Despite her relative inexperience with London, Eleanor was gratified to discover several ladies with whom she could pass a pleasant hour and even a few who seemed to sincerely welcome her company. She recognized her connection to the newest peer sitting in the House of Lords meant some would have made her acquaintance regardless.

"But," as she explained the evening before the session opened, "I am pleased by their interest nonetheless."

"Then I trust you will pass the days agreeably," was the gentleman's earnest wish, despite any lingering unease of his own.

"I pray you will as well," was her encouraging reply.

Title from Chapter 28 of Northanger Abbey: "... the two girls agreeing in occupation, and improving in intimacy, found themselves so well sufficient for the time to themselves, that it was eleven o’clock, rather a late hour at the abbey, before they quitted the supper-room on the day of Henry’s departure."