Fotherby was a perfectly nice gentleman, and eligible if her family could forgive him. Then again, her grandmother apparently had pardoned him. “If he still doesn’t recognize you, will you make yourself known?”
“I don’t know. On one hand, he would not make a scene in public.” He grimaced. “On the other hand, he could give me the cut direct.”
That was very true, and it would cause a great deal of difficulty for Lord Fotherby. “I wonder what the best way to approach him would be.” Unfortunately, she had no idea. Even if he was not the gentleman for her, he did not deserve to be pilloried for the rest of his life for even extremely stupid behavior.
“Perhaps my mother or your grandmother will know.”
“Perhaps.” Henrietta’s curiosity about yesterday prodded her. “Who did you rescue?”
“A small child and her mother. A man, probably the one who had beaten the young woman, chased after us, shouting threats. The coachman took a roundabout route back to the house, and Mrs. Perriman had the coach pass by the mews, where I got out. She continued on. She wanted to get them out of London.”
“She most likely took them to the house in Richmond. It is far enough away they will be safe, but not so far that she could not travel back that evening.”
“That house has never done so much good. It sat empty for years before I was made to lease it to Merton.”
“That is your property?” Henrietta was shocked. She had never even thought about to whom it belonged. Yet, if she had, she would have believed either Merton or the Phoenix Society owned it.
Fotherby nodded. “Yes.” He gave a quick smile. “For my sins, I was to lease it to Merton for use as a home for widows, orphans, and who knows who else, for a period of ten years. But now, after seeing the good it is doing, I might just give it to the Phoenix Society.”
That was generous indeed. “You will not miss it?”
“How could I when I never truly used it? It was left to me by a relative.” He shrugged. “Houses shouldn’t sit vacant, and that’s what was happening.”
“I am certain the gift will be appreciated.” He smiled down at her, and she wanted to discover what, other than saving people, riding, and politics they had in common. “Are you looking forward to the Season?”
He took a breath and blew it out. “I don’t know. My only plan was to take things one day at a time and see what happened.” He flashed a grin, and Henrietta was again struck by how handsome he was, and how he did not appear to hide himself behind a polite mask. “My mother has put herself in charge of seeing that I am invited to the right entertainments and that I receive vouchers for Almack’s.”
Henrietta couldn’t stop from laughing. “You sound like any young lady making her come out.”
“I suppose I do.” He had a chagrined look on his face. “But I’m not young enough to fritter my time away while I’m here, and it is time I find a wife.”
“I had not thought of it that way for a gentleman. Exeter is the only gentleman of my acquaintance who was in dire need of a wife the moment he returned home.” She told Fotherby about Exeter being shocked that his two younger sisters had been left in his care because his mother had remarried and not taken the girls with her. “Even though Dorie did not originally wish to marry him, she came around. I always thought it would be a good match.”
“It sounds like it made the Season interesting.”
“You have no idea. Littleton and Adeline had their difficulties as well . . . and then we had Turley and Georgie dancing around each other until the autumn Season.” By the time she had relayed everyone’s stories, Fotherby was laughing.
“I had no idea a Season could be so entertaining. We must see what this one brings.”
“Yes, we should.” Except this time perhaps Henrietta would be the one who married. The only question was to which gentleman. After all, she had three prospects.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
As Nate listened to Miss Stern, he acquired a growing appreciation for the possible complications involved in finding a mate. Compared to her friends, Merton’s courtship and marriage to his wife seemed relatively straightforward. Or it would have been if it hadn’t been for Nate. He wondered if he could ever truly forgive himself for what he’d done. He thought he had, but it had become clear that he really hadn’t. If he could only bring himself to approach his former friend. He still had to summon the courage to do so. If he continued to court Miss Stern, the matter must be resolved sooner rather than later.
“I am surprised you are not at the Lords.” Miss Stern’s sudden question took him by surprise.
“I would have gone today, but I was already promised to my mother. I will attend tomorrow.”
She gave him a look of approval. “Yes, you did mention you would be there for the vote. It is important for all peers to do their duty, even if they do not like politics.”
He remembered part of the conversation he’d had with Exeter and Turley. “Are you thinking of Lord Littleton?”
Miss Stern let out a light sigh. “Yes. He will come to Town for an important vote. But he will not participate in discussions.”
Nate couldn’t see her married to a man who was not politically involved. Although he was sure she’d give her husband a push. “Cannot his wife convince him?”
“Oh, no. Not Adeline.” Miss Stern’s lips flattened, giving her a disgusted look. “She does not care for politics at all.”
He couldn’t help chuckling. “In that case, it’s a good thing they are married to each other.”
“They are very well suited. It is just that we all wish they would take more of an interest.” She tilted her head and gazed at him. “If tomorrow’s vote is important, you might meet him. Littlewood is only about two hours away.”
Nate would like to meet Littleton, but that wouldn’t happen on the morrow. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but Turley mentioned having Littleton’s proxy.”
“Why . . . oh, the babies. Of course he would not wish to leave so soon.” She must have seen the confusion in his expression. “They had twins a few weeks ago.” She shook her head. “How could I have forgotten?”
Nate thought he knew exactly the reason she forgot. Miss Stern was a lady who could focus her attention on something to the exclusion of all else. He’d like to have her attention on him, but he had a feeling that he’d have to convince her he was worth it.
He glanced at his mother, who was speaking with the duchess. Both of them gave him clear signals they would like to depart. “I believe we are being called by our respective chaperones.”
Miss Stern glanced at the brooch watch pinned to her spencer. “We have been here quite a while.” Nate was pleased when she tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. They started strolling to the door. “It has been lovely speaking with you. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you assisted Mrs. Perriman.”
He bent his head so that only Miss Stern could hear him. “I like being useful. Although I have my correspondence sent to me, at home I also spend time visiting tenants and attending to various other duties. Therefore, I have time on my hands in Town.”