“Just remember, we leave after supper,” Matt added. “That worked well with your sisters, and now we have even younger children in the house.”

Eleanor hoped that she and her sisters would not be too tired to ride in the morning. And not because she was interested in learning more about Lord Montagu, but because she wanted the exercise. Still, it was exciting to have a gentleman interested in her. Yet, she would not get her hopes up. After all, even if he met all the other criteria, they might not fall in love.

* * *

The ride home was quiet. Too quiet. John was surprised his mother said nothing about Lady Eleanor. “Why did you attend a function for young ladies?”

“My dear, it is not only for young ladies. It gives us older ladies a chance to spend time together in person or to see those with whom we are not in regular correspondence. You would not have noticed, but the Patronesses of Almack’s were there. Naturally, some of us have received our vouchers, but for others, the soirée gives them an opportunity to see how the young ladies behave in public. Not that I think any lady making her come out whom Lady Bellamny invited would be denied a voucher.” His mother shrugged. “It also allows those of us with sons to meet the younger ladies.”

“I see.” He’d not known how important the event was. But was he being obtuse? His father had warned him the ladies controlled Polite Society. They decided who was invited and who was not. Even dukes required a lady to sponsor any events they wanted to hold when respectable ladies were invited. “Were you impressed by any of the young ladies?” If she was, he knew to stay away from them.

“I did not have a chance to speak to many of them. They were meant to mingle with one another. There were one or two who were not quite up to snuff. Very gigglish, if you take my meaning. Their mothers should have waited another year to bring them out.”

As much as John did not want a wife with strong opinions or one who was managing, he also did not want a spouse who was still a child. “That would be irritating to live with.”

“So I think.” His mother fell silent again.

It might be a good omen Mama had not mentioned Lady Eleanor as someone she liked. He wanted to come to know the lady himself. The coach pulled to a stop, and a footman opened the door and put down the steps. John jumped out and assisted his mother from the carriage.

“I am for my couch,” she said as they entered the house.

“I’ll wish you a good night. There are a few things I want to finish before I retire.” Now that John had seen Lady Eleanor’s hands, he had to draw them.