He was halfway to the long table when St. Albans handed John two plates. “I thought you might not know.”

“Thank you.” He accompanied his friend back to the ladies. “Is this typical of an evening at Almack’s?”

“Yes.” His friend seemed focused on their table. “Albeit it is more interesting to be in the Worthingtons’ group. They are all quite remarkable.”

“I’ve been thinking about what you said about dull ladies. I told you I did not want a lady like my sister, but recently I have noticed that my sister seems to have changed a bit since she wed.” How was he to phrase his question? But this was St. Albans. John did not have to worry so much with him. “Do you know of a lady who was managing before her marriage and is not quite so much afterward?”

He thought he saw a brief smirk on his friend’s face but couldn’t be certain. “From what I have heard, Lady Exeter and Lady Fotherby sound like they meet your definition.”

John knew Exeter better than Fotherby. But how would he go about asking the question?

“Montagu,” Worthington said. “If you’re interested, we are meeting at my house again tomorrow after luncheon.”

“I am interested. Are we meeting at Brooks’s beforehand?” John hoped they’d continue their discussion about aiding the miners.

“The others might. I have something else to which I must attend.”

Exeter joined them. “I’ll go with you to Brooks’s for luncheon. My wife has to take my sister around.”

“Excellent.” John was happy that he had met Exeter before this Season. It had smoothed his way in the Lords.

They made their way back to the ladies, who had managed to secure tea. John took his seat between Lady Eleanor and her sister. After placing the plate of cake in front of her, he took a sip of tea. “I do not think I have ever had tea this weak. Perhaps I should try the lemonade.”

“It is worse than the tea.” Her nose wrinkled adorably. “I had a taste. It was horribly sour.”

He’d order sustenance when he arrived home. “Will you ride in the morning?”

“Of course.” She nibbled a piece of cake and swallowed. “I will not be up late enough to miss riding.”

John remembered what she had said once about not being late for breakfast. They must break their fast even earlier than he did. “Am I correct that you breakfast after riding?”

“Yes.” She took a sip of tea. “Although soon, with more people arriving to ride when the Park is empty, we will have to go even earlier than we do now.”