At this, Merton seemed to perk up. “Indeed.” He nodded, more to himself than to Henrietta. “Indeed, I will be happy to negotiate the contract. You must, of course, be part of the discussions.”
She knew that was not how things were usually done, but she was happy to be involved. “I appreciate that.”
He took a sip of wine. “Have you set a date yet?”
“I wish to be wed before the Season begins. Fotherby has agreed.”
Merton muttered something like, “I’ll wager he does.” But she could not be certain. Leaning over his desk, he took a cut piece of foolscap and a pencil and made a note. Then he focused his considerable attention on her, and she was glad she had the glass of wine. She took a drink, careful not to make it too large. “Who is going to tell Thea?”
“I will. Marrying him is my choice. It is only fair that it be me.”
“I agree.” Merton blew out a breath. “She will not be happy.”
That was an understatement. Henrietta expected her sister to be furious. “I shall do it tomorrow.”
“I will notify you when the first draft of the settlement agreement is ready.”
“Thank you.”
He moved to his large leather chair behind the desk. “Once you’re wed I’m taking Thea back home. I’m concerned about her health.”
“That is a good idea.” Henrietta prayed there was nothing seriously wrong with either her sister or the baby. She rose. “If there is nothing more, I will probably see you at breakfast.”
“I’ll see you then.”
“Good night.”
She got to her bedchamber as quickly as she could without running. Once she had closed the door, she twirled around and fell onto her bed. She was going to be married to a gentleman she loved. And the only hurdle was her sister. Not that Dotty could stop the wedding, but she could try to make Henrietta feel guilty. It would be horrible if this caused a permanent break between the two of them, but Mama was right. Henrietta had to follow her heart. And, she thought, her head. Of all the gentlemen she’d met, Nate was the one who fit her the best.
Styles came in to help Henrietta get ready for bed.
“You must have had a very good dinner with her grace,” Styles commented as she took down Henrietta’s hair.
“I had a wonderful time.” She wanted to tell her maid, but would wait until after her sister knew. That was only right. Yet she was so happy she still could not stop smiling!
Once her hair was braided, she crawled under the covers. She did not think she would be able to sleep, but Morpheus must have had his way, because the next morning she woke fully refreshed. Henrietta threw her legs over the bed and rushed to the window. The sun was barely coloring the antelucan sky.
Just as she’d finished splashing water on her face and brushing her teeth, Styles entered with a cup of tea and a piece of toast. Henrietta hurried through her food and drink as her maid put up her hair and affixed a small hat with a feather on it.
“It looks like a fine day for a ride, Miss Henrietta.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” The smile was back on her face. In a few minutes she would see Nate again. And she must speak with her sister. “Can you find out what my sister’s schedule is today?”
“Of course,” Styles said.
Dorie and Georgie were almost to Merton House as Henrietta mounted her horse. She would be glad when Nate could meet her here. No. She would be happy when she was leaving from his—their—house.
“You are very cheerful this morning,” Georgie commented. She threw a glance at Dorie. “More so than poor Dorie.”
Now that Henrietta’s attention was drawn to her friend, she noticed the dark smudges under her eyes. “Did the baby keep you up?”
“He did. It would not have been so bad, but every time I put him down, he cried. No one else could comfort him. He is finally sleeping.”
“What was the problem?” Henrietta supposed she would also go through the same thing someday. In fact she knew she would. She was old enough to remember her younger sister’s birth and infancy.
“Flatulence.” Dorie wrinkled her nose as Georgie and Henrietta tried not to laugh. “When it finally expelled it was quite smelly. Nurse says it happens sometimes.”
“Oh, dear. Poor David.” Henrietta remembered something like that happening with either her younger brother or sister.
