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“Let’s get you home. You need a bath and some clean clothes.”
“Clean clothes, yes.” Nathan took a sniff at his collar and made a face. “Bath, definitely. Mother will have a fit if I go about the house like this.”
Simon laughed. “I didn’t think you really cared about that.”
“I don’t, but Mother will. I would rather get myself cleaned up than listen to her complaining.”
“Fair enough.” Simon gave him a sidelong grin. “It would be pleasant for me if I’m walking beside you.”
“Charming.”
It was going to be a while getting to his house, so they would need to grab a horse and carriage shortly. Nathan could walk for miles without complaint after years walking around the French countryside, but he was sure Simon wouldn’t be able to do the same. They reached the main road and Simon began to look up and down the road.
“Considering how busy it is, there should be a carriage around somewhere that we can use.”
“We can walk a little bit.”
“You may be all right with that, but I want to take the weight off my feet.”
Nathan rolled his eyes. “You know what your problem is, Simon? You’re too soft.”
Simon flashed him a grin. “I’m soft, and I’m proud of it.”
Nathan laughed. It was good to see his friend again. While he would rather be back in France doing what he was good at, the reprieve was becoming most welcome.
“Nathan?”
Nathan froze. He knew that voice. It was one he had hoped never to hear again. His heart sinking, Nathan turned to see the beautiful woman standing behind him. She looked older than before, but still just as beautiful. Her pale brown hair was twisted into a bun at the base of her neck, away from her smooth features. A little girl about seven was standing beside her, holding onto her hand as she looked up at Nathan with wide eyes. A maid hovered a little way back.
Most of the reprieve was welcome. This wasn’t. Nathan had been hoping not to encounter this woman while he was on leave. It had been a headache before, and it would be now since she knew he was back in London.
Nathan gave her a brisk nod.
“Lady Chapman.”
Lorraine Brooks - Chapman gave him a smile and shook her head.
“Oh, come now, Nathan. How long have we known each other?”
“Long enough to know you shouldn’t be so informal with me in public,” Nathan said sharply. He glanced at the little girl, who was still watching him curiously. “What are you doing here?”
“I was doing some shopping with my daughter.” Lorraine gave her daughter’s hand a little shake. “Emma, this is Nathan Reynolds, the Earl of Brixton. My daughter, Emma Chapman.”
“My Lord.” Emma bowed her head and bobbed a curtsy.
“Lady Emma.” Nathan gave her a slight bow. Being addressed in the way he disliked rankled, but he wasn’t about to scold a little girl over it. Not when she was well-mannered about it. He looked up at Lorraine, who was watching him with a piercing gaze. “Lady Chapman, I’ve got things to do. I don’t have much time to talk.”
“Reynolds.” Simon was at the curb, a horse and carriage stopped beside him. “I have a ride for us.”
Thank goodness for that. Nathan was looking forward to getting away. Lorraine frowned.
“Reynolds? Why does Lord Reading address you this way?”
“He addresses me correctly. It’s Captain Reynolds, and I go by that address.” Nathan bowed again at Emma. “Lady Emma. If you’ll excuse me? I have some business to attend to.”
“Are you back for good?”
Why did she have to sound so hopeful? Nathan frowned. “I don’t know yet.”
