“I am afraid it is not that simple,” Lord Featherstone responded.
“I can agree with that sentiment, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try,” Henrietta asserted.
Lord Featherstone gave her an indulgent smile. “You are young and incredibly naïve as to the ways of the world.”
“I may be young, but I do know the difference between what is right and wrong,” Henrietta pressed.
“I’m afraid there are many grey areas when it comes to right and wrong,” Lord Featherstone remarked. “I know this because my brother serves in the Royal Navy, and he has been fighting those ungrateful blackguards over in America.”
Her mother shot her a warning look, implying she should behave, before asking, “How long has your brother been serving in the Royal Navy?”
“He was twelve years old when he was enrolled at the Royal Naval Academy,” Lord Featherstone replied.
“What an admirable profession,” her mother praised.
Lord Featherstone bobbed his head in agreement. “My brother advanced through the ranks rather quickly and is commanding his own ship now.”
“That is quite the accomplishment,” Marjorie gushed.
“It is,” Lord Featherstone said. “He wanted to fight in the war with Napoleon, but he was relegated to the skirmish over in the Americas.”
Henrietta took a sip of her drink, then remarked, “I can’t help but wonder if a diplomatic solution would have prevented the skirmish with America.”
Lord Featherstone frowned. “I can assure you that the colonists were quite unreasonable with their demands, forcing us to protect our interests.”
She opened her mouth to continue what could be a lively debate when Marjorie spoke first. “Would you like more tea, my lord?”
“I would not, but I do appreciate the offer.” Lord Featherstone rose. “If you will excuse me, it is time for me to depart.”
Rising, Marjorie asked, “Must you go so soon?”
“I’m afraid I must,” Lord Featherstone replied. “I am needed at the House of Lords this afternoon.” He stepped closer to her and reached for her hand. “If you are not opposed, I would like to call upon you again.”
“I would be honored, my lord,” Marjorie replied as Lord Featherstone brought her hand to his lips.
“Wonderful,” he said, releasing her hand. “Until we meet again.”
Once Lord Featherstone had left the room, Henrietta’s mother turned her gaze towards her. “Why did you insist on speaking about the war with Lord Featherstone?”
“I was curious about his thoughts on it,” Henrietta replied.
“It is unsavory for a gentleman to speak to a woman about the war, especially an unmarried woman,” her mother insisted.
“I think that is quite silly, if you ask me.”
“I didn’t ask you,” her mother stated. “You must stay in the boundaries that Society dictates if you want to be accepted.”
“What if I don’t wish to be accepted?”
Her mother gasped. “You must!” she exclaimed. “If not, what will become of you?”
Marjorie sat down and reached for her teacup. “Fortunately, Lord Featherstone did not appear to be too bothered by your antics.”
“Why do you wish to earn his favor?” Henrietta asked.
“Because he is an earl,” Marjorie replied.
“But Lord Featherstone is a known rake,” Henrietta pressed.
