Harry hadn’t been paying that much attention, but he did recall some of the conversation. “Then why am I acceptable—Grandmamma?”
“Indeed. Even if I had not married Merton, the fact that we are grandchildren of the Duke and Duchess of Bristol gives us a status being children of Sir Henry Stern does not.” She took a letter from a stack on her desk. “As you said, there is time. Have a productive day.”
Harry wished he could be certain it would be fruitful. “You as well.”
Merton had offered to let Harry use one of their unmarked town coaches when he wished, but the day was fine, and he decided to walk. It would also give him more time to consider Mr. Taylor’s invitation. Harry hoped the man hadn’t made it merely to introduce him to Miss Taylor. That might be awkward. Even more so because they apparently ran in different social circles, and she might not be invited to the same balls and other events to which he was invited. On the other hand, if he was interested in her, there might be a way to receive cards for the entertainments. Yet he was fairly certain Madeline was the right lady for him. He’d just have to convince her he was the right gentleman for her.
“Stern.” The shout from behind stopped him.
“That was the second time I called out,” Salforth said as he caught up with Harry. “On your way to the Commons?”
“I am. Did you take your seat in the Lords?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “Not long after my father died, one of his friends convinced me to do so. He said it would make it easier when I was ready to take up my duties.”
“Have you decided which party you will support?” For as long as Harry had known the duke, he’d never espoused a political view on anything.
“My father was a Tory, of course. Must support the king,” Salforth said. “I shall do the same.” He frowned slightly. “Well, unless there is a good reason I cannot support a bill for some reason or another.”
Considering all the damage the Tories had done with the Corn Laws and other legislation, Harry didn’t understand how anyone could support them. Perhaps he should introduce the duke to Worthington’s circle. “I say, are you attending the Markham ball this evening?”
“Mama is finally out of mourning, so yes, we shall attend.” Salforth suddenly grinned. “In fact, I even wrote a note to Lady Madeline asking for a set.” He looked so proud of himself, Harry almost felt badly about wanting to punch him. “I asked my mother about her ladyship, and she said your family and hers were great friends. Thank you for introducing me to her.”
Harry’s jaw almost dropped. Why the devil didn’t the man have the sense to know that he was interested in Madeline? They had reached Westminster, and he schooled his countenance into a natural mask. “I will see you there. I hope you have a pleasant day.”
“Oh.” Salforth’s jaw did drop. “I didn’t know you’d be at the ball.”
Harry gave him a pleasant smile. “Obviously, her grace did not tell you my sister is the Marchioness of Merton.”
The duke shook his head. “I don’t recall that she mentioned it.”
Harry inclined his head. “I must go or I will be late to a meeting.”
“Yes, yes. Indeed,” Salforth said abstractedly.
Harry strode away, wondering if any of his other so-called friends had asked Madeline to stand up with them. It appeared that any initial advantage he had might quickly fade away. Yet he did not think she cared about whether a gentleman was titled or not. At least, he hoped that was the case. He’d formed the opinion she was like the Carpenter ladies and his sister. Merton had bemoaned the fact that Dotty thought nothing of his title except when it could be of use. Granted, Madeline’s eldest sister had married a duke, although no one cared that he was one. But Augusta, her next older sister, had married a younger son. He must make a point of asking Madeline for all the supper dances and more rides in the Park, as well as meeting her in the mornings.
CHAPTER SIX
Madeline had no sooner stepped through the door when Thorton said, “My lady, her ladyship wishes to speak with you.”
“Only me?” Usually when Grace wanted to see one of them, she wanted to see all three of them.
“Yes, my lady.”
“I will wash my hands. then go to her straightaway.” Her stomach growled. Her sisters said something about luncheon being almost ready, and she was glad she would soon be able to eat.
She and Alice ascended the stairs. Once in her room, Madeline quickly put her hat, gloves, and spencer on her bed and washed her hand. Back downstairs, she walked swiftly down the corridor, and knocked on Grace’s study door.
“Come.”
Madeline entered and took a seat in one of the chairs arrayed in front of her sister’s desk. “Thorton said you wanted to see me.”
Grace picked up what looked like several notes. “I do. You have received requests for dances from the Duke of Salforth, the Earl of Hereford, Lord Ashford, and Viscount Bury.” Grace frowned. “Do you know them?”
For a second, Madeline stared at the papers in her sister’s hand; then she glanced at Grace. “I have met everyone but Lord Ashford. Harry Stern introduced them to me. They are old school chums of his.”
She placed the missives on the desk before Madeline. “Very well. Aside from Lord Ashford, do you wish to accept their invitations?”
“I do not see why not.” She shrugged. “They are only dances. Do they happen to mention which sets they would like?”
Grace leaned back in her chair. “Only the duke asked for a specific one. He wants the supper dance.”
That he could not have. “I am already promised for that set. I shall give him another one.”
Grace raised a brow. “In future, I would appreciate it if you would tell me when you meet new gentlemen. Matt likes to know of them.”
Madeline should have thought of that. “I will make sure to do so, and I will tell Eleanor and Alice as well.”
Her sister smiled. “Thank you. Did you have a good time shopping?”
“We did!” Madeline grinned. “We went to the Burlington Arcade and found fans, hair combs, and pins. It was such fun.”
“In that case, do not let me keep you. I know you want to look at everything again.”
“Thank you.” She rose and leaned across the desk to give Grace a kiss on her cheek.
Her sister-in-law looked surprised. “Goodness, what was that for?”
“For being the best of all sisters-in-law.”
Giving her a bemused look, she slowly shook her head. “You do not have another one.”
“Not yet. But you will still be the best.” Madeline wiggled her fingers. “I will see you later. Oh, I almost forgot. Luncheon will be served soon.”
She went up to the parlor she shared with her sisters, but only Alice was there. “Where is Eleanor?”
“She needed to speak with Matt and Charlie about her coal mine idea. I am giving her time.”
Madeline’s stomach made itself known again. “I am hungry.”
Alice glanced at the clock. “We should be able to go now. What did Grace want?”
Madeline showed her the invitations, then put them on the desk. “Grace and Matt also want to know about any new gentlemen we meet. I suppose it is so he can look into them.”