Charles kept his gaze straight ahead as he remarked, “I do hope you know what you are doing, because it seems rather foolish from here.”
“O ye of little faith,” Brixton teased.
They came to a stop in front of Lord Finsbury’s townhouse, dismounted, and waited for the footmen to collect their horses. Once they arrived at the main door, it was opened, and the butler ushered them inside.
“Miss Whiston and Miss Henrietta will be right down,” the butler assured him. “Would you care to wait in the drawing room?”
“Thank you,” Charles muttered as he followed Brixton.
Once they stepped inside of the square room, Brixton approached the mantel that sat over the fireplace and picked up a small, ornate vase. “How long do you think they will keep us waiting?”
Miss Henrietta’s amused voice came from the doorway. “Not long, Lord Brixton.”
Brixton set the vase down and turned to face her. “It is a pleasure to see you looking so well, Miss Henrietta.”
Charles watched as Miss Henrietta stepped further into the room. She was dressed in a dark blue riding habit, and her hair was pulled back into a tight chignon. As she turned her gaze towards him, he became transfixed by her blue eyes. Was it the amusement that sparked in her eyes that drew him in, or was it how he found himself wondering what she was thinking about at this precise moment?
She held his gaze, unflinchingly. “I hope you are having a pleasant day, my lord.”
Charles blinked, embarrassed that he had been caught staring. “Yes, I am,” he replied. “How are you faring this afternoon?”
“I am well,” she replied. “My sister should be down in just a moment.”
“Wonderful,” Brixton said.
Miss Henrietta clasped her hands together. “Would either of you care for refreshment?” she asked, glancing between them.
Charles shook his head. “I would not,” he replied, “but I thank you kindly for the offer.”
Before Brixton could respond, Miss Whiston walked into the room, wearing a grey riding habit. “I am sorry for the delay.”
Brixton walked up to her and reached for her hand. “You are worth the wait, my dear.”
Charles happened to glance over and saw Miss Henrietta looking heavenward at Brixton’s remarks. He felt a smile tugging at his lips, realizing it wasn’t just him who found his friend to be rather sappy.
5
HENRIETTA SATatop her horse as they slowly made their way down a path in Hyde Park. Up ahead, Marjorie and Lord Brixton were chatting away, appearing to be completely captivated with one another.
She was riding side by side with Lord Charles, and they hadn’t spoken since arriving at Hyde Park. Frankly, she suspected that he didn’t want to be here as much as she did. She had no issue with Lord Charles; in fact, she found him to be rather pleasant.
Lord Charles’s voice broke through her musings. “You ride superbly.”
“Thank you,” Henrietta replied. “I have been riding since I was a little girl.”
His eyes roamed the park. “It is spectacular here, is it not?”
“It is,” she agreed. “I go riding in the mornings when the park is not as crowded.”
“My sister and I do the same,” he responded. “I am surprised we have not seen you on our rides.”
She smiled ruefully. “I must admit that I allow my mare to stretch her legs, and I give little heed to the other riders.”
“Then it is a good thing you come in the morning. It is far too crowded in the afternoon to race your horse on these paths.”
“Do you come to Hyde Park during the fashionable hour?”
Lord Charles chuckled. “I avoid that time like the plague.”
