“It was rather stuffy there.” Her family had left much earlier than any of the others. The early supper made it seem even more so. “I expect the food and drink will be far superior to what was offered at Almack’s.”

She went off into a peal of laughter. “It was truly horrible. I am so glad sustenance was ready when we got home.”

“My mother ordered a small supper for us as well.” It said a great deal about the power the Lady Patronesses had over the ton that they could thrive, as they offered horrible food and drink. “The cake was not too bad.”

“No, that was the best thing about it, though.” She glanced around. “We have lost my sisters.”

Behind them, the groom cleared his throat. John had forgotten the servant was there. “They went to the old oak tree, my lady.”

“Thank you, Jemmy.” Eleanor looked at John. “We should find them. We will have to go home soon.”

“Very well.” He’d soon discover if Walter Carpenter was exaggerating about breakfast or not. “Gallop?”

She tilted her head again for a moment. “Canter.”

“As you wish.” It was strange that he suddenly wanted to make a courtly bow to her, as if they were in a story of some sort. They urged their horses into canters and headed for the giant oak tree where her sisters, St. Albans, and Harry Stern were talking.

“Good morning, Stern,” John said as they came to a halt.

“Good morning to you as well.” Stern inclined his head.

Ladies Alice and Madeline glanced at Eleanor, and all three of them made imperceptible nods. He wished he could read their minds.

“Well, gentlemen,” Lady Alice said. “Whoever is joining us for breakfast, come along. We must be going back.”

“Excellent,” Stern said. “I’m famished.”

John stared at the other man for a moment. When had he been invited? Then he remembered that his sister and her husband were cousins of Lord Worthington. As long as Harry Stern didn’t turn his eye toward Eleanor, he could do as he pleased. Their coterie rode toward the gate, then on to Worthington House in Berkeley Square.

As one would expect, the butler greeted them. “Gentlemen, please follow James”—the butler indicated a footman—“he will show you where you may wash.”

By the time they started up the stairs, the only thing he could see of the ladies was a flash of green as Eleanor turned a corner. “I wonder how many people there will be at breakfast.”

St. Albans shrugged. “Couldn’t say.”

Harry Stern was quiet, but the corner of his lip twitched. They entered a room that had been set up for them with three washbasins. John was wiping his face dry when he heard what sounded like stampeding horses on the stairs. “What in God’s name was that?”

Instead of answering, James said, “Gentlemen, breakfast is being served.”