Williams didn’t seem like a loving sort of fellow; was that why Bettina had failed to tell him about their meeting? They’d hit it off so well during their time together… or so he’d thought. Had she not felt the spark between them? And where had she gone? Was she out merely for the day? If so, why hadn’t Williams just told him that? Something seemed a little off about the baron, but he couldn’t put his finger on it.
He regretted waiting so long, and it seemed he would have no other opportunity to find out any more information about Bett’s whereabouts. He should have made the journey sooner, but it hadn’t entered his mind that she wouldn’t be here.
As Adams escorted him to the door, Noah couldn’t help but wonder if his attraction to Lady Williams had all been one-sided. It certainly hadn’t felt that way at the time. Bettina had been so responsive in his arms, and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. To find out that she hadn’t even mentioned him to her family was a gut punch.
He really wanted to see her again and hear from her own lips that she no longer wanted to see him. Then he would believe thattheir connection at the house party was nothing more than her trifling with him.
That didn’t sit well with him, as he’d never misjudged a lady’s feelings before. However, for the moment, there was nothing else he could do but head back to Fleming Manor.
Miles was in thestables when Noah returned from his visit to Crenshaw Manor. “Did you enjoy your ride?”
Noah shook his head. “I didn’t go riding. I went to call on Lady Williams.”
Miles smiled. “I see. And how is the lovely lady?”
“I don’t know. She wasn’t there.”
“Was she merely out for the day, perhaps?”
“Williams wasn’t forthcoming about her whereabouts, and I was summarily dismissed.”
“Well, thatissurprising.”
“Indeed it was,” Noah said, stalking off.
Miles had never seen Noah so upset before. But then again, he’d never seen his friend form an attachment to a lady as quickly as he had with Lady Williams. Though Noah wouldn’t admit it, Miles believed his friend was in love with her. It would certainly explain his current state of unrest.
Sometimes, it was best not to interfere and to let these things take their course, although he did hate to see Noah so unsettled.
Chapter 6
Bett had been visiting withGeorgiana for the last ten days, and although she enjoyed her sister’s company more than ever, it made her realize that she wanted another chance at happiness for herself. The love between Georgiana and her beloved was on display daily. Persing was a devoted husband, always seeing to his wife’s comfort, and Georgiana had never looked happier.
It was everything Bett desired for herself, but the man she craved hadn’t bothered to contact her. It was devastating to think that Noah had merely been flirting with her. She’d felt a deep connection to him and thought he felt the same way.
So where was he?
Was he offended that she’d left without saying goodbye in person? That situation had been beyond her control. Surely he understood that. Whatever the reason for his lack of communication, it had left her feeling adrift and questioning her own good sense.
Georgiana walked into the family parlor. “Good day, sister. I hope you slept well.”
“I did indeed. Thank you.”
Her sister sat next to her on the sofa and grasped her hand. “Then why do you look so sad? Are you still thinking about Mr. Hughes?”
Georgiana had always been perceptive, and Bett wasn’t surprised that her sister had guessed correctly at the reason for her sadness.
Tears pricked behind Bett’s eyes. She didn’t want to feel this hollow achiness anymore, but she was powerless to force her feelings to comply and forget Noah. Her stubborn heart wouldn’t listen to reason.
“Oh, Bett. Please don’t cry. I’m sorry I brought him up. Please forgive me.”
Bett squeezed her hand. “There’s nothing to forgive. It’s evident to me that Mr. Hughes does not feel as I do, so I have no choice but to forget about him. If he’d felt anything for me, surely he would have sent a letter or come to call on me. I told him where I was residing in my last note to him.”
“Are you sure he hasn’t paid you a call? After all, you’ve been here for nearly a fortnight.”
Bett blinked back her tears.
Wait.
