Henrietta ignored her friend’s intent gaze heating her cheek. “I would be delighted.”
He smiled, clearly pleased with himself, and rode apart from the carriage.
Next to her, Georgie worried her bottom lip. “We should have had you sit on the outside.”
“Nonsense,” Henrietta said. “You could not have known the other gentlemen would join us.” She was actually pleased that she was in the middle. It stopped gentlemen from hovering too long. Still, she was happy that Lord St. Albans had asked her to ride with him. She would use the time to get to know him better.
Lord Fotherby gazed at her but made no attempt to engage her in conversation. Then again, they had spoken quite a bit earlier.
Nate had not expected that there would be other gentlemen riding with Exeter’s carriage and engaging Miss Stern in conversation. But he should not have been astonished. She was beautiful and very eligible. He wasn’t quite sure what to do. If he left, he’d clear the field for the other two gentlemen, and St. Albans had a smug expression on his mien. Nate wondered if he should depart. If he stayed, he’d be seen as openly vying for her attention. Not only that, but contrary to his earlier thoughts, there were many more people in the Park than he’d thought there would be, increasing the chance he’d be recognized. Nate would rather be in control of that narrative.
He considered riding closer to the carriage, but his polite conversation was rusty. He used to know how to make small talk, but it had been so long, he wasn’t sure he had the skill any longer.
“I think it’s turned into a fine day,” Bolingbroke remarked. “What think you, Miss Stern?”
“Yes, indeed.” She opened a frilly parasol, tilting it to shade her face. “I hope that this weather will continue.”
“I just arrived in Town late yesterday,” St. Albans said. “Do you know if any entertainments have been planned?”
“Not anything large,” Dorie responded. “Easter is a few weeks away. Although, judging by the number of people here today, there are sure to be smaller entertainments.”
“Please keep me in mind if you plan anything.” St. Albans smiled, and even though he spoke to Lady Exeter, Nate was certain his smile was for Miss Stern, who, as an unmarried lady, could not hold an entertainment.
“I, as well, would appreciate an invitation.” Bolingbroke directed his smile at her too.
She glanced at Nate, and it felt as if a vice had suddenly gripped his heart. A small smile played around the corners of her lips. “Lord Fotherby, would you also like invitations?”
“Naturally, I would be honored to attend any event at which you will be present.” That came out better than he’d thought it would. “My mother is in Town and planning to host a few small entertainments before the Season begins. May I ask her to invite all of you?”
Miss Stern’s smile froze on her luscious red lips, but both the other ladies nodded.
“That would be delightful,” Lady Exeter said approvingly.
“I agree.” The look Lady Turley gave him made him feel like a boy who had done something right.
Still, he wanted to hear from Miss Stern. He held his breath until she nodded. “I would be happy to receive an invitation.”
“I say,” Lord St. Albans broke in. “I believe m’mother is due to arrive within the next week or so. I’ll have to speak with her about her plans for the Season.”
“Mine as well. I’m certain she’ll be here soon,” Lord Bolingbroke said.
Nate kept his grin to himself. If the ladies did not have plans to travel to the metropolis, they would as soon as their sons wrote to them.
He was about to make his excuses when the boy he’d seen at the Phoenix Society ran up to him. “Sir, the butler told me I’d find you ’ere. Can you come? We need some ’elp.”
Someone had clearly been working on the lad’s diction, even if he did still drop hisHs. “Yes. I will go with you now.” He bowed to the ladies and inclined his head to the gentlemen. “If you will excuse me. I hope to see you another time.”
Henrietta’s shapely black brows slammed together, and her head tilted as if she was trying to work out a problem. If he hadn’t been on horseback, he would have offered to take her with him. Yet, as it was . . .
“Sir, please hurry,” the youth urged.
He turned his horse toward the far gate and reached his hand down. “Shall I meet you there, or do you wish to ride behind me?”
“I’ll ride with you.” The lad grabbed Nate’s hand and swung himself onto the back of his horse.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
Henrietta watched Lord Fotherby ride off with Toby. Mrs. Perriman must be short-handed again. Had the boy gone to Merton House and been informed she was out?
