a bit panicked. “This is Lady Giselle Darnel. Giselle, Lady Theo Vivers.”
“Lady Giselle, I believe you have already met my friend Miss Pettigrew.”
Lady Theo emphasized the wordfriend. For the first time, Giselle was unsure of herself. “Er. Yes. We were at the modiste when we met.”
“This is Miss Pettigrew’s first time in the metropolis.” Lady Theo smiled sweetly, but her gaze remained hard. “It would be horrible if anyone were to be unkind. After all, not everyone has had the benefit of visiting Town with their family during the Season when they are young. We who are more familiar with being here must assist the others. Do you not agree?”
How dare she think to chastise me?Giselle opened her mouth, when another lady came up to them. A lady who looked very much like Lady Theo.
