Henrietta came around the settee and sat down next to her sister. “Well, I shall continue searching for the button after our guests leave.”
Her mother gestured towards the two men and provided the introductions. “Lord Brixton and Lord Charles Brooksbank, allow me the privilege of introducing you to my daughter, Miss Henrietta.”
Lord Brixton rose from his chair and bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise, my lord.” She turned her attention towards Lord Charles. “I do thank you for your assistance, Lord Charles.”
Lord Charles tipped his head. “It was my privilege, Miss Henrietta.”
Henrietta forced herself to smile as she fought the awkwardness that she felt being near Lord Charles. He had the power to ruin her reputation, and she wasn’t sure if she could trust the man. He was handsome with his straight-edged nose and wide jaw. His blond hair was slightly longer than what was considered fashionable, but his long sideburns were neatly trimmed.
Lord Brixton glanced over at the window. “It is a lovely day.”
Marjorie nodded. “I agree.”
“Would you be interested in taking a tour around the gardens?” Lord Brixton asked.
Her sister turned her attention towards her mother for approval, then said, “I would be honored to.”
Lord Brixton approached Marjorie with his arm out, and she placed her hand on his sleeve.
As they walked towards the door, Lord Charles turned to Henrietta. “Would you care for me to escort you to the gardens?”
Henrietta pressed her lips together, knowing it would be rude to refuse. She truly didn’t want another lecture from her mother on decorum, so she felt compelled to behave. “I suppose so.”
Lord Charles’s eyes held mirth as he approached her and offered his arm. They departed from the drawing room and headed towards the rear of the townhouse. Once they stepped outside on the veranda, a footman discreetly followed them outside and stood guard.
They started walking along the footpath, and she removed her hand from his sleeve. Hearing her sister giggling as she walked with Lord Brixton a few feet ahead of them, Henrietta wondered what Marjorie found so amusing.
Lord Charles turned his attention towards her. “Were you able to arrive at your coach undetected?”
“I was,” Henrietta replied. “After I was situated in the coach, I sent a footman in to fetch my mother.”
“Was she angry at your predicament?”
“I would say that she was more disappointed rather than angry, but it was my father who took me home,” she shared. “My mother was adamant that Marjorie was not to leave the ball early, and my father was only playing cards with his friends.”
“Why was that?”
Henrietta clasped her hands in front of her as she chose her next words carefully. “Marjorie’s dance card was full, and my mother thought it would be rude if she didn’t honor those dances.”
“Was your dance card not full?”
Henrietta let out a slight huff. “I’m afraid not,” she replied. “I am more of a wallflower compared to my sister.”
“Do all wallflowers climb trees, or is that just you?” He smiled.
She returned his smile. “I cannot speak for the other wallflowers, but I have been climbing trees since I was a little girl, much to the chagrin of my parents.”
“I can’t imagine that to be the case.”
With a side glance at him, she asked, “Do you climb trees?”
“Not since I was a lad,” Lord Charles replied. “Do you have any other unusual hobbies that I should be aware of?”
“I enjoy searching for fossils.”
“You do?”
