Chapter 15
When Henry had first gone to the home of Claybrook to request an invitation, he was not certain that he would be given one. Thankfully Her Grace had taken pity on him when he explained that his cousins were interested in attending, and given their sheltered upbringing, he wanted to be present in case they were shocked or overwhelmed.
Claybrook had snorted and rolled his eyes and if it had been up to him, Henry may have very likely been returned home without being granted access. Thankfully, Her Grace was more understanding.
He had been honest in his reasons for wanting to be present because even though it had been established by two women who were now married to dukes, it did not mean it was a proper place for his innocent cousins, despite their age.
Perhaps if it was only for women, he would not have had an objection, but to know that some gentlemen were invited to be members, it was important that Henry know who those men were.
At first, he had walked through the rooms where gambling was taking place and he had no objection to any of the gentlemen present. The same could be said for those who were viewing art displays and discussing literature, which was where he found Lady Penelope.
However, his comfort at such a gathering soon diminished when Viscount Tylney showed his singular attention to Bernice.
What was he about?
Was he truly interested in his cousin?
What did he know of Tylney’s character?
Just because he was a viscount did not mean he did not have ulterior motives for bringing Bernice into a private discussion.
What were his intentions?
Did he ask him directly or wait to see?
Those were the questions that he pondered as more discussions took place around them and Judith viewed artwork and chatted quietly with Lady Blythe.
In fact, he was an observer for the most part. An apt observer of Viscount Tylney.
“I believe I will take your cousins and leave,” Lady Penelope said, pulling Henry from his thoughts.
“I will see you and them home,” he returned.
“I have my brother’s carriage,” she said, which reminded Henry of what he had done earlier.
“I sent it home.”
She pulled back in surprise. “Why would you do so when you know that it was my conveyance?”
“A lady should not be traveling the streets of London alone after nightfall.”
Lady Penelope blew out a sigh. “I have done so before without issue.”
“Of that, I have no doubt, but as I am here, I shall see you protected.”
Lady Penelope simply shook her head and turned away. No doubt she though he had overstepped, but did she have any idea what could happen? Despite it being the Season and traveling in the best of neighborhoods, London was still not safe for a woman alone.
He paused in the foyer as his cousins thanked Lady Blythe and asked about purchasing a membership. She in turn promised to send the information to them the following afternoon.
“What of you, Your Grace?” Lady Blythe questioned.
“It will depend on what my cousins decide, though I do admire the concept of Athena’s Salon.”
“I will return next week,” Penelope said.
If Penelope regularly frequented Athena’s Salon, perhaps he should as well, in the interest of his cousins of course. He was certain that at least Bernice would want to return for the literature and possibly Viscount Tinley.
“Ah, yes, you do enjoy our scientific discussions and I am quite looking forward to Dr. Sinclair’s lecture on illnesses of the mind and the advancements made in treatments.”
