Ju and Caro, constrained by Lady Lyndon’s presence, occupied the intervening time by discussing the weather, the previous night’s ball, Juliana’s court presentation, and the Season’s matrimonial matches. Both girls stayed away from anything pertaining to Patrick Danvers, Rotherfield, or Albert Bascombe. Leah Barsett leaned back and surveyed them with a mixture of sympathy and amusement. Rotherfield, always prompt, was waiting with hat and gloves in hand when they arrived. Wearing the somber black he favored, the earl climbed in to take a seat next to Juliana, who had conveniently managed to sit across from the other two ladies. “Where were you wishful of going, Marcus?” Leah asked. “Hyde Park. ’Twill be thin of company for another hour or so, so I doubt we shall be much remarked.” He settled back against the squabs before turning to Juliana. “Unless, of course, you fear discovery, Miss Canfield?”
