Alice would be glad to see both of them. It would be almost like when they were children and lived in the same neighborhood.
“I shall look forward to it,” Eleanor said. “It’s nice to have so many people in Town we already know.”
“It is,” Madeline agreed. “Even if they are not coming out at the same time.”
Eleanor yawned. “I do not know how I will stay awake during the entertainments.”
Grace chuckled. “You will have so much to do during them that you will not be tired until you get home.”
“Just remember we leave after supper,” Matt added. “That worked well with your sisters, and now we have even younger children in the house to consider.”
So far, everything was proceeding as it hoped it would. Then it occurred to Alice that Lord Montagu could now introduce them to the gentleman on the gray horse.
* * *
Alice rose early the next morning, excited that she might meet the gentleman who rode with Lord Montagu. She met her sisters in the corridor, and they went down to their mares.
She stopped short at seeing all three of their grooms with horses as well. “I thought only one of you were to come with us?”
“We were all ordered to be here.” Robertson helped her mount.
Matt must be worried about something. Once they were ready, they headed toward the Park, but Lord Montagu was not there. So much for him being able to rise early. Still, even though it was cloudy, the morning was lovely.
“What do you think happened to them?” Madeline asked.
There was only one reason for them not to be here. “Obviously, they could not get out of bed in time to ride with us.”
Eleanor shrugged. “It does not matter. We will have a good ride on our own.”
Alice supposed this was a lesson in fashionable gentlemen. Lord Montagu and his friend were not the only ones who could not get to the Park on time. She remembered a story about someone else. “Race to the oak tree?”
“Yes.” Eleanor grinned.
They were well matched. Alice arrived just a nose before the others. They rode to the Serpentine then headed back to the gate.
“Do not look, but there they are,” Madeline said.
Lord Montagu trotted toward them. “Good morning, my ladies.”
Alice and her sisters greeted him. The gentleman on the gray horse had darker red hair mixed with brown, fair skin and green eyes that seemed to take in everything. Would Lord Montagu introduce his companion?
He grimaced. “I meant to awaken earlier, but I had a great deal of work to do last night.”
Alice almost snorted. Madeine seemed not to believe him either.
Eleanor gave him a tight smile. Clearly, she was not convinced. “Sometime duties cannot be put off.”
He motioned toward the other man. “Allow me to introduce my friend, Lord St. Albans. St. Albans, Lady Eleanor, Lady Madeline, and Lady Alice.”
Giff bowed from his horse, and Alice did not think anyone could have done it more gracefully. “Ladies, good morning.” He smiled at them each in turn. “It is my absolute pleasure to finally be made known to you.”
Eleanor raised a brow. “Indeed, my lord. We have wondered who was riding the gray. Now we know.”
This was no time for her to act high in the in-step. Alice almost rolled her eyes “Good morning, sir. It is very nice to meet you as well.”
Lady Madeline’s lips twitched. “I shall add my greetings, my lord. It is a pleasure.”
Lord St. Albans opened his mouth to continue when Lord Montagu said, “Must you return home now, or do you have time to ride some more?”
