“I do not care if he has changed.” Her sister’s tone was harder than she had ever heard it, and considerably louder. Dotty must be much more affected by what had happened than she had let on.
Merton said something in a soft voice that Henrietta could not hear, to which her sister did not respond. Footsteps started toward the door, and she hurriedly knocked. She was not going to be caught like the twins and Madeline, eavesdropping.
“Come,” Dotty called.
Henrietta took one step into the room. “I just wanted to tell you I will be going for my carriage ride with Lord Bolingbroke soon.”
A weak smile that did not match her still-angry eyes appeared on her sister’s face. “Have a good time.”
“I hope to. I will see you later.” Turning, Henrietta strode back down the corridor. She did not think her sister would tell her what Merton said, buthemight. Perhaps before dinner this evening she would find him alone. The only thing she knew was that it had to do with Fotherby, and she needed to know what it was.
Lord Bolingbroke arrived as Henrietta was making her way to the hall. It would be easier if she could fall in love with either him or Lord St. Albans. Yet she knew from Dorie’s experience that the heart wanted what the heart wanted, and there was no way to get the stupid thing to change its mind. The only course left to Henrietta was to try to like one of the other two men more than she liked Fotherby.
She smiled at his lordship as he waited for her, and he bowed. “It is a beautiful day today.”
“I must agree.” He took her mantle from Parkin and helped her don the garment. “However, if you feel a chill, I have brought a blanket with me.”
That was well done of him. “How thoughtful. Thank you.”
She placed her fingers on his arm, hoping to feel the strength she experienced with Fotherby. It was hard enough, but there was no feeling of excitement. Yet she had felt it the first time she had touched Lord Fotherby’s arm. Perhaps that type of thing could develop. Then again, that was not a simple ride in the Park. Time would tell.
She smiled up at him. “Shall we depart?”
He returned her smile. “Naturally.”
His carriage was much less colorful than Lord St. Albans’s curricle. Lord Bolingbroke’s was painted a deep brown with gold edging. The seats were covered with lighter brown leather. The matched pair of bays with white stockings was hitched to the carriage.
“Your horses are lovely.” Henrietta wished she had a high-perch phaeton so she could tool herself around.
“Thank you.” He handed her up to the well-padded bench. “They are sweet-goers.” He went around to the other side, climbed in, and clicked to start the horses. “Do you drive?”
“Only at home. I do not have a carriage in Town.” She watched the horses’ action and agreed with his assessment. “Although I suppose my sister would allow me to use hers. The issue has never come up.” Dotty was not using it this Season, and last Season Henrietta frequently rode with Dorie in her high-perch phaeton.
“My oldest sister told me that many ladies enjoy being able to take their own carriages out in the afternoon.” He slid Henrietta a glance, then looked toward his horses again.
“When did she make her come out?” If she was interested in Lord Bolingbroke, it would behoove her to discover more about him and his ideas.
“Several years ago. I was still at Eton.” They had reached the Park and joined the others on the carriage way. “She married a gentleman who is a diplomat. They are currently in Spain.”
“That must be interesting. Are there just the two of you?”
“No.” He grinned. “I have four sisters and three brothers. All the girls are older and married. One of my brothers is still at Eton. My other two brothers are at Oxford and Cambridge. You must be looking forward to your Season.”
“Not as much as I was last year, but I also have charitable work that takes some of my time.” She watched him for a reaction.
“Of course you do.” He gave her an almost indulgent smile. “My mother always has some charity project she is working on.”
That sounded promising. “What types of charities?”
“I’m not sure.” His brows slid together as he seemed to think about it. “But every year she holds events to raise funds for them.”
“Does she spend much time visiting them?” If Henrietta could discover more, his lordship might be a good prospect.
“Heaven forefend.” His eyes had widened, and he appeared appalled. “No lady would go into the areas of the metropolis that would require.”
Fortunately, she was saved from answering by Dorie hailing them. Lord Bolingbroke pulled his curricle up beside them. Georgie sat next to her, and they were accompanied by their husbands and Fotherby. It never ceased to impress Henrietta what a good seat he had. As they all exchanged greetings, she noticed a light bruise on Fotherby’s chin. How had he come by that? She supposed she would have to wait until tomorrow to hear about it.
“There are definitely more people here than there were just yesterday.” Dorie glanced back. “You will have to move along soon. Lady Bellamny is behind you.”
