It was time to change the conversation to another aspect of the wedding. “Shall we take a honeymoon or go directly to your estate?”

“Hmm.” John’s countenance became serious. “I want a wedding trip. Once we arrive home, we will have much to do with our new dependents arriving.”

She loved how he said “our home” and “our dependents.” He was already thinking of her as his partner. “We will have to plan their arrival.” Eleanor was glad he agreed with her about the honeymoon. “Where shall we go? I have been told Paris is beautiful in the spring.”

“Yes. I have heard that as well.” He grinned at her. “Let’s travel there for a few weeks. We have friends who can give us advice about the journey and the city.”

“Perfect.” She felt like skipping. “Our wedding trip is the one thing over which we do have complete control.”

“That will be nice.” His tone was so dry she had to stifle a laugh.

“It will be.” Her mind was already recalling the bits and pieces of information about Paris and the journey there and back. It would be much more interesting to plan the trip than a wedding breakfast.

When they arrived back at her family’s circle, John’s mother, sister, and brother-in-law were there. Lady Montagu was in a close conversation with Grace and Lady Lytton. Her husband was speaking with Matt. It appeared that everyone else had been dancing. Strange. Eleanor had not even seen them.

Once Alice and her partner, Lord Athersuch, arrived, they went down to supper.

John drew Eleanor closer to him as they walked down the stairs. “The usual?”

“Yes.” From the beginning, he had remembered the foods she liked best. “I wonder if they will have ices.”

“We will soon find out.”

A footman led them to a group of tables that had already been put together and bowed. “Compliments of Lady Exeter.”

“Where is she?” Eleanor had not seen Dorie since the receiving line.

“I am not sure, my lady,” the servant said. “If I see her, should I say you were asking about her?”

“No. I suspect she is very busy this evening.” Most hostesses were. Giving a ball required making sure everything went well during the entertainment.

But a few minutes later, she, Georgie Turley, Henrietta Fotherby, and Adeline Littleton swooped down on their table.

Dorie looked at Eleanor. “I saw what appeared to be congratulations being given to Montagu.”

“We are betrothed.” What a heady feeling it was to tell someone not of her family.

“I am very happy for you and Montagu.” Dorie beamed.

“I hope he knows what a treasure he is getting,” Henrietta said as she embraced Eleanor.

“I wish you both happy,” Adeline said.

“I as well.” Georgie smiled at Eleanor. “When is the wedding?”

“In two or three weeks, I think.” She glanced at Grace. “Two or three weeks?”