Harry’s brows drew together as he frowned. “What time is the meeting being held?”
“At eight o’clock.”
“Two hours before the session begins. I was told meetings are normally held after the sessions.”
Madeline looked at her brooch watch. “It is six thirty. If you are to dress and break your fast, you should leave now.”
“Thank you.” He flashed her a smile. “Will you ride with me in the Park at five?”
“Yes. I would be happy to.” She was glad to see him taking his duties seriously, but had she really expected anything different from a member of his family?
“I will see you then.” He raced his horse toward the gate. He really did have a superb seat.
She glanced at the others. “Does anyone else want another gallop before we leave?”
By unanimous consent, they spread out and gave their horses their heads to the old oak tree. Alice got there just ahead of the rest of them, and they turned their horses toward the gate.
Madeline was about to take her traditional place between the twins when Henrietta came up beside her. “It is wonderful having Harry in Town. Ever since he moved to Bristol, we have not seen him much at all.” She pulled a face. “Although I suppose the Commons will keep him busy.”
Madeline wondered how much free time he would have. “It sounds like it already is. The Lords keep Matt and the others occupied.”
Henrietta nodded thoughtfully. “It does, but do you not think it is different with members of the Commons? After all, they receive a salary and are elected to office.”
“You have a point.” Peers got their positions merely by being born, and some did not even bother to attend the Lords. “Will you be at Almack’s tomorrow evening?”
“Oh, yes.” She laughed. “I have been told we are all expected to be present.”
Madeline wanted to roll her eyes. Matt had probably insisted. “All hands on deck?”
“Exactly.” They rode through the gate, and Henrietta accompanied Adeline toward Green Street.
Alice moved her horse to one side, allowing Madeline to ride between the twins.
“What do you think of Harry?” Eleanor asked.
“I think he’s much nicer now that he’s older,” Alice said. “Madeline?” Alice raised her brows.
“Of course I did not know him before, but I like him. He seems very steady.” Her mother’s words played in her head. And handsome, but that did not need to be said.
“That is faint praise,” Eleanor commented.
“I did not mean it to be. It is just that I do not know him very well.” The problem was that she might want to be better acquainted with him. Madeline stopped her mare in front of Worthington House and dismounted.
“That is true,” Alice murmured as she joined Madeline. “Although you will have a chance to.”
She would, but she did not want her sisters to get any ideas. “He will probably invite you to ride as well. After all, he has just arrived in Town and does not know many ladies.”
“I doubt it.” Eleanor shook her head as they entered the hall. “That would be like taking Henrietta or Dotty out.”
Alice nodded.
“It does not matter why he invited me. I intend to enjoy myself. This is the first time I have been asked to ride in the Park.” Eleanor had accompanied the Marquis of Montagu and Alice had refused to ride with the Earl of St Albans. Still, having a pleasant time was all Madeline intended to do.
* * *
Harry had breathed a sigh of relief and given a quick thought of thanks to Fotherby for the information, and to Dotty and Merton for offering to house him. Although Harry had left early, it had taken some time to find the dratted committee room. As it was, he arrived as the other members were gathering. “Good morning.” He had learned not to use the address of “gentleman” when in mixed company—meaning members of the gentry and members with other statuses—and inclined his head. “I’m Henry Stern for Bittleborough.”
“Ah, Mr. Stern.” An older man with white hair acknowledged him. “Michael Taylor, Durham. We are pleased to have you join us. New blood is always important.”
A glance at some of the others showed not all agreed. “I am pleased I was able to be present.”
One man’s brows drew together. “Stern?” Harry nodded. “Are you any relation to Sir Henry Stern?”
“I am, sir. He is my father.”
“Very good. Very good indeed. William Smith is my name, Norwich. You father and I maintain a correspondence. I will tell him I have met you.”
“I think we all know Mr. Stern by now,” a man in a brown jacket and waistcoat said. “Let us get down to business.”
Smith immediately proposed changing the bankruptcy laws to include those other than merchants. A position with which Harry agreed, and was immediately voted down. Well, he knew reform was not going to be easy. He hadn’t known how swiftly it could be temporarily defeated.
The meeting continued until shortly before the regular session began. He was joined by Mr. Taylor as he walked to the room. “Mr. Stern, I would be pleased to invite you to dinner on Tuesday next.”
There was no reason to decline, and it would be useful to come to know other MPs. “I am happy to accept.”
“Where should I have my wife direct the invitation?”
Harry had been trying to avoid mentioning Merton’s name, but until he had his own lodgings, there was nothing for it. “I am currently staying at my sister’s home, Merton House in Grosvenor Square.”
The other man’s lips turned up slightly. “Ah, you are from that Stern family. My wife will be very glad to make your acquaintance.”
That sounded as if Taylor might have another reason to ask Harry to dine with him. He just wished he knew what it was. On the other hand, Dotty might know. “I look forward to meeting her.”
He arrived at Merton House just in time to order one of the curricles readied and drive to Worthington House. The door opened as he reached it. He stepped in, and Madeline appeared at the top of the stairs. He’d heard of the phrase to have one’s breath taken away, but he’d never thought it would happen to him. She was stunning. Her yellow carriage gown seemed to float around her, but he couldn’t see how it could as the material was not muslin. It must have something to do with the way she held herself. As before, curls framed her face, this time drawing attention to her dark pink lips. Her hat was trimmed with a sparing array of flowers.
He held out his hand. “You look like spring.”
Placing her fingers in his, she smiled. “Thank you. Spring is one of my favorite seasons.”
Harry turned them toward the door. “The others being?”
“Oh, summer, autumn, and winter, of course.” She laughed lightly. “There is something to like in all the seasons. Which is your favorite?”
“That is a very good question. I don’t believe I have ever given it much thought. I suppose it would be a contest between summer and winter.” He handed her into the curricle. “In summer I was out of school, and Christmas is in winter.” Harry climbed up and took the ribbons. “Although, now that I think about it, spring seems to have a great deal to recommend it.”