They soon pulled up to Merton House. But before Lord St. Albans could come around to her side of the carriage, a footman, who had been stationed in front of the house, put down the steps for her. “Thank you for a lovely ride, my lord.”
He escorted her to the open door. “It was my pleasure. I would like to take you again some time.”
Henrietta pasted a polite smile on her lips. “I would enjoy that.”
The moment he was out of sight she turned to Parkin. “I need a footman.”
“Yes, miss.” He glanced over her shoulder. “Clauson will accompany you.”
The servant was tall, as were almost all their footmen, with blond hair and blue-gray eyes. He bowed. “It would be my honor, Miss Henrietta.”
She had yet to be assigned a footman for the Season. The one she’d had last year had married one of Charlotte’s maids and had gone to her household. “Thank you. It is not far.”
“Yes, miss.”
He held the door for her and followed after she stepped out. It was not long before she was shown into her friend’s private parlor.
“Henrietta.” Dorie bussed her cheek. “I did not expect you today. Did you not visit your grandmother?”
“I did. We had luncheon together, then visited Lady Thornhill’s salon.” As Henrietta spoke, she removed her bonnet. “You will never guess who was there.”
“I have not a clue.” Dorie poured a cup of tea and handed it to Henrietta. “It is fresh. Who was there? Not a famous artist?”
“No, Lady Fotherby and Lord Fotherby. Grandmamma knew they would be there. It seems that she has been in close contact with Lady Fotherby and is now convinced that Lord Fotherby has redeemed himself.”
Dorie clapped her hands together. “That is wonderful news!”
“It would be if my sister agreed. She is still harboring a grudge.” And rightly so. After all, Dotty had no idea what Fotherby was like now.
“But you knew she was.” Dorie patted the seat next to her on a pink-and-cream-striped sofa. “I must say, he cuts a fine figure, and Exeter likes him a great deal.”
“Still, I might be better off looking at either St. Albans or Bolingbroke. It would be easier.”
Dorie sipped her tea, then set it down. “Sometimes what appears easier is not always.”
“I have watched you, Adeline, and Georgie.” Henrietta sighed. “I do not suppose I will have a better time of it.” If only she knew what to do or which gentleman she liked the most. So far, it was Lord Fotherby, but she had only just met the other two. “I do not have to make a decision soon.”
“No, you do not. Take your time.” She heard someone walk into the room, and Dorie smiled. “After all, marriage is for life, and you want to wed a gentleman with whom you will be happy.”
“I concur with my wife,” Exeter said, grinning as he strolled into the room straight to Dorie.
She smiled at him, before turning back to Henrietta. “How was your carriage ride with Lord St. Albans?”
“It was nice. He was nice.” Henrietta might as well tell her friend the other impression she got. “I am not sure he is interested in changing his single status.”
“I wouldn’t let that concern you,” Exeter said. “Not every gentleman who comes to Town intending not to wed leaves single.”
“I suppose you are right.” She could think of at least two gentlemen who had sworn they were not going to marry and did. She glanced from Dorie to Exeter. “I have something I must ask you.” She was certain she knew what the answer would be, but it seemed a strange thing to ask her friend. “The Dowager Lady Merton has injured herself and cannot come to Town. I will write to my grandmother, asking if she is willing to chaperone me, but I cannot depend on her for every entertainment. In fact, I imagine she will agree to attend only the most important ones. Would you be willing to act as my chaperone?”
“Of course I would.” Dorie grinned. “I would be delighted. I would wager that Georgie will help as well.”
Henrietta knew Georgie would be willing, but she was getting bigger every day. “Thank you. I must write to my grandmother. I can see myself out.”
“Henrietta,” Dorie said.
“Yes?”
“I assume your sister will wish to approve the events to which you have been invited. Please send me the details.”
