“We can only hope our sons will feel the same,” Fleming said.
The crunch of gravel out in the driveway drew everyone’s attention to the windows.
“That’s strange. Are you expecting anyone for dinner, my dear?” Fleming asked his wife.
“No. I’m as curious as you as to who would be visiting us,” Lady Fleming said.
It didn’t take long before the parlor door opened, and in swept a young woman in a blue traveling dress and matching bonnet.
“My darling, you’re here. We weren’t expecting you for another fortnight,” Lady Fleming said, hugging her.
“Mama, it’s good to see you again. I decided to come home early,” her daughter said. “As much as I adore my little cousins, I missed the peace and quiet of the country.”
Lady Fleming chuckled. “Yes, those twins can be quite a handful sometimes. How fares my dear sister?”
“She’s well and sends you and Papa her best regards,” Emma said, stepping back from Lady Fleming and looking around the room. “Oh, dear. I do apologize for interrupting you all. I didn’t realize you had guests.”
Fleming stepped forward and hugged his daughter. “My darling, you’re a most pleasant interruption. These are friends of mine from London, Mr. Walker and Mr. Hughes. Gentlemen, my daughter, Miss Bent.”
“Miss Bent,” Noah and Miles said.
Noah noticed that Miss Bent’s look lingered on Miles a fraction longer before she acknowledged them. “Gentlemen, a pleasure to meet you both. Now, I won’t interrupt you anylonger. If you will excuse me, I’d like to retire for the evening. It’s been a long day of traveling.”
Both Miles and Noah bowed as the young woman swept out of the room. Miles had seemed particularly interested in her, but then again, Miles always did appreciate great beauty, and Noah had to admit Miss Bent was indeed beautiful, with her vibrant green eyes and the blond ringlets that framed her face.
Noah raised an eyebrow and looked at Miles, his expression conveying,Now there’s a woman for you.
Miles didn’t have a chance to react before Carlton, the Flemings’ butler, announced dinner. They all filed into the dining room, where Miles was seated on Fleming’s right while Lady Fleming took the seat on the left. Noah took the seat next to Miles and inhaled the delicious aroma of the first course. He was looking forward to enjoying a good meal.
Three courses later, Noah sat back with a satisfied grin. “My compliments to your cook, Lady Fleming. That was a most excellent meal.”
She inclined her head. “I’ll be sure to let Mrs. Totter know.”
“Gentlemen, shall we enjoy our after-dinner drinks in the parlor with my lovely wife? She’s promised to play the pianoforte for us.”
Both Miles and Noah stood and followed the Flemings into the parlor. Lady Fleming took a seat at the pianoforte located in the corner of the room.
“Gentlemen, whiskey or brandy?”
“Brandy,” Noah said.
“The same for me,” Miles chimed in.
Fleming poured the drinks and handed the glasses out before taking a seat.
Lady Fleming played the pianoforte to perfection. As Noah listened to the exquisite composition, he wondered if Lady Williams played as well. He hadn’t gotten the chance to ask herbefore she abruptly left the house party. He understood why she left, but it hadn’t eased the disappointment he felt at finding her gone.
Noah slipped his hand into his coat pocket, where Lady Williams’s note lay.
Soon, my lady. I shall see you soon.
When the Flemings retired for the night, Noah cornered Miles before he could head up the stairs to his bedchamber. “She’s quite beautiful, isn’t she?”
“What are you talking about?”
Noah chuckled. “Come now, Miles. I saw your gaze linger on Miss Bent.”
Miles didn’t answer but instead turned on his heel and left Noah standing alone in the parlor. “I know interest when I see it,” he mumbled to himself before heading up to his bedchamber.
