“It was,” he agreed. “I watched as the foal’s hooves came out first, followed by the head, and I felt like I was witnessing a miracle.”
Henrietta reached for her teacup and took a sip. “I wish I could have witnessed that.”
Her mother interjected, “It would be inappropriate for you to do so. That is precisely why we employ competent grooms.”
Mr. Drew nodded. “I agree with Lady Finsbury,” he said.
“Why is that?” Henrietta asked as she returned her teacup to its saucer.
“It is not for the faint of heart, because of all the blood and fluids present,” he replied. “Furthermore, it is quite nerve-wracking as you wait for the foal to take its first breath.”
“Was the foal born without difficulty?” Henrietta questioned.
“He was,” Mr. Drew replied. “It wasn’t long before the foal was attempting to stand. It took a few attempts, but he figured it out rather quickly.”
Walters stepped into the room and announced, “Lord Brixton and Lord Charles have come to call on Miss Whiston and Miss Henrietta.”
“Please send them in,” her mother said. “And will you inform Marjorie that her presence is required?”
“Yes, milady,” Walters said before he departed to do her bidding.
Her mother gave Henrietta a curious look. “Did you know about Lord Charles’s visit today?”
“I did not,” Henrietta replied.
“Interesting,” her mother muttered.
Henrietta took a moment to smooth out her white gown, hoping she appeared presentable. She was pleased that Lord Charles had come to call because she greatly enjoyed spending time with him. He was always a welcomed respite from her humdrum.
Lord Charles stepped into the room and met her gaze. “Good morning, Miss Henrietta,” he greeted.
She offered him a cordial smile. “Good morning, Lord Charles.”
Charles turned his attention towards her mother, and Henrietta immediately felt the loss of contact. Lord Brixton followed Charles into the room and politely greeted them.
“Marjorie will be down in just a moment,” her mother shared. “Would you care to have a seat until then?”
She was pleased when Charles came to sit next to her on the settee, maintaining more than enough distance to remain proper.
His eyes crinkled around the corners as he shifted in his seat to face her. “I hope we did not come to call too early.”
“You did not,” she rushed to assure him. “We have been up for hours.”
“Is that so?”
Her mother spoke up. “Henrietta has always been an early riser,” she explained. “When she was younger, I had thoughts of tying her to her bed until the sun came up.”
Charles gave her an amused look. “Is that true?”
“I’m afraid so,” Henrietta replied. “I find that my favorite time to ride is in the morning when the air is crisp.”
“I must agree with you there,” Charles said.
Henrietta gestured towards Mr. Drew, who sat next to her on an upholstered armchair. “In fact, Mr. Drew and I went riding this morning.”
Mr. Drew offered her a private smile. “Yes, and you beat me pretty soundly when we raced.”
“That I did,” Henrietta said. “My horse does not enjoy being idle.”
