Again he saw Merton pass by, but by the time Nate entered the corridor, his former friend was gone. At this rate he was never going to be able to attempt to clear things up between them, and if he wanted to marry Miss Stern . . .
Marry Miss Stern.
That was exactly what he wished to do. Henrietta Stern was the only woman he’d ever met who made him want to marry. He could envision himself sitting across a breakfast table with her, discussing politics, or the estate, or other matters. He could also see her in his bed. The image was so real he groaned with need. Yet he could not cause a rift between her and her family.
Exeter met Nate and Turley as they reached the doors leading outside.
“It’s almost time for luncheon,” Exeter said. “Would you like to join me?”
“I would. Brooks’s?” Nate might be able to catch Merton there.
“Our meeting at Brooks’s is tomorrow,” Turley replied.
“No, my house,” Exeter said. “My wife will want to hear how the session went.” They reached the pavement.
“I cannot.” Turley shook his head. “I promised Georgie I would review her plans for the nursery when I finished today.”
“Fotherby?” Exeter raised a questioning brow.
“I’d be delighted.” Nate hoped Miss Stern would be present. He knew she spent a great deal of time with her friends.
“Excellent.” Exeter gave a pleased smile.
They strolled past several town coaches before entering St James’s Park, then onto Green Park. Turley left them when they reached Grosvenor Square. They arrived at Exeter House as an empty carriage was being driven away.
“It appears as if my wife just arrived.” Exeter strode through the still-open door.
At first it looked as if someone had come for a visit. Boxes and packages were placed in groups on the floor. Lady Exeter, two girls wreathed in smiles, and Miss Stern were removing their bonnets.
“Alex, you should see what we bought.” The smaller of the young girls hugged him.
“Are you certain I want to?” He took out his quizzer and made a point of surveying the bundles.
The taller girl shook her head. “You are being silly. This is nothing compared to what it will be like when I come out next year.”
Nate was hard put not to laugh when Exeter gave a dramatic shudder.
“Those are his sisters,” Miss Stern’s low, musical voice whispered.
“I thought they must be some sort of relation, but the girls don’t look at all like him.”
“No. They favor their mother.”
“Lady Penelope and Lady Phillida,” Exeter said. “I’d like to present Viscount Fotherby. Fotherby, m’sisters.”
He bowed as they performed graceful curtseys. “It is a pleasure to meet you, ladies.”
Penelope held out her hand, and he took it. “It is very nice to meet you as well, my lord.”
Not to be outdone, Phillida extended her hand as well. He took her fingers in his hand too. “I am delighted to meet you, my lord.”
He glanced up as Exeter was wiping a hand down his face. Nate was happy he wouldn’t have a daughter or sister coming out next Season. For the first time he was relieved that his sisters were all older than he.
Just then a lady dressed neatly, but not in the latest fashion, came down the stairs. “Come along, girls.”
“Oh, Holly, you will never believe all the things we bought!” Lady Phillida exclaimed, losing her veneer of dignity.
“In that case I am looking forward to seeing it all.” The governess shooed the girls up the stairs as a maid and two footmen followed carrying the packages.
