He tasted the asparagus with the sauce. It was tangy and fresh. “This is quite good.”
Madeline finished chewing and swallowed. “It has become a family favorite.”
It appeared everyone was involved in their own conversations. “Have you thought about the life you want?”
“A fairly simple one. I like coming for the Season. We have been doing it for a while. I also like the country. I would like to begin some sort of plan for making people’s lives better.” She grinned at him. “And, of course, a husband and children.”
He wondered if by improving the lot of people, she would be interested in politics as one way to do it. “Are you interested in bills that are being planned or drafted?”
She popped a piece of cheese in her mouth and chewed. “Not to the extent that Charlotte and Louisa are. They help their husbands with their speeches and host large political events. Although I would like to have some say in certain bills. More the ones concerning families and the welfare of women and children.”
Harry had taken the opportunity to eat much of his food while she had been thinking about and answering his questions. “There is too much power in the hands of the few and men in general. The poor must be able to find jobs and be educated.”
She glanced at her brothers-in-law. “Some of the few do their best to help those in need.”
He took a sip of the wine that had seemed to magically appear on the table next to him. “There are. Your family and mine are examples. Unfortunately, there are not enough.”
“What happened in your committee meeting?”
That question was unexpected, but welcome nevertheless. “I was the only new member present. I met some of the gentlemen. One invited me to dine with him and his family next week, and I supported a motion to allow people other than merchants to file for bankruptcy.”
She gave him a sad look. “It was defeated?”
“It was.” He hated to see her distressed. “But we will try again. Eventually, the laws will change.”
She huffed. “It always seems to take so long. I feel as if I could accomplish more in a shorter time.”
She wasn’t the only one with that belief. “Dotty is of the same opinion, but she tries to gather support for bills and, as you know, has charities to do the work the government does not.”
Madeline nodded thoughtfully. Then his sister called to him. “We must be going. Tomorrow is an early day.”
“Do not forget breakfast,” Madeline said as he rose.
“I won’t.” He’d be able to ride with her, and spend time during the meal with her too.
He bid the others a good night and followed his sister and brother-in-law to their carriage. “That was fun.” And productive.
“You and Madeline seemed to be having a deep conversation,” Dotty said.
It was certainly a necessary conversation. “I asked her what she wanted in life.”
“Ah.” He knew his sister’s eyes had sharpened on him. “Does she want anything you cannot provide?”
“We appear to have many of the same ideas, but I am not sure how politically involved she will want to be. Still, she has prompted me to think about my career.” How far did he wish to go in politics? Was leadership a consideration?
“We are going to Lady Markham’s entertainment tomorrow. I will make sure you are included in the invitation.”
“Thank you.” That would be another chance to be with Madeline. Hopefully, he would make more progress.
CHAPTER FIVE
The next morning, Madeline spotted Harry Stern as she and her sisters rode to the Park. She broke away from her sisters as Eleanor greeted Lord Montagu.
Harry came up beside Madeline. “Race to the tree?”
“Yes.” She liked that they had early morning exercise in common. She had the feeling the other two gentlemen were only out at this time because of her sisters. “One, two, three.”
Rose was never going to beat Willy and Harry, but she threw her heart into the race, and they arrived as Harry turned to see where they were.
“Excellent heart.” He smiled first at her mare, then at her.
Madeline stroked Rose’s neck. “I think she did not want to embarrass herself.”
“She certainly succeeded.” Something behind her caught his eye. “St. Albans and Alice will be here soon.”
“I wonder where Eleanor and Lord Montagu are?” Madeline scanned the area for the couple. “Jemmy will not be happy that we are in different places.”
“I take it you mean the groom.” Harry glanced around. “He must have followed them.”
Madeline did not see the servant either. “He must have.”
Just then, St. Albans reined up next to Harry, and her sister came up to her.
“I wish he was not coming to breakfast,” Alice said in a fierce whisper.
“What do you have against him?” Lord St. Albans seemed to be a pleasant enough gentleman.
“I do not know.” Alice shook her head as she glared at him. “He unsettles me somehow.”
The sound of hooves reached Madeline, and she turned to see Eleanor and Lord Montagu.
“Good morning, Stern,” Lord Montagu said as they came to a halt.
“Good morn to you as well.” Harry inclined his head.
Madeline caught her sisters’ eyes, and without having to say a word, they agreed it was time to break their fast.
“Well, gentlemen,” Lady Alice said. “Whoever is joining us for breakfast, come along. We must be going back.”
“Excellent,” Harry said. “I’m famished.” He came up next to Madeline as they rode toward the gate. “Is it my imagination or is there an attraction between Eleanor and Montagu?”
That was perceptive of him. “Definitely an attraction. Although there are certain things she must know about him before she allows it to go any further.”
Harry was quiet for a few seconds. “Such as whether he gets along with the rest of the family or, more importantly, the children?”
“Indeed.” He had even more insight than she had imagined. “Could you see any of us wedding a man who could not?”
“No.” He gave a short bark of laughter. “I don’t think Worthington or Grace would allow it.”
Now that he’d brought it up, Madeline agreed with him. “I think you are correct.”
“Family is the most important thing to both of our families. I think it is one of the reasons my parents were so close to the Carpenters, and now to the Worthingtons and all of you.”
That was true. Sir Henry and Lady Stern had embraced Madeline and her sisters as if they had known them all their lives. “We are fortunate in our relatives.”
“That we are.” They arrived at Worthington House. Harry dismounted and went around to help her. His strong hands gripped her waist. As he lifted her off her mare, all the breath rushed from her lungs. The moment her feet touched the pavement, she sucked in a large breath. His brows drew together in concern. “Are you all right?”
Not at all. “Perfectly.” She smiled, as if her body was not still feeling the heat of his hands. Madeline forced herself to breathe in and out. “Shall we go?”