The only sound was the horses’ hooves on the cobblestone as they made their way to Montagu House. John was glad his mother and sister didn’t want to interrogate him. Although everything that occurred had happened where everyone could see it. When they arrived home he was relieved to see his mother had ordered a light meal. Did everyone do that because of the truly inferior offerings at the assembly? Ah well. It really didn’t matter. What was important was that he’d been able to dance with Lady Eleanor. When he held her in his arms he knew she belonged there. But if she did not feel the same, he would need to find a way to convince her. And John had the sneaking feeling that gaining her whole family’s approval would be necessary. He blew out a breath. Morning Mayhem it was. How disruptive could breakfast with a few children be?

* * *

Eleanor and her sisters rode home with Matt and Grace. Both the inner and outer lanterns had been lit, allowing them to see one another.

Grace settled her skirts before glancing at them. “What did you think of Almack’s?”

“It was not as oppressive as I thought it would be,” Madeline said. “Yet that might have been because I was surrounded by my family and friends.”

“I was happy to be able to waltz.” Eleanor had never enjoyed a waltz so much. But she needed time to work out the physical feelings she had experienced.

“It was fine.” Alice’s tone clearly conveyed that she was not happy about something. “I suppose we will have to go back next week.”

Grace gave her a sympathetic look. “We will. But there are many other entertainments to which to look forward.”

“We were supposed to attend Lady Castlereagh’s—no, Lady Londonderry’s ball tomorrow, but they are now in mourning.” Eleanor wondered what the major event would be now that the ball had been canceled.

“Is there anything else to attend?” Madeline asked

“Lady Markham has arranged a ball to take its place,” Grace replied.

“The following night is Lady Harrington’s ball.” The lady and her husband had returned from Paris last year after she had given birth to a boy. Eleanor would have to remember to ask her which city she liked the most.

“You will not have to worry about being well entertained.” Matt’s tone was so dour they all chuckled.

“We will not give you any trouble at all,” Alice assured him.

He raised both brows and pinned her with a stern look. “I’ve heard that before.”

“It was not Dotty’s fault those ladies mistook what she and Dom were doing,” Madeline said, taking up the defense. “Or that Charlotte was kidnapped. Or that Louisa announced her marriage a bit too soon. Or that Augusta wanted to attend university.”