“But no one will be calling for me.”
“That matters very little, you must know that by now.”
“I do, but I was hopeful I could go riding this morning.”
Her mother glanced over to the window before saying, “Just make it quick.”
“Are you in earnest?” Henrietta asked, rising.
“I am, but you must promise to behave for the rest of the day.”
Henrietta smiled. “I can promise that.”
With a stern look, her mother said, “And no more climbing trees while we are in London.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Her mother’s face softened. “Then be off with you, child, before I change my mind.”
2
DRESSEDin a blue jacket and buff trousers, Charles descended the stairs and headed towards the parlor. The smell of food wafted out into the entry hall, and he heard his stomach rumbling in response.
“Good morning,” Thorne greeted him at the base of the stairs.
Charles stopped in front of the butler. “Good morning.”
“Would you care to go riding after breakfast?”
“I would.”
Thorne tipped his head. “I shall see to the arrangements, milord.”
Charles continued on and stepped into the parlor. His brother was sitting at the head of the table, reading the morning newspaper.
“Anything worthwhile in the newspaper today?” Charles walked over to the buffet table and picked up a plate.
“I’m afraid it is the same usual topics,” Roswell said, lowering the paper. “Escalating food prices, unprecedented unemployment levels, and horrible conditions in the rookeries.”
Charles walked over and sat down to the right of his brother. “All of which was caused by the war with Napoleon.”
“Fortunately, the war is over, and Napoleon has been exiled to the island of Elba,” Roswell remarked. “Hopefully never to be heard from again.”
“What of the skirmish in America?”
Roswell scanned the paper, then stopped and folded it. “There is an article on the back page, but I’m afraid it only mentions the battles we won.”
“Which are the majority of them.”
“This skirmish with the colonists should be over any day now.”
Charles picked up his fork. “Where is Ellie?”
“She is sleeping in,” Roswell replied. “Once she is awake, she will request a tray to be sent to her room.”
“I don’t blame her for sleeping late. The last guests didn’t leave until the early morning hours.”
“Ellie was pleased that it was a crush.”
