“Still, she could,” Eleanor said.
“I suppose I might be able to talk her into it.” Henrietta tried to think of that possibility. Grandmamma had not even come to Town for her Season last year. She had been traveling, and who knew how long she would be here?
For the first time since the girls had become involved in the conversation, Grace said, “She helped Dotty and Merton. I am not quite surehowshe did it, but I know that she promoted their marriage.” A fresh pot of tea had arrived, and Grace poured them all cups. “And she knows Fotherby’s mother.”
Henrietta couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Her grandmother had been involved in her sister’s marriage? “I beg your pardon?”
“Yes.” Grace stared at a far wall, then her eyes focused on Henrietta. “Yes. There was a discussion as to what to do with Fotherby, and Dotty suggested that he be left to his mother. Your grandmother informed her what her son had done, and he was banished from Town until he matured.”
“There you have it,” the three girls said at the same time.
“Just like Lady Merton helped Merton,” Madeline said.
“Your grandmother can help Fotherby,” Alice finished.
“You will have to make sure your grandmother speaks with Lady Fotherby,” Eleanor finished.
Henrietta stared at the three girls, and the only thing that she could think was that they would be forces to be reckoned with when they were older. “You might have the solution.”
The three of them seemed to revert to the schoolroom girls they were as they grinned with satisfaction.
“Girls.” Grace clapped her hands. “Mrs. Winters will be looking for you. It’s time to go.”
They rose as one from the sofa.
“You will tell us what happens, will you not?” Madeline asked.
“Silly, we’ll be at the wedding or at the wedding breakfast,” Alice said.
They all waved and strode out the door.
Henrietta thought they might wait yet another year for the three of them to make their introduction to Polite Society, and glanced at Grace. “When do they come out?”
“Two more years. We are recruiting friends to help us.” She broke out into laughter. “At this point, I don’t know if we will have silly young ladies or younger replicas of Lady Bellamny.”
Lady Bellamny was one of the influential ladies of thetonand a force of her own. “It will be interesting to be sure.” Henrietta drank the rest of her tea. “Thank you. You and the girls have given me a place to start.”
“I hope he is worth the trouble.” Grace rose.
“We shall see. If not, I will continue searching for the right gentleman. A gentleman whoisworth the trouble.” Standing, Henrietta took her cousin’s hand. “I will keep you informed.”
Grace smiled. “I shall hold you to that. Good luck.”
“Thank you. I have a feeling I will need it.” Fortunately, if Exeter was successful, she would meet Lord Fotherby tomorrow. With any luck at all, she would learn if she wished to know him better.
She returned home to find another note from Dorie.
Dearest Henrietta,
Please join us for tea tomorrow at three o’clock. I think you will be interested in the other person who will be there. We can discuss it further in the morning.
Your friend,
D.
Henrietta’s hands shook slightly with excitement as she refolded the missive. This must mean that Exeter had succeeded in inviting Lord Fotherby to tea. Did he know she would be there as well?
Whitechapel, London
