“If you are not opposed, we could always go riding again,” Mr. Drew suggested, “thus giving me a chance to redeem myself.”
Henrietta bobbed her head. “I would enjoy that.”
Charles cleared his throat. “I was hoping to extend the same invitation,” he said.
Turning her attention towards Charles, she replied, “I would greatly enjoy that, as well.”
“Excellent,” he replied. “Would tomorrow afternoon be too soon?”
“It would not.”
Charles held her gaze for a moment before saying, “That pleases me immensely.” His words seemed oddly intimate.
Henrietta felt a blush creep up her cheeks, and she quickly turned her attention towards the teapot on the table in front of her. “Would you care for some tea?” she rushed out.
“I would not, but I thank you kindly for the offer,” Charles replied.
Henrietta shifted her gaze towards Lord Brixton, who was standing by the hearth. “May I offer you some tea while you wait for my sister?”
Lord Brixton shook his head. “No, thank you.”
The words had barely left his mouth when Marjorie glided into the room, dressed in a pale blue gown. “I apologize for keeping you waiting,” she said, focusing her attention on Lord Brixton.
Lord Brixton offered her a stiff bow. “You are looking well, Miss Whiston.”
“Thank you,” Marjorie replied as she went to sit next to their mother.
Charles and Mr. Drew had risen when Marjorie entered, and they returned to their seats once she was situated.
An awkward silence descended over the room as they all watched one another. Finally, Lord Brixton spoke. “It is a lovely day that we are having, is it not?”
Marjorie bobbed her head in agreement. “Yes, quite lovely.”
“It is much too lovely to spend the day indoors,” Lord Brixton remarked. “Would you care to take a turn around the gardens with me?”
Marjorie glanced over at her mother for her permission before saying, “I would be delighted to. Will anyone else be joining us?”
Henrietta glanced over at Charles and saw that he was watching her. “Shall we join them?” he asked.
“I think that is a splendid idea,” she replied.
Charles rose and extended his gloved hand to her. She slipped her hand into his and allowed him to assist her in rising. It may have been her imagination, but it felt as if he held onto her hand a moment longer than necessary.
Mr. Drew’s voice came from behind her. “I believe I shall join you, as well.”
Henrietta turned around to face him. “Wonderful,” she said.
“May I escort you to the gardens?” Charles asked.
“You may,” she replied as she accepted his proffered arm.
As they followed Lord Brixton and Marjorie towards the rear of the townhouse, Mr. Drew remained close behind them. They arrived at the footpath, and Mr. Drew came up to walk next to them.
Henrietta removed her hand from Charles’s sleeve and shared, “Lord Charles is a fan of antiquities. He has even written articles for the morning newspapers.”
Mr. Drew clasped his hands behind his back. “That is fascinating,” he said, his words sounding anything but fascinated.
“I am actually a member of the Society of Antiquaries,” Charles shared. “It is for gentlemen who have a passion for relics of the past.”
