“Yes.” Her friend gave her a critical look. “I like that hat.”
“Thank you.” Trimmed with red ribbons to match her spencer, it was made of straw with a fairly wide brim and a shallow crown. “It is one of my favorites.”
“Come along. We do not wish to keep Georgie waiting.” Dorie headed toward the stairs.
Henrietta grabbed her gloves and reticule and hurried after her friend.
Soon they were at Turley House on Green Street. When Georgie came down the steps, Henrietta noticed her girth. It looked to be the same as her sister’s. How was that possible when Dotty was not due until early autumn? Come to think of it, Grace was the same size as Dotty.
Once Georgie settled onto the plush carriage bench, Henrietta asked, “When are you due?”
“In July.” Georgie grinned. “I have sufficient time to visit Town before returning to the country to have the baby.”
Several minutes later they arrived at the milliner they liked on Bruton Street. By then Henrietta had told the story of Lord Fotherby to Georgie.
“This should be interesting.” She frowned as they strolled into the shop. “Why is it nothing can be easy for any of us?”
“If I knew the answer to that question.” Henrietta blew out a frustrated breath. “I would have saved us all a great deal of trouble.” She glanced at Dorie. “Although I did suggest you marry Exeter, and you insisted you were not interested.”
Dorie grinned. “Very true, but I am not sure that we would have realized I loved him if I had agreed at the beginning.”
“Turley and me,” Georgie quipped. “Perhaps it is true that one appreciates things that one must work for.”
The hours passed and, surprisingly, all their purchases fit in the areas Exeter had designed for package storage in the carriage.
By the time they turned into the Square, Henrietta was more nervous about meeting Fotherby than she thought she would be. Perhaps a brisk walk to Exeter House would be helpful.
The coach drove past her house, and she felt her eyes widen. “Am I not going home first?”
Both her friends shook their heads.
“We thought it would be easier this way,” Georgie said. “I remember when Turley finally came to Littlewood. We had been out looking at the follies, and I felt very much at a disadvantage by not being there when he first arrived.”
“If you think it is best.” Henrietta tried not to cringe and hoped they were right.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
Nate wiped his hands down the sides of his pantaloons for the second time as he walked from his house to Exeter House. He entered the Square at the other end of where Merton House was located to avoid anyone seeing him, and donned his gloves. He’d been afraid that they’d be damp before he arrived.
Coward.
“Well, I have some reason to be concerned,” he muttered to himself. Even now he was entering an uncertain situation.
Before he was ready he was climbing the steps to Exeter House. When he reached the top tread, the door opened and a butler bowed. “Lord Fotherby, please follow me.”
He followed the servant down a corridor to a room at the end. The sounds of people laughing could be heard as he neared.
The butler entered, then stood to the side. “Viscount Fotherby.”
Exeter strode forward, holding out his hand. “I am pleased to see you again.” He turned and spread his arm to indicate the others in the bright, cozy room. “Allow me to introduce you. My dear, may I present Lord Fotherby?”
A dark-haired lady curtseyed and held out her hand. He bowed over it. “A pleasure to finally meet you, my lord. I believe I have seen you riding in the Park.”
“Yes. I have seen you as well.” From the corner of his eye, Nate could see Miss Stern standing witha blond-haired lady.
“Lady Turley,” Exeter said, “May I introduce Lord Fotherby?”
She smiled and held out her hand as well. “Good afternoon, my lord.”
