He’d never been to one of her ladyship’s drawing rooms. Before, he had considered the entertainment a hotbed of radicalism. He even remembered how appalled he’d been when Merton mentioned attending. Of its own volition, one corner of his mouth rose. He’d finally get to see why it was so disdained in Tory circles. “I would be delighted.”
“Oh, I am glad.” His mother smiled. “I think you will enjoy yourself. There are, naturally, any number of artists who attend, but also inventors.”
New inventions always interested him. Attending would also give him another way to ease himself back into the ton than attending one of his clubs. Nate inclined his head. “I look forward to it.”
The wolfhound had opened one eye, but when he went back to his seat, Padraig shut it again. After this morning’s exercise, he’d probably sleep most of the day. Nate finished his breakfast, then headed to his study. A packet from Ouse Tower had arrived yesterday. By now his secretary would have sorted through it. When he entered the room he was pleased to see three neat stacks of letters. The first for bills, the second, and smallest, from tenants, and the third regular correspondence. One letter was placed in the middle of his desk. He picked it up and shook it out.
To Viscount Fotherby,
We thought you might like to know that we arrived home safely, and Emily and little John are doing well and already putting on some much-needed flesh.
Yr. Servant,
Odell
Nate grinned to himself. Little had given him more pleasure than helping to find Emily and her son. He opened the center drawer, tucked the letter away, and started on the bills. When he was finished, his mind strayed back to the day he’d arrived in Town. The other thing in which he’d been more than happy to assist was rescuing the baby. He would like to help fund the effort as well. He dipped his pen in the standish and started to write a cheque, then realized that all of his cheques now had his name printed on them. That wouldn’t do at all. He wasn’t ready for his former friend to know he was in Town. He’d have to have his secretary take the funds to them. He wrote a cheque for Chetwin to draw the funds from the bank. Nate also needed money for the household account. He wrote another cheque.
Gathering up the payments for the invoices, he strolled into his secretary’s office. “These are ready to be sent.” He set the cheques on Chetwin’s desk. “There is another matter I’d like you to see to. I wish to make a donation to the Phoenix Street charity, but I want you to take the funds to them and use the name Meadows if asked who made the donation”—but did he really want the money traced back to him?—“No, better the gift is given anonymously.”
Chetwin opened his mouth, shook his head, and closed his lips. “Yes, my lord. What amount would you like to give?”
“One thousand pounds.” Nate had no idea of their expenses, but had gathered there were several properties and many children and women involved.
“I take it the rest is to have on hand.”
“It is. I do not yet know how much we’ll require on a weekly basis, but we can start with five hundred.” Nate glanced out the window. He’d almost forgotten it was raining. “Tomorrow will be soon enough.”
“If it stops pouring?” his secretary gave a wry smile. “It is England.”
“I suppose you’re right. If I had more than one pair of boots, I’d go out. But Styles was right when he said that only one of my pairs was suitable for Town and advised leaving the other pair at home.”
“I’ll send a footman to the post office and I’ll go to the bank.” Styles pulled out a large piece of foolscap and began to cut it. “They will be ready soon.”
“I’ll have the town coach brought around for you. That will keep you a little dryer.” Nate would have to send for the unmarked carriage. Fortunately, the vehicle had a convertible cover to protect the coachman from the weather.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” It was the least he could do.
Now if only he could work out a way to see Miss Stern again and be properly introduced to her. On the other hand, he might be better served waiting for his mother to arrange it. The question was, how long would it take?
CHAPTER TEN
After consuming the tea and biscuits, Henrietta decided to move to her parlor. The rain was still coming down in buckets, and there was no sign at all that it would end soon. Fortunately, one of the things she had purchased was a stout umbrella. As soon as it arrived, she could take advantage of it. But for now, she could curl up on the comfortable sofa in her parlor, which was warmed by the fire. She had removed her slippers and tucked her feet under the light, cashmere day dress she had donned.
A few minutes later, Parkin knocked on the door of her parlor and entered. “Miss Henrietta, a letter has arrived for you from the Duchess of Bristol.”
“Thank you, Parkin.” She took the letter, popped the seal, and opened it.
My dearest Henrietta,
I arrived in Town and am residing at the Pultney Hotel. I would like you to join me for luncheon the day after tomorrow. After which we shall find something to occupy our time.
Your Grandmother,
B.
“I did not even know she was back in the country. I wonder what brought her to Town?” she mused to herself.
“I couldn’t say, miss,” Parkin said. “Will you respond to her missive?”
She had forgotten he was still there and smiled ruefully. “Even though this is more in the line of a royal command than a request, I suppose I should.”
“I should say so.” He sounded so offended at the notion that she might not send her grandmother an answer, she almost laughed.
“Give me a few moments.” She went to her desk and scribbled a hasty note, telling her grandmother how happy she was to be able to see her again. Once Henrietta had sealed it, she handed the letter to him. “There you are.”
“Thank you, miss.” The butler bowed and left.
She wondered if her sister knew their grandmother was here. No. Dotty would have mentioned it. And when had Grandmamma returned from the Continent? Henrietta supposed all her questions would have to wait to be answered. What she really wanted was to know what to do about Fotherby. She could not see her grandmother helping with that problem. In fact, none of her family would be helpful. Dorie might be able to assist, but the problem was that she had not met him either.
Henrietta pulled out a piece of paper and was sharpening her pen when a knock sounded on her door and it opened.
Parkin entered and bowed. “The Marchioness of Exeter to see you, miss.”
“Dorie, I was just thinking of you.” Henrietta led her friend to a small sofa. “But what are you doing out in this weather?”
“Oh, pooh. I am not going to let a bit of rain keep me inside.” The corners of her lips twitched. “I have been terribly extravagant. I had them bring the coach around, and a footman armed with a large umbrella escorted me to and from the carriage. I will have to send a note when I wish to return.”
“I can send you safely home with a footman and the large umbrella.” Henrietta frowned. “If Merton has not taken it.” The thing was so big and heavy, she had never been tempted to use it herself. “I do not suppose the umbrella you bought has arrived yet?”