Her father huffed. “Men don’t care about young women’s minds.”
“How archaic,” Henrietta muttered under her breath.
He gave her a pitying look. “Men marry for beauty, but women must marry for security. That is the way it has always been done.”
“That doesn’t make it right,” Henrietta contended.
“Furthermore, a young lady must be the epitome of grace, and they do not slip in the mud,” her mother pressed. “I shudder to think of your marital prospects if anyone had seen you.”
“But no one did,” Henrietta lied.
“You were lucky to find that pathway that led to the street,” her mother remarked. “If you hadn’t, then everyone would have seen your soiled dress at the ball.”
“I agree.”
Her father rose. “If you will excuse me, I am late for a meeting,” he said. “I believe we have given Henrietta enough of a tongue lashing for today.”
After her father left the room, her mother gave Henrietta a knowing look. “Do you want to explain why you had rips in your gown?”
“It was from when I fell,” she attempted.
“Perhaps you should at least try to make the lie believable.”
Henrietta glanced over her shoulder before admitting, “After I fell, I climbed a tree to remain out of sight from the other guests.”
Her mother shook her head. “I should have assumed that was the case,” she said, “but you can’t climb trees while we are in Town. It just isn’t done.”
“I know, but I was left with little choice,” Henrietta argued.
While reaching for her teacup, her mother asked, “Did anyone see you?” She paused as she took a sip of her drink. “And I would like the truth this time.”
Henrietta lowered her gaze. “A gentleman spotted me in the tree.”
“I see,” her mother replied with a frown. “Did this man recognize you?”
“No, he did not.”
“Did he show you the path to the street?”
She nodded. “He did.”
Her mother set the teacup back on the saucer. “I must admit that your antics are not as amusing as you get older.”
“I am sorry, Mother.”
“Let us hope that you never cross paths with this gentleman again.”
“That is my hope as well.”
“Rules are much more stringent in London. You must be careful with your reputation, because it is the most important thing in the world to a young lady, such as yourself.”
“I understand.”
“Good,” her mother replied, wiping the sides of her mouth with her napkin. “Now, finish your breakfast, and we shall adjourn to the drawing room.”
Henrietta stifled the groan on her lips. “Do I have to join you in the drawing room?”
“You do,” her mother replied. “We need to be available for callers.”
