“Very good, my lord,” his coachman said. “I will try to get closer.”

“Keep an eye out for me if you do.” Although the line did not appear to be moving at all. He strode to the house and up the stairs to be met by a butler. “I am Lord Montagu here to collect my mother.”

The servant bowed. “You will find the ladies at supper.” The butler signaled for a footman. “He will take you there.”

“Thank you.”

The supper room was filled with small round tables that were filled by ladies and some gentlemen. He spotted his mother with three other ladies, but she was deep in a conversation. Glancing around, he saw Worthington in a group where the tables had been put together to accommodate the size. Exeter was there, next to two blond ladies, but neither was John’s blond lady. Then he saw her sitting across the table with the ladies with whom she had ridden.

Instead of going immediately to his mother, he made his way to Worthington’s group and bowed. “Good evening, my lords.”

“And to you. Who are you fetching?” Worthington asked.

“My mother.” John glanced her way, and she saluted him. He inclined his head before turning back to Worthington.

“I may as well make you known to those of my family you do not know. I believe you have met the gentlemen. . . .” He caught the attention of the lady John wanted to meet, as well as the other two. “Eleanor, Madeline, Alice, may I present Lord Montagu? My sisters, Lady Eleanor Carpenter, Lady Madeline Vivers, and Lady Alice Carpenter.”

Her name was Lady Eleanor. She looked very much like Lady Alice, but John could see the difference. He’d been right that she was even more beautiful, more compelling in an evening gown. She lifted her champagne glass, and John was finally able to see her long, elegant fingers. He bowed again. “My ladies, it is a pleasure.”

All three inclined their heads, but Lady Eleanor stared at him for a long moment. “Are you the gentleman who rides a black horse in the Park most mornings?”

He tried not to puff out his chest that she’d recognized him. “I am.”

The corners of her deep pink lips rose, making him want to see if they felt as soft as they looked. He hoped her smile was for him, but it could have been because she had excellent manners. “Perhaps you will join us some morning.” Lady Eleanor’s forehead puckered adorably. “If you get up earlier, that is.”

“I am certain I can manage that, my lady.” He felt someone at his elbow and turned. “Mama, Aurelia.”

“Thank you for agreeing to come for me,” his mother said, as if he had not been the one to suggest it.

“It was easily done.”