He frowned. “She was also on Bond Street earlier.”
Patience widened her eyes. “Did you see her face?”
“No, I saw her hat.” He began pacing again. “It had the same blue ribbons on it.”
“Blue is one of the more popular colors this Season. It could have been anyone. Aside from that, you told me she had not been to Town in a while. Why are you so sure she is here now?”
He opened his mouth and closed it again. There was no point in arguing what he only felt. Patience might not believe him, but he knew his lady was here.
“What are you doing this evening?”
“I’m dining with Evesham and Rutherford.” He stopped and glanced at her. “I’ll meet you at the soirée later to escort you home.”
“Mind, do not come before supper.” Patience’s lips tilted up. “You know Lady Bellamny’s rule, no gentlemen until then.”
“I won’t.” He grinned and gave her a brotherly peck on her cheek. “Evesham and Rutherford are probably under orders as well.”
“You have fun at your club. Louisa and I are dining with Lady Rutherford.”
The door opened and Louisa stepped into the room. “Mama? Matt?”
Matt glanced at his little sister. The pale blue muslin gown embroidered in silver and dark blue was perfect. And it didn’t make her appear too grown up. He’d have to keep a very close watch over her this Season. He took her hand and kissed it. “Louisa, you are beautiful. I’ll have to hire more footmen. Large ones to protect you. Have a good time this evening.”
“I shall.” She smiled brilliantly. “Thank you for everything.”
He left the drawing room, and after donning his hat and gloves, strolled to Brooks. Matt had not had a chance to ask Rutherford about his mystery lady. Perhaps he might know who she was.
* * *
Grace and Charlotte made their slow way through the receiving line behind Phoebe.
The formidable Lady Bellamny was even larger than she’d been before. She now had three chins instead of two. Her eyes lit up when she held her hand out to Grace. “Lady Grace, I haven’t seen you in a dog’s age. How are you, my dear?”
Grace curtseyed. “Very well, my lady. May I present you to my sister Lady Charlotte?”
Charlotte curtseyed.
Lady Bellamny inclined her head. “Very pretty. Very pretty indeed. The gentlemen will have a hard time resisting you.” She turned to Grace. “What’s her portion?”
Grace allowed a slight smile to play on her lips. “Thirty thousand.”
Lady Bellamny nodded sagely and glanced at Charlotte. “Stay away from the fortune hunters and rakes.”
Charlotte smiled politely. “I will, my lady.”
“Pretty manners.” Lady Bellamny turned to Grace. “You’ve done a good job. She didn’t even blink an eye.”
Charlotte refrained from grinning, but her lips twitched.
Nodding, Lady Bellamny patted Charlotte’s shoulder. “You’ll do, my dear. Follow your sister’s lead.”
“Yes, my lady.” Charlotte’s lips deepened into a grin.
Grace took her arm as they joined Phoebe.
“Grace?” Charlotte whispered.
“Not now.” Grace smiled politely and nodded to acquaintances. “We will discuss everything when we are back home.”
