His hands left her body and there was a sudden chill. Eleanor drew an even breath and took his arm. He glanced at her, his hooded eyes capturing her gaze. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, of course.” They strolled through the door. “Thorton, Lord Montagu will stay for dinner and will require a change of clothing.”

“My lady, his lordship is not dressing for dinner.”

Eleanor remembered Matt was wearing trousers at tea. They were gradually becoming acceptable dinner wear. Montagu was also wearing trousers and shoes. “You need not change.”

“Very well. If you think what I am wearing is acceptable.”

She made a point of perusing his clothing. “I believe my brother will be wearing the same type of garments.”

“My lord.” Thorton motioned to the footman. “If you will follow George, he’ll take you to a room where you can ready yourself.”

Montagu inclined his head. “My thanks, Thorton.”

Madeline entered as Montagu followed the footman up the stairs. “I have never seen the Park so busy.”

“Neither have I. The Season is really underway now.” She gave Eleanor a look. “I take it Montagu is staying for dinner?”

“Yes.” Eleanor could not have stopped her broad smile if she tried. “I’ll tell you the rest after we have changed.”

She donned a muslin gown and joined her sisters in their parlor. The excitement she had been suppressing was bursting out. “We do not have much time, but I wanted to tell you, Montagu has asked for my opening set at our come out ball and the supper dance.”

“Oh my!” Alice’s eyes were as wide as saucers. “Eleanor, he must be getting ready to ask for your hand.”

“I am so happy for you.” Madeline hugged Eleanor. “After this afternoon, I was more certain than ever he was the right gentleman for you.”

“Let us not get ahead of ourselves. He must still tell me he loves me.” That was the most concerning part. Did he love her?

“It will happen,” Alice said in a rallying tone.

Madeline clasped her hands together. “Would it not be wonderful if he proposed at our ball?”

“I do not want to even think about that.” If only he would ask for her hand during their ball. Then again, it would take away from her sisters. She wanted to ask Madeline about her ride with Harry, but Alice did not seem to have any gentleman. “We must go to the drawing room.”

When they entered Montagu was already there with Matt, Grace, Gideon, and Elizabeth. Matt immediately rose. “There you are. Your sister set dinner back a bit.”

She was not surprised. Jacques used to complain, but he was used to it by now. “Do you want a glass of wine or sherry?”

“Yes, sherry please.” Montagu tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, keeping his eyes on her as they ambled to the sideboard. “Montagu, would you like a glass of sherry?”

“I would.”