Fleming had a number of activities planned, and it was days later when Noah decided he couldn’t wait any longer. It was past time to take a trip to Albury to visit Lady Williams. He begged off the day’s shooting activity and told Fleming he’d see him for dinner.
His host hadn’t seemed surprised as Noah left the manor house.
“Your horse is saddled,” the stablemaster said when Noah appeared at the stables.
“Thank you,” he said as he swung into the saddle and patted his horse’s neck. “Come on, Midnight. We have a lady to see.”
The trip to Albury was a pleasant ride through the countryside, and as Noah rode up the drive to Crenshaw Manor, his stomach was in knots. Would Lady Williams be happy to see him? He’d decided to forego sending a note to tell her of his impending visit because he wanted to surprise her. She’d talked of the loving relationship she had with her brother-in-law, andwhen he arrived, Noah planned to ask for Lord Williams, as the head of the household. During one of their conversations recently about politics, his friend Robertson had told him about some of the baron’s passionate speeches in Parliament regarding the country’s deep economic recession, long-standing unemployment, and widespread poverty. He proposed changes to help the commoners, and Noah admired his commitment to making the lives of those less fortunate more tolerable.
He hopped off Midnight when he reached the front door, and a groom appeared from around the corner. “No need to unsaddle him; I won’t be staying overly long,” Noah told him.
“Of course, sir,” the young man said and led Midnight to the stables.
Noah walked up the front steps and let the knocker bang down. It was a few moments before the door opened.
“May I help you, sir?” the butler asked.
“I’m Mr. Hughes. I’d like a word with Lord Williams, if he’s available,” Noah said.
The butler opened the door wider to allow him entry. “Please wait in the drawing room. I’ll see if Lord Williams is receiving guests,” he said, pointing to the room on the right.
Noah walked into the drawing room, which was decorated in various shades of blue, with gold silk drapes framing the large windows. It was a pleasant room, although, for some reason, he didn’t feel entirely comfortable there. What was it? Was it just the anticipation of seeing Lady Williams again? Perhaps, but first, he needed to introduce himself to the baron before he asked for the lady.
He heard footsteps in the foyer, and when the baron walked into the room, Noah was surprised by his appearance. He was a lot shorter than Noah had expected, barely taller than Lady Williams, and had a lean build. His hair was thinning on the top of his head, but otherwise, he looked fit.
“Mr. Hughes, I’m Williams.”
Noah stepped forward and extended his hand. “Williams, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
The baron looked at him, taking his hand in a limp handshake. “We’ve never been formally introduced, and I’m curious why you’re here.”
“I’m visiting with Lord Fleming, and as your estate isn’t far from his, I thought I’d pay my respects,” Noah said, noticing how the baron’s mouth pinched in a grim line at the mention of Fleming. Had he made a mistake mentioning where he was staying? Why the grimace? He plunged ahead. “Robertson tells me you’re quite the champion for the masses. He says you’ve put forth several bills outlining your goals. I commend your commitment to making their lives better.”
Williams’ eyes widened. “You’re acquainted with the Earl of Robertson?” he asked, his interest finally caught.
“Yes. We became friends in childhood.”
“I see. The earl is a formidable figure in Parliament. We share many of the same views.”
“As do I. We’ve had some great debates about these very subjects.”
Things were going a little better. Noah didn’t like dropping the earl’s name so casually, but sometimes it was for a good cause, and seeing Lady Williams again was a great cause. He was surprised when Williams pivoted back to Lord Fleming.
“Fleming and I are acquainted, although I fail to see why that should prompt a visit from you.”
It was time to come clean about the real reason for the visit. “Well, I met Lady Williams at a house party Fleming recently hosted.”
“My wife has never been to the Fleming estate,” Williams said in a gruff voice.
“Your wife? No, pardon me. I meant to say I met your sister-in-law, the dowager Lady Williams, at the house party, and I was wondering if I may pay her a visit while I’m here.”
“She’s not here,” Williams said, his mouth once again settled into a grim line.
“Oh? May I inquire when she will return?”
“I fail to see why that should concern you, especially since she did not mention meeting anyone at that house party to me. Now, if that is all, I’m quite busy. Adams will show you out.”
Noah stood stunned at the abruptness of his dismissal. The baron seemed quite displeased that he’d come to call. Bettina had told him that she had a loving relationship with the baron, and Noah was puzzled.
