She might be right. He had been at school, then university, and then in Bristol, working as a barrister. “What is he doing in Town?”

“That is what we are going to find out,” Madeline said. “I think I have only met him once and for a very short time.”

Eleanor glanced at the parlors off the hall. Both were empty. “Where are they?”

“In the morning room,” Alice said over her shoulder.

Madeline and Eleanor hurried after her. Until they had been twelve, when Matt married Grace, Eleanor and Alice had grown up not far from Dotty and her family, and she and Charlotte were the best of friends. Charlotte had been responsible for Dotty being able to make her come out with her.

Harry rose as they entered the room and smiled. “You grew up.”

Alice gave him a haughty look. “And, apparently, you did not.”

“She has you there.” Dotty laughed. “This is the problem with knowing someone since he or she was a child.”

“Yes indeed.” Harry bowed. “Please forgive me, my lady.”

Very much on her dignity, Alice curtseyed. “It is good to see you again.”

“It is good to see you too.” He glanced at Eleanor. “How have you been?”

Unconstrained by her dignity, she hugged him. “We are all fine.” She waved her hand for Madeline to come forward. “Do you remember our sister, Lady Madeline Vivers?”

He seemed to study her for a moment, then shook his head and smiled. “I remember a dark-haired girl who was always sheltered between you and Alice.” Harry bowed. “My lady, it is a pleasure to meet you again.”

Madeline laughed lightly and curtseyed. “I am pleased to meet you again.”

She, Alice, and Eleanor hugged Dotty and took seats. Eleanor turned her attention to Harry. “What are you doing in Town? As I recall, you were always too busy to bother coming.”

His eyes started to sparkle and he grinned widely. “Meet the newest member of Parliament from Bittleborough.”

“Excellent!” Eleanor knew it was what he had wanted, but there had been a problem with his uncle, the Duke of Bristol. “How did it happen?”

“Grandmamma spoke with Uncle and convinced him that even if he had not liked Mama and Papa’s marriage, he should not hold me back. She reminded him of the success I’d had.” Harry slid a look at his sister. “Dotty also spoke with him.” He grinned again. “She, you know, is in his good graces for having married to fit her station.” He shrugged. “When the seat came open, he supported me for it.”

“Papa, as you also know, does not support the idea of peers selecting candidates for Parliament,” Dotty said. “But he does believe that Harry was the best man for the position and was prepared to campaign for him if our uncle had not supported him.”

Madeline titled her head to one side. “Will you do as the duke tells you to do?”