Miss Stern gazed at her horse’s neck. “I hope that when Lilly is ready to go to pasture I will know it without being told.”
“You probably will.” There wasn’t much he imagined Miss Stern had to be told. In the distance Lady Exeter was galloping, and Lady Turley followed behind in her carriage. “Would you like to gallop?”
“I would.” The smile Miss Stern had on her face was luminous. For a moment he couldn’t breathe. My God, she was beautiful. “That is the most important reason to ride so early in the day.” She glanced around and must have seen her friends. “I am glad Georgie decided to come with us.”
And kind. “I imagine not being able to ride is one of the hard parts about being in a delicate condition.”
“Yes.” Her tone was different and her expression dimmed.
He hoped it was because she too wanted a husband and children. “Let’s go.”
They urged their horses into a gallop and rode next to each other until they reached a tree where the other ladies were talking.
“I have decided to have a dinner followed by an informal dance in two weeks,” Lady Turley announced. “That will give me sufficient time to discover who is in Town and send out the cards.” She glanced at him. “You will be invited.”
“I’m honored.” He bowed, and they all started to laugh. Nate hadn’t had so much fun in ages. He not only found himself being drawn to Miss Stern more and more, he liked her friends as well.
“And I shall have an al fresco luncheon next week,” Lady Exeter said. “You are also invited my lord.”
“Excellent.” Nate bowed again. “I am sure to have a grand time.”
“Henrietta, do you want to race?” Lady Exeter asked.
Miss Stern glanced at him.
“No, please go ahead. I shall keep Lady Turley company.”
She smiled that brilliant smile again. “On the count of three. One. Two. Three.”
Just like that, the ladies were off, cantering down the path.
“I wish I could. . . .” Lady Turley blew out a breath.
“Do you miss riding?” From what Miss Stern had said, her friend probably did, but it gave them some sort of conversation.
“I do.” A frown formed on her ladyship’s countenance. “I love that I will have a child, but I do miss riding.”
“It’s not forever,” Nate ventured.
“No, it is not. My husband frequently reminds me of that.” When she mentioned her husband her frown dissolved. “He was the one who suggested I drive the phaeton this morning.”
“An intelligent man.” And one who cared about his wife a great deal.
“He is.” She started the carriage forward. “Thus far we have all been fortunate in our marriages.” Lady Turley glanced speculatively at him. “We hope Henrietta will find the right gentleman this Season.”
That was his hope as well, but he wanted the man to be him. “As do I.”
Nate arrived home in time to change and make his way to Exeter House, where he broke his fast, then accompanied Exeter and Turley to the Lords. Even when Nate had been in Town before, he’d only gone for votes, and voted as he’d been told to. That was something he planned to change. It was past time he stepped forward and became involved in drafting bills and making speeches to urge their passing.
The entrance to Westminster brought back faint memories. The only thing he actually remembered was that peers sat by rank. They met with some other gentlemen to whom Exeter introduced Nate. After the introductions, they stood talking as the members entered the chambers.
“I’m going in now,” Exeter said. “You’ll be fine with Turley.”
“Thank you. It is a little strange being here again.” Just then Nate saw Merton pass by with three gentlemen. Two of them Nate didn’t know. The third was the Earl of Worthington. This wasn’t happening as Nate thought it would. For some reason he had imagined fewer people, and Merton looking at him as he had from his carriage. Instead Nate was simply part of the crowd of peers taking their seats, indistinguishable from the other gentlemen.
“Are you ready?” Turley asked.
“Yes. Lead the way.” At this point Nate didn’t know if Merton would see him at all. Unless he made an effort to be seen. If Nate wanted to try to attach Miss Stern’s affection, he had to resolve his relations with her sister and brother-in-law.
