“That was good luck,” Miss Stern commented. “Was he ready to be pensioned?”
“Yes. He had expected to leave when my brother died, but no provision had been made for him.”
She bit down on her plump lower lip. “How did the child fare?”
“I was fortunate that a midwife was also called. She came. The doctor did not. The child had a broken arm, and she set it. The little girl is completely well. As you can imagine, I was not pleased with the doctor. Injuries occur on farms. They must be taken care of immediately. When I arrived home, I found my mother with the rector’s wife, and I decided to tell her my problem. She had a friend whose son had graduated from the medical school at St. Andrews in Scotland. He was currently working for a London doctor but missed the country. He also had a strong belief that a trained physician should do more than give his opinion and prescribe medicines. In his spare time, he started working with a surgeon at one of the hospitals. I obtained his direction and offered him a position. I would pay him a certain amount to see to my tenants and the town’s people that was over and above the fees he earned. It has worked out well for both of us and my tenants. They never have to worry if a doctor will be available.”
“A brilliant idea.” His chest tightened when Miss Stern looked at him as if he had worked a miracle. “Absolutely brilliant.”
“I’m glad you approve. I had no idea before then that most doctors are in cities and not in the country.”
“It does not seem right. It is not as if those in the country do not need a doctor.”
“Miss Stern.” Turley bowed. “Do you mind if I take Fotherby away? Exeter and I would like to discuss something with him.”
“Not at all.” She smiled at Nate when he rose and let himself be led away by Lords Exeter and Turley for the inevitable political talk. Even though he’d not attended the Lords for several years, he did try to stay abreast of events.
“As you probably know,” Turley said, “we have not been successful at rescinding the Corn Laws.” A law Nate had originally supported, but had come to believe was responsible for the lack of affordable food for the majority of English families.
“Yes. I am aware.” Now that he was back in Town, he’d be happy to work on yet another bill. Eventually, it had to pass. The situation was becoming much too dire.
“Nor have any of the bills we’ve presented to abolish slavery in the colonies been passed,” Exeter added.
“My understanding is that the slave owners are demanding an extraordinary amount of compensation.” Nate had been shocked at the amount requested. It was almost twenty million pounds sterling.
“Yes, that’s true.” A fresh pot of tea had been brought, and Exeter poured a cup for himself, then held it up to the others.
Nate held out his cup. “I think that one must take into consideration the suffering of those held in slavery. If I had my way, the slave owners would not be compensated at all.”
“I agree.” Exeter took a sip of tea. “They have already benefited. However, that would create more problems than it would solve.”
“I suppose you are correct.” Nate still thought that the slave owners had been given enough “free” labor. “They’ve come to believe they need slaves in order to make a living. Yet we in England do not have the benefit of free workers, and if one takes care of one’s holdings, it is not difficult to live well.” Still, it was clear that other investments were necessary to protect against bad years for agriculture. It wouldn’t be long before farming would not produce the needed income.
“We had serfs,” Turley said dryly. “Slaves by another name.”
“Not since the sixteenth century,” Nate countered, trying to remain calm. There had also been more of a social contract with serfs than with slaves. Once he’d had time to consider it, he was of the firm opinion that England had been wrong to allow the slave trade to exist at all. “A system of tenant farms could be established.”
“You will never get the owners to agree,” Exeter countered, his tone a little louder than it had been. “We must be flexible enough to accomplish the greater good.”
“What are you gentlemen arguing about?” Lady Exeter and the other ladies were staring at them.
“Abolishing the slave trade,” Exeter said.
“Does one of you think it should not be ended?” Lady Turley asked.
“No,” her husband responded. “Fotherby thinks the slave owners should not be compensated for the loss of what they consider to be property.”
The ladies’ gazes switched to Nate.
Miss Stern raised her chin and one dark brow rose with it. “I, for one, happen to agree with Lord Fotherby. Owning another human being is wicked.”
“We all agree with you,” Lady Exeter said. “But to end the trade, we must be practical. If they are not paid something, it is not inconceivable that the colonies could declare independence. Then where would we be?”
“In a war.” Nate’s words sounded flat even to himself. He did not actually think it was probable that would happen. Then again, Britain had already fought two wars trying to keep their former colonies and lost both of them. “Very well. I concede the point. That does not mean I have to like it.”
“I agree with you.” Miss Stern inclined her head in his direction. “Even though I believe it is a devil’s bargain, another war would be worse than paying the slave owners.”
“Well”—Lady Exeter rose—“I am glad we settled that.”
Nate glanced at a large, elegant ormolu clock decorated with figures playing various musical instruments. He had been there over two hours. He bowed to her. “Thank you for inviting me. I have had an enjoyable time.”
She smiled. “We will have to do it again.”
“Lady Turley, Miss Stern.” He bowed to the other ladies, but wished he could speak with Miss Stern alone before he left. “It has been a pleasure to meet you.”
“Do you ride every morning?” Lady Exeter asked.
“Yes.” Thinking about Padraig going without his morning run made him smile, even though there would be nothing humorous about what he’d get in to. “My horse, the dog, and I all require the exercise.”
“In that event, we shall probably see you.” She cut a look at Miss Stern. “We ride shortly after dawn in order to avoid crowds.”
Not that there were “crowds” that early in the morning, but there could be wagging tongues. “I understand. I am certain we will see one another.”
“Come.” Exeter and Turley stepped over to Nate. “We will walk you out. We’d very much like it if you would join our circle for luncheon on Wednesdays,” Exeter said. “We spend most of the time discussing legislation. We meet at Brooks’s.”
“Thank you.” Perhaps that was when Nate would meet Merton again. The confrontation would have to come soon. And Nate welcomed it. It was time to take back his life.
When they reached the front door, Turley surprised Nate by leaving with him. “Will you not wait for your wife?”
Turley grinned. “They are taking Lady Exeter’s new barouche to the Park for a short visit. Even though the ladies exchange letters at least once a week when they are all in the country, they have not had time for a comfortable coze. Exeter and I will ride our horses alongside the carriage. You are welcome to join us if you wish. We will depart from Exeter House in a half hour.”