Page 99 of Catching Lady Theo
“Did Milford bring you what you wanted to eat?”
This was the problem with other gentlemen. They assumed too much. “He failed to ask what I liked.”
“I’ll take that is a no.” Chandos grinned smugly.
She should not have told him. “Fortunately, there was not much that I would not eat.” That should take the smile off his face.
“Itwasyour ball.” They began to trot, then moved into a gallop.
It had been her ball. They reached the tree together as they usually did. “Very true. This evening’s entertainment will not be.”
“I do wonder what it will be like. I’ve never attended one of their balls.”
“You never attended any events that young ladies making their come out would attend.”
“Very true.” He was quiet for a second. “On the other hand, they would not have been as enjoyable before.”
What did he mean by that? “No?”
“No. There was no one who danced as well as you do.”
That could not be true. Still, it was nice to be complimented on something Theo knew she did well. Even though they were later than usual, there was no one else around. “It is peaceful here this morning.”
“It is.” They were walking their horses toward the Serpentine as they usually did. He turned and glanced behind him. “Mick is getting ready to tell us we will be late for breakfast if we don’t leave.”
She twisted around to look at her groom. “I thought the rest of the family would sleep longer.”
“The children, my lady.”
“How could I forget?” Theo yawned. “We should be going. I could use a pot or two of tea.”
“Coffee. Strong coffee.” Chandos kept pace with her as they trotted to the gate.
“Grace will not allow it in the house. The smell. It gets into the wall hangings and other soft furnishings.”
“That’s a shame, but it makes sense. When you have a home of your own will you do that as well?”
That was an interesting question coming from him. “I do not know. I suppose it would depend on how much I like coffee. I have never tasted it.” That still left the smell. “And how often I wished to change the fabrics.”
“The wall coverings could be taken care of by painting the walls. A large mural, perhaps.”
“An interesting thought.” Chandos was acting differently this morning. She could not work out the reason for it. Was it because they were alone? Relatively speaking. “I would have to give it some consideration.”
“Were you told that Ashford attempted to gain admittance to your ball?”
That got her attention. “No. When was it?”
“I saw him as I was leaving and gave the footman at the door the information that he’d not been invited.”
“Thank you. It saved me from having him thrown out.” And the risk of having him make a scene.
“That would have been fun to watch.” Chandos’s green eyes danced with mirth.
“You are incorrigible.” They stopped in front of her house. “Will you break your fast with us?”
“Not this morning. I have several things to which I must attend, and you, my lady, should try to get some more sleep. Otherwise, you won’t be fit for Lady Brownly’s ball this evening.”
Theo yawned again. “I suppose you are right. I will see you this evening.”
