If he told her he too was finding taking an active part in the Lords interesting, what would she think of that? He decided to err on the side of caution. “I can understand how that might be.”

A small line formed across her forehead. Fortunately, the rest of their group had reached them. “Has the Serpentine changed at all?”

“Nary a bit,” St. Albans said. “However, I am indebted to the ladies for giving me bread for the ducks. They are an avaricious group.”

“We saved his boots.” Lady Alice’s tone was both droll and slightly smug.

Lady Eleanor opened a watch hanging from her brooch. “We must be going.”

John fell in next to her as they walked their horses toward the gate. “Do you plan to attend Almack’s on Wednesday night?”

“We do.” She grinned. “We have heard so much about it over the years, I am looking forward to seeing it for myself.”

“Our sister, Louisa, said she felt ill the first time she went,” Lady Madeline said.

“Are you sure it was Louisa?” Lady Eleanor frowned. “I cannot imagine that.”

Lady Madeline shrugged. “Perhaps it was someone else. But I do know that someone we know felt ill.”

“That I can well imagine,” Lady Eleanor said. “I am determined not to be frightened. After all, our sisters and their friends all lived through it.”

John wondered if gentlemen had the same reaction to the place. “This will be my first time as well.”

“Truly?” Lady Eleanor’s brows rose as she focused on him as if she found that odd.

“Yes.” Now what was he supposed to say? That many gentlemen avoided Almack’s until they wished to wed? “I never got around to it. My mother expects me to accompany her.”

“Ah,” Lady Eleanor commented knowingly. “You do not actually wish to attend.”

He absolutely could not tell her that the only reason he intended to go at all was to search for a wife. “I am interested to see it as well. May I beg a set from you and your sisters?”

“I would be delighted.” She gave him a smile that matched the promise of the sun rising in the morning sky.

“I would as well,” Lady Madeline said, then turned to her other sister. “Alice, Lord Montagu has asked us all for a set.”

“Oh.” She looked surprised. “That would be nice. Lord St. Albans has just requested a dance.”

He leaned forward and glanced at Ladies Eleanor and Madeline. “I would like to request sets from the two of you as well.”

“Delighted.” Lady Eleanor inclined her head.

“A pleasure,” Lady Madeline said.

They had reached the gate and bid the ladies adieu. “Until tomorrow.”

That had gone well. John merely had to convince his mother to accompany him to Almack’s.

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER EIGHT