St. Albans suddenly looked interested. Was he attracted to Lady Eleanor as well? That would not do. If he was, John would have to warn the man off. “I take it you were able to gain an introduction?”

“I was.” But John wasn’t at all sure he wanted to make his friend known to her.

“Good.” St. Albans tilted his head in the direction of three riders, followed, as always, by three grooms. “You may now beg an introduction for me.”

Well, damn. John trotted toward the ladies. “Good morning, my lady.”

Lady Eleanor smiled, and even the cloudy day seemed brighter. “Good morning, my lord.”

Ladies Madeline and Alice greeted him as well.

“I meant to awaken earlier, but I had a great deal of work to do last night.” Ladies Madeline and Alice exchanged glances that seemed to indicate they didn’t believe him.

But Lady Eleanor said, “Sometimes duties cannot be put off.”

At least she believed him. St. Albans cleared his throat rather loudly. “Allow me to introduce my friend, Lord St. Albans. St. Albans, Lady Eleanor, Lady Madeline, and Lady Alice.”

The rogue bowed gracefully from his horse. “Ladies, good morning. It is my absolute pleasure to finally meet you.”

Fortunately, Lady Eleanor did not appear to be impressed. “Indeed, my lord. We have wondered who was riding the gray. Now we know.”

Lady Alice cast her eyes to the sky and gave her head a small shake. “Good morning, sir. It is very nice to meet you as well.”

Lady Madeline’s lips twitched. “I shall add my greetings, my lord. It is a pleasure.”

Before St. Albans could continue, John said, “Must you return home now, or do you have time to ride some more?”

“I am afraid we are required to be back in time for breakfast with our family,” Lady Eleanor said. “However, perhaps you will not have to work so late this evening and will be able to join us tomorrow morning.”

“Yes. I will arrange that.” He gave her his most charming smile. “Until tomorrow.”

John was about to ride to the other side of the Park when St. Albans said, “The least we can do is to escort you to the gate.”

Damn the man. John had never realized how irksome St. Albans could be at times. “Yes, of course, we are at your command.”

St. Albans glanced at John and raised a brow, but he fell in beside Lady Alice when John beat him to Lady Eleanor’s side. Fortunately, she did not seem to notice their antics.

“How are you enjoying Town?” It was such an insipid question, but it was the only thing he could think of at the moment.