“What is?” Eleanor asked.
“Having servants to move the guests into the house.”
Her twin glanced out just as they reached the front of the town house. “It is.”
In no time at all they were greeting Lady Bellamny, who stared at them as if she had never met them before. One by one they made their curtseys. Alice gauged the depth of her curtsey to show respect and take into consideration their respective ranks.
When she rose, her ladyship’s black eyes were twinkling. “Elegant, but I would expect nothing less from you, my dear. Mingle and meet some of the other ladies.”
She joined Madeline and Eleanor off to the side to wait for Grace.
Lady Bellamny’s lips curved as she greeted Grace. “Grace, once again you are to be commended. I suspect they will do exceptionally well this Season, and the gentlemen will think of something silly to call them. I suppose the entire family is here.”
“They are indeed.” She inclined her head. “Augusta arrived today as well.”
Her ladyship’s eyes widened. “Excellent. I cannot wait to talk to her about her adventures.”
Grace left her ladyship and came to them. “You all did very well. Now you can relax a little. You already know the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s. Most of them will be here this evening.” She strolled with them into the first of a series of rooms connected by open pocket doors. “I will see you later.”
Alice scanned the first drawing room. “I suppose we should go meet some of the other ladies.”
“I am glad we have each other,” Madeline said.
“As am I,” Eleanor agreed. “But Alice is right. We should come to know other ladies too.”
They passed one young lady who was dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. The girl’s mother or sponsor had an aggravated look on her face. “Melissa, stop tearing up. You did quite well.”
“Thank you.” Her voice was shaky. “I am terrified of Lady Bellamny.”
“That is the point. The only thing more difficult will be meeting the Lady Patroness when you attend Almack’s.”
“Poor Melissa,” Madeline whispered to Alice.
She nodded. “I am glad we already know most of the Grand Dames.”
“That is probably the reason Grace has taken us out in her carriage during the Promenade,” Eleanor said.
They found their other sisters and chatted with some ladies they had met before and introduced themselves to ladies they had not known. The time passed swiftly, and before Alice knew it supper was announced. Louisa found them and led them to a long table that had been set up. Before supper was over, Matt and their brothers-in-law joined them at the table.
As the meal was ending, a gentleman approached. “Good evening, my lords.”
“And to you.” Matt obviously knew the man. “Who are you fetching?”
“My mother.” The gentleman glanced toward another table and inclined his head before turning back to Matt, obviously wanting to be introduced.
He appeared resigned. “I may as well make you known to those of my family you do not know. I believe you have met the gentlemen . . .” He motioned to Alice and her sisters. “Eleanor, Madeline, and Alice, may I present Lord Montagu? Montagu, my sisters, Lady Eleanor Carpenter, Lady Madeline Vivers, and Lady Alice Carpenter.”
Lord Montagu bowed. “My ladies, it is a pleasure.”
They inclined their heads. Eleanor stared at him for a long moment. “Are you the gentleman who rides a black horse in the Park most mornings?”
He smiled and bowed again. “I am.”
“Perhaps you will join us some morning.” Eleanor’s brows drew together as if she had just thought of a problem. “If you get up earlier, that is.”
“I am certain I can manage that, my lady.” He turned as two ladies Alice had met earlier approached. “Mamma, Aurelia.”
“Thank you for agreeing to come for me.” His mother smiled politely.
“It was easily done.”
Lady Montagu turned to Alice and her sisters. “I have enjoyed meeting all of you this evening.”
“And we you,” Eleanor said.
“Yes.” Alice glanced at the lady next to Lady Montagu. “Lady Lytton, it was a pleasure speaking with you.
She inclined her head. “I enjoyed meeting and talking with you as well.”
“I hope we shall see one another again,” Madeline said.
“I hope to see you again soon.” Lady Montagu glanced at her son. “We must not keep the horses waiting.”
Alice was glad her twin had asked him if he was one of the gentlemen they had seen riding. He also seemed very interested in Eleanor. The only question now was the identity of the other man, and if they could rise early enough to meet them at the Park.
Madeline whispered something to Eleanor.
“What?” They left the supper room and were strolling to the front door.
