Eleanor had to remind herself to curtsey. This was not at all good. Where had all her training gone? Not only that but her mouth was dry. She quickly took a sip of lemonade. “Do you know which opera singer?”

“I do.” He took a glass of champagne from a passing footman. “It is Giuditta Pasta. She is said to be excellent. Do you enjoy the opera?”

“Very much. My sister has been taking us for a few years now.” Thankfully, the horripilation was starting to subside, at least for the moment, and Eleanor took a breath. “Having learned Italian helped.”

“I imagine it would.” The corners of his lips rose. “Perhaps I should learn the language.”

How he had gotten so close to her, she did not have a clue, but if he took one step forward, her skirts would brush against his evening pumps. “To better understand the words?” He gave her a sheepish look. “Have you ever been to the opera?”

“I must confess I have not. As you know, my father was ill for a few years before he died.” A shadow seemed to cross his eyes when he mentioned his father. “I did not come to the metropolis at all.”

He had told her he had never been on the Town. “I hope you will enjoy the singer.”

“If she is as good as my mother says she is, I am sure I will.” He glanced around. “Would you like to stroll with me before the performance begins?”

“I would.” She took the arm he held out. “I have heard that the opera in which she is performing this year was written expressly for her.”

“In that case she must be excellent. I don’t see the rest of your family.”

“Not this evening.” Eleanor tried not to pay attention to the guests glancing at them. Who knew a musical evening could be so fraught? “Although Augusta said she and Phinn might come. They have been to operas in Italy.”

“I have always wanted to travel.” Montagu glanced at her. “Not for years, but for a few months at a time.”

This was the second time he had mentioned traveling. “To see Paris and other of the great European cities? I would like to do that.”

“Yes. I cannot stay away too long.” Montagu had a wishful expression.

Of course he could not. He took his duties seriously. He must not have been able to go on a Grand Tour because of his father’s illness. “I think two, possibly, three months are long enough to be away.”