Now Henrietta knew why she was seated in the middle. Apparently, it would not do for her friends to talk to their husbands over her. She settled back and enjoyed the ride. At the rate this was going, she would be able to concentrate on her difficulties and not have to speak with anyone. Perhaps she should sit on the backward-facing seat.
A few minutes later they drove through one of the gates into the Park. They had just reached the carriage way when two gentlemen rode up.
“Who are they?” Henrietta whispered.
Dorie glanced at her husband, but he shrugged.
“Turley, well met,” the taller of the two men said. When he smiled Henrietta could see that his bottom teeth were slightly crooked, but other than that they were in good condition. His blond hair curled under a beaver top hat. His light blue eyes reminded her of the tales of Vikings she had heard when she was a child.
“Bolingbroke, glad to see you made it to Town,” Turley responded. “How have you been?”
“Well. I have been well.” The gentleman raised one brow and stared at him, clearly expecting an introduction.
“Yes, of course.” Turley waved his hand in the general direction of the carriage. “You already know my wife. Lady Exeter, Miss Stern, may I make the Earl of Bolingbroke known to you?”
Dorie regally inclined her head. “My lord, it is nice to meet you.”
Henrietta decided to copy her friend and inclined her head as well. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lord.”
He doffed his hat and bowed. “Ladies, it is my privilege to meet you.”
“And on the other side of the landau is Exeter.” Turley looked at the other man and back at them. “I would also like to present the Earl of St. Albans.”
Unlike his friend, Lord St. Albans had a head of curly, reddish-brown hair and the most interesting amber eyes over an aquiline nose. Both of the gentlemen were tall with broad shoulders, and quite handsome. Henrietta judged them to be in their late twenties.
Once again greetings were exchanged. The coachman had stopped when the gentlemen had ridden up, but, at a signal from Dorie, he started the horses.
“Bolingbroke and St. Albans were at the house party Georgie and I attended last autumn.” Turley’s attention turned back to the men. “Have any of the others arrived in Town yet?”
“Montagu will be in Town soon,” St. Albans said. “I think Barfleur has decided to eschew the Season this year.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea,” Georgie muttered.
The gentlemen had started talking about what was pending in the Lords, giving Henrietta a chance to ask, “Why is that?”
“I will have to tell you later,” her friend whispered as the gentlemen’s conversation died down.
“St. Albans is the Duke of Cleveland’s eldest,” Dorie whispered.
Henrietta was about to ask how Dorie knew, then remembered she had memorizedDebrett’s.
“Good afternoon.” Fotherby addressed his greeting to the group, but then caught Henrietta’s gaze with his own.
“Ah, Fotherby, are you acquainted with Bolingbroke and St. Albans?”
“No, I have not had the honor.” Fotherby nodded to the other gentlemen.
Introductions were made in short order, and it appeared that all three gentlemen had decided to ride alongside the carriage.
Georgie nudged Henrietta. “Lords Bolingbroke and St. Albans are very good-looking.”
“They are.” But after having admired both gentlemen Henrietta found she wanted more than mere good looks and wondered if she could have it. Her friends had, and her family had as well. She would have to discover if either of the other two gentlemen were interested in the same things she was. She already knew Lord Fotherby and she thought along the same lines.
“Miss Stern,” St. Albans’s low tone caught her attention. He was riding very close to the coach. And she was very sure only she and Dorie could hear him.
Henrietta glanced up at him. “Yes, my lord.”
“Please say you will allow me to take you for a carriage ride tomorrow afternoon.”
