“Indubitably. Think how long it would take to get around the Park and then to Gunter’s on foot.”
“That doesn’t bear consideration.” He gave a pretend shudder. “One would not even have the excuse of having to move along in order to get away from some people.”
She almost burst out laughing. “Now you see what an intelligent decision he made.”
Mirth lurked in Harry’s eyes as he gazed down at her. He really was the most handsome gentleman she had ever met, and one of the nicest. “I hope you will invite me to ride with you one day.”
“I will make sure to do so.” The dance came to an end, and he escorted her back to their circle.
Madeline had been concerned no other gentleman would ask to dance with her, but when she and Harry arrived there were a few gentlemen speaking with Matt, and introductions were made, and she was able to enjoy more sets.
“It is time for supper.” Matt’s tone portended doom.
Harry gave Matt a droll look. “I have heard it must not be missed.”
“If there was a way to do it, I would.” He gathered them all with a glance. “Come along. Waiting will not make it better.”
When they entered the room, Matt directed the footmen to put a long table together for them. After the ladies were seated, the gentlemen went off to fetch their bread and butter and dry cake. Harry strolled between Matt and Merton. At least Grace would have ordered a real supper to be served when they arrived home.
“What do you think of Harry?” Alice asked.
“I like him a great deal.” There was no point in hiding the fact. Whether or not she wanted to wed him was another matter. And then there was Mama. Yet there was no point in worrying about that until Madeline knew her own mind and heart.
“He seems greatly improved since we were children.”
“You act as if you are surprised. We all mature. Well, most of us do.” Madeline grimaced, and the form of Lord Lancelot came into sight. After watching his behavior this evening, she had her doubts about him.
“True, and Harry really did not have a choice but to grow up.” Alice frowned in Lord St. Albans’s direction. “Unlike others.”
The gentlemen returned to the table with their offerings, and Harry placed a plate in front of her. He kept his voice low. “I have been told we will not spend a long time savoring our fine fare.”
She bit her lip. “Do not let anyone hear you.”
“That is the reason I am whispering.”
He did a noble job of pretending to enjoy the food but quickly got to his feet once Grace announced they were leaving.
He held out his hand to help her up. “I take it you, Dotty, and Merton are joining us,” Madeline said.
Harry tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “I believe that is the intention. Do you mind?”
He actually wanted her to tell him the truth, and she wanted to know him better. “Not at all. I enjoy talking with you.”
Harry was more than pleased to have Madeline on his arm. She was easy to speak with, and allowed her sense of humor to show. There was nothing false about her. When they arrived in the street, Charlie Stanwood and his younger brother, Walter Carpenter, exchanged a few words with Worthington and Grace, then strolled up to Eleanor and Alice and were introduced to St. Albans and Montagu.
Walter grinned at the two men. “It is good to meet you as well. I hear you are to join us for Morning Mayhem.”
Harry slid Madeline a look. “Morning Mayhem?”
She cast her eyes to the cloudy sky. “It is what they call breakfast when all the children are present.”
He thought about his own nieces and nephews. “Having had the opportunity to dine with small children, I understand why he would call it that.”
“Well, the babies will not be there, but the five- and four-year-olds will.” She gave him a searching look. “You may join us. It is early. Right after we ride.”
Harry gave her his best bow. “I am honored and accept.” Grace called for Madeline, and he helped her into the coach. “I shall see you soon.”
Merton waved to Harry, and he walked to their coach and took the backward-facing seat. “That was interesting. Although I’m not sure why people make a habit of going.”
“Some people have nothing better to do,” Dotty said in a dry voice. “And others of us have people we need to marry off. It is not called the Marriage Mart for no reason.”
“I suppose you are right.” He was saying that a great deal to ladies lately. “I was surprised not to see Salforth there.” But he was very glad Hereford, Bury and Salforth were not present.
“You forget that Salforth’s mother is still in mourning. She would have been responsible for getting the vouchers. I doubt it will hurt his chances.” His sister raised a brow, barely discernible in the carriage light. “He is a rare commodity: a young, wealthy, well-looking duke.”
Mentally, Harry counted back to the old duke’s death. “She should be out of it by now.”
“I believe she has another week or two,” Dotty said. “You will see her around after that.” The coach turned, and she glanced out the window. “Here we are. Do you know Charlotte’s and Louisa’s husbands?”
“I made a point of introducing him,” Merton said as he got out of the vehicle. “Have you met Louisa?”
Harry searched his memory but could not recall making her acquaintance. “I do not believe I have.”
“Very well, then.” Dotty reached out her hand to take Merton’s hand. “I shall introduce you.”
The others had already gathered in a drawing room, and Dotty presented him to the former Louisa Vivers, now the Duchess of Rothwell.
“We have heard so much about you.” Her smile reminded him of Madeline’s. “I am glad we have finally met and will see you a great deal more.”
He bowed. “I am as well, your grace.”
“None of that. You must call me Louisa, as the rest of the family does.”
Madeline approached him and placed her hand on his arm. “Supper is laid out in the back of the room. I shall take you there.”
“Thank you.” He wanted to raise her fingers to kiss them but was unsure how she, or indeed the rest of the family, would react. “I am famished.”
She handed him a plate and took one for herself. There was fresh asparagus, ham, lobster patties, a variety of cheeses, breads, and fruit.
Madeline sighed. “No ices. You must try some of the sauce for the asparagus. Augusta had it in Spain and brought home the recipe.”
The sauce was white. “What is in it?”
“Mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon.” She took a spoonful and placed it on her plate.
He did the same. “Do you ever wish to travel?”
“Not like Augusta and Phinn, but I would like to visit some foreign places.” Madeline smiled. “Paris would be nice.”
Unlike many young gentlemen, Harry had not been able to make a Grand Tour. But a few short jaunts would be pleasant. “It would be. Steamships are making great progress. One day soon, we will be able to sail from England to Spain or Italy in a matter of days.”
She took him to a small sofa with a table in front of it. “That would be wonderful. Much better than having to travel for months at a time.”