I look forward to seeing you in the morning for our ride.
Your friend,
G. T.
Henrietta took out a piece of pressed paper and wrote her acceptance. Once she had sealed the letter she strolled into her dressing room and found her maid putting away new gowns.
“They turned out well,” Spyer commented.
For the first time Henrietta noticed that her gowns were of slightly deeper colors than last year. At least she had more choices. “They did.”
Her maid looked up from what she was doing. “Did you need something?”
“A footman to take this note to Lady Turley. But I will do it. You are already occupied.” Henrietta walked out of the dressing room, stepped into the corridor, and found a footman. “Please take this to Parkin. It must be sent straightaway to Turley House.”
“Yes, miss.”
She had just settled down with a cup of tea when a rap sounded on the door. Rather than letting her maid take it, Henrietta opened the door to find the same footman.
“This just came for you, miss.”
“Thank you.” She could tell from the paper that this missive was from her grandmother. As long as the duchess did not want her tomorrow, all would be well.
Once again she sat down at her desk and opened the message.
My dearest Henrietta,
I am pleased to invite you to dine with me. I will see you tomorrow evening at eight o’clock.
B.
Henrietta frowned at the brief missive. As always, her grandmother simply assumed she had no other plans. And at this time of year she did not. She only hoped that once the Season began Grandmamma would take a busier schedule into consideration. Actually, she would have to considering she was helping to chaperone Henrietta.
She pulled out a piece of her finest paper. There was no response needed, but it was only polite to confirm that she’d received the summons.
Dearest Grandmother,
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at eight.
With much love,
H. S.
A few minutes later she went back to the corridor, where the same footman waited, and handed him the letter. “The Duchess of Bristol is at the Pulteney Hotel. Tell Parkin I will require a town coach tomorrow evening at twenty minutes to eight.”
The young footman dipped his head. “You can count on me, Miss Henrietta.”
“Thank you.” She really must ask someone who her personal footman would be this Season.
Tomorrow was going to be a busy day, but Henrietta looked forward to it. She especially looked forward to spending more time with Fotherby.
* * *
Nate had no sooner walked through the front door when he was handed a folded note.
“From her ladyship,” his butler said.
“Thank you. I’ll be in my study.” Strolling to the back of the house, he opened the missive.
