“Yes, they were helpful for that.” Dorie smiled as well. “And now they have twins! I am so happy for them. Not that I want twins, but they are in Heaven.”
“And Turley is the perfect gentleman for Georgie.” Henrietta grinned as she thought of the trouble they had given him because he would not admit he loved Georgie. “Although it was ridiculous that he almost had to lose her before he realized he’d been in love the whole time.”
Dorie heaved a sigh. “Apparently it takes some gentlemen longer than others.” She turned to Henrietta and grinned. “I do hope Fotherby turns out to be the right gentleman for you.”
“If he does, the problem will be bringing my family around.” Henrietta pulled a face. “That will not be easy, and I am not looking forward to the fight.”
Dorie raised a brow, making her look as imperious as her mother. “But really, what could your sister and brother-in-law do?”
“Send me home.” Fotherby had left the Park. Perhaps the next time they rode, he could accompany them.
“In that case, you will stay with me. I am perfectly capable of chaperoning you, and my consequence will not suffer Merton’s disappointment.”
It must be wonderful to have such well-deserved confidence. “But you cannot keep me from my parents,” Henrietta pointed out.
Dorie’s face fell. “That is true.”
Henrietta stared at the direction Fotherby had gone. “If we do suit, and even though it would only be a year and a half, I do not wish to wait until I am one and twenty to wed.”
“I can see where that would be a problem.” Dorie turned her horse toward the gate. “Once Exeter and I decided to wed, I wanted the ceremony to take place immediately.” Her lips tightened as she frowned. Then her face cleared. “I have an idea. After the Season, Exeter and I could escort you to Scotland. We have a very nice castle there.”
“I will keep your offer in mind.” Technically, that would not be eloping. “But we are getting quite a bit ahead of ourselves. I do not even know if I will like him.” Henrietta thought she would. She had when she and he had first seen each other. Still, there was no getting around the fact that he had abducted her sister. And although from his behavior in Whitechapel it appeared he had changed for the better, she would be wise to take this—whatever it was—slowly.
“You are right.” Dorie sighed again. “I simply want you to find the happiness the rest of us have found.”
“I know. And I will.” Henrietta attempted to stamp down her expectations for this afternoon. “Whether or not it is with Fotherby still remains to be seen.”
“It is clear he must explain himself.”
“Yes. That is the one thing that must occur.” She wondered what he would say. “I have to find something to do between breakfast and tea.” If she did not, she was certain to drive herself mad wondering what would happen.
“Shopping,” Dorie said firmly. “You still need bonnets for your new walking and carriage gowns.”
“What a brilliant idea.” They could take hours shopping and the time would go quickly. “I do hope Georgie arrives sooner rather than later.” Henrietta had received a letter from her friend announcing that Georgie was expecting a blessed event in July, but no word at all about how long they would stay in the metropolis.
“We should hear about her plans soon. Although I suppose she will want to be back in the country by the end of May at the latest.”
Dorie was right. The four of them exchanged letters at least once a week. Even Augusta, who was last in Egypt, wrote frequently. They turned into Grosvenor Square. “When do you want to leave?”
“Two hours?” Dorie asked. “I want to spend time with my son.”
“Very well. Will you come for me?” They generally took the town coach her husband had made specifically for her.
“Of course.”
They had reached Merton House and Henrietta slid down from her mare, then handed the reins to a footman. “I shall see you then.”
She strolled up the shallow steps and into the house.
“Miss, you have received a hand-delivered letter,” Parkin said. “I believe it is from Lady Turley.”
“That is wonderful.” Or it would be if Georgie was arriving soon. Henrietta took the letter from the silver salver he held and ascended the stairs. As soon as she reached her apartments, she opened the missive.
My dearest Henrietta,
Turley and I arrived late yesterday afternoon. I have been ordered to rest this morning, but if you are doing nothing more strenuous than shopping, I would love to join you. My modiste appointment is not until tomorrow, but I am certain I require many other new items.
Your loyal friend,
G.T.
Henrietta started to chuckle as she imagined Georgie explaining to Turley that shopping took almost no energy at all. There was no need to write to Dorie; Georgie would have written her as well. If only Adeline would agree to come to Town, they could all be together again.
Spyer entered the parlor. “Your bath is being filled.”
“Thank you.” Henrietta removed her riding habit, handing the pieces to her maid as she did.
After washing her face, she sank into the hot water, and then a thought made her sit up. It was a certainty that Dorie would invite Georgie and Turley to tea. In fact, it was impossible that the couple would not be invited. Which meant she would have to explain everything to Georgie before then. Oh, well. Henrietta leaned back against the towel her maid had placed on the tub. There was nothing she could do about it. And, after all, there was safety in numbers. And if she and Fotherby did decide to see if they would suit, he had to get on with her friends and their husbands. He might be a little older than the other gentlemen, but at their ages it did not matter very much. He would need friends, as it was probable that neither Merton nor Matt Worthington would be welcoming toward him.
Less than two hours later Henrietta was dressed in a walking gown she had purchased last autumn and was just setting the bonnet on her head when a footman announced Lady Exeter had arrived.
On his heels, Dorie strode into the room. “I decided not to wait downstairs. We are picking up Georgie.”
“I thought we must be.” Henrietta tilted the bonnet at a jaunty angle. “I gather you had a letter waiting for you as well?”
“Yes.” Her friend gave her a critical look. “I like that hat.”
“Thank you.” Trimmed with red ribbons to match her spencer, it was made of straw with a fairly wide brim and a shallow crown. “It is one of my favorites.”
“Come along. We do not wish to keep Georgie waiting.” Dorie headed toward the stairs.
Henrietta grabbed her gloves and reticule and hurried after her friend.
Soon they were at Turley House on Green Street. When Georgie came down the steps, Henrietta noticed her girth. It looked to be the same as her sister’s. How was that possible when Dotty was not due until early autumn? Come to think of it, Grace was the same size as Dotty.
Once Georgie settled onto the plush carriage bench, Henrietta asked, “When are you due?”
“In July.” Georgie grinned. “I have sufficient time to visit Town before returning to the country to have the baby.”