Was Georgiana correct?
What if Noah had visited while she was away? Peter wouldn’t have any idea who he was and would certainly not be forthcoming about where she was. She loved her brother-in-law but not how he sought to control every aspect of her life of late. She wasn’t an innocent eighteen-year-old anymore. She was a grown woman who could make her own choices. “You may be correct, dear sister. I think it’s time I went home. I’ve enjoyed seeing you and Persing very much.”
“And we’ve enjoyed having you. Will you come back to visit soon?”
“I would be delighted,” Bett said, hugging her sister. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll have Lydia pack my things and we’ll be heading home tomorrow after breakfast.”
“Of course. I’ll have Lyons inform the stablemaster of your plans.”
Miles and Noah hadbeen guests at the Fleming estate for almost a fortnight now, and he’d become increasingly interested in Fleming’s daughter. Miss Emma Bent was in a league all her own. She wasn’t a simpering and demure miss, like most young women her age. She was witty, brutally honest, and not afraid to speak her mind on any number of subjects. It was a refreshing change.
Miles liked her.
Liked her very much, which was a foreign emotion for him. He’d not been attracted to many innocents in his seven and twenty years. Oh, he was no monk and enjoyed a good tumble with a willing woman as much as the next man, but his heart had never been a factor before. Each previous encounter had been for both parties’ enjoyment, and that’s how he liked it. He never trifled with debutantes and only went to events because Robertson had invited him. He might not hold a title, but he was wealthier than many of the nobs who looked down on him. Of course, no one would ever openly criticize him, especially when he was in the earl’s company. No one wanted to incur the wrath of the powerful Earl of Robertson.
However, every time he saw Miss Bent, his heart did a little flip. A most annoying sensation. What was happening to him? “Miss Bent, would you care to take a stroll in the garden?”
“Mr. Walker, as much as I would enjoy that, I’m otherwise engaged. I’m off to the village. There’s a new book on astronomy that the bookstore owner has procured for me, and I’m anxious to collect it.”
“Perhaps I may accompany you if you’d be glad of the company.”
Miles watched as Miss Bent hesitated a moment before her lips curved up in a smile. “That would be delightful. Thank you, Mr. Walker. Please excuse me for a moment while”
As much as Miles didn’t want to place any significance on her acceptance, he was secretly overjoyed. He’d had the pleasure of her company many times, listening to her play the pianoforte as well as playing a number of rousing games of chess against her. She was certainly no pushover and strategized well. The lady had hidden talents and had soundly beaten him on a few occasions. The first time they played, he’d let her win, and she’d called him to task for it. She was very clever and an enigma that he wanted very much to solve.
Why had this beautiful and vibrant young woman not been to London for a Season yet? He had no doubt that she would be much sought-after, so why was she still hiding away in the country? Or was it her preference to remain at Fleming Manor? Did she even want to find a husband?
What?
Why was he thinking about that?
He hadn’t seriously considered marrying any time soon. There was no need or rush. He was country gentry, and as such, there was less pressure for him to marry and produce an heir. His investments were doing well, and his wealth and excellent oversight over his small estate ensured his tenants had everything they needed. His income would certainly be enough to support a family. Miles did eventually want to marry, but it had never been a top priority for him.
Until now.
Could Miss Bent be the one to capture his heart? He had no idea. All he did know was that he enjoyed her company immensely and wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.
The village was a mile away, and it was a beautiful summer day—not too hot and with a cool breeze blowing while a number of puffy white clouds drifted along in the sky.
“Shall we order the carriage, or would you prefer to walk?” Miss Bent asked.
“Whatever pleases you will be fine with me,” Miles said.
“A lovely walk it is then. July can be so hot sometimes, so I like to take advantage of it when we have a pleasant day like today.”
“Agreed. Shall we?” Miles held out his arm, and when she placed her fingertips on his sleeve, he was struck by how right it felt. That had never happened to him before, and he didn’t mind it at all.
“My father is enjoying having you here,” she said as they strolled down the road.
“I’m pleased to hear it. I’ve been advising him on some investments that could help secure additional income for the estate.”
“Oh, he’ll be very pleased about that. He’s always worried there won’t be enough funds to take care of the family and tenants.”
“There’s no need to worry about that. The estate is solid. The investments I propose are merely to help secure more wealth in the long term.”
“That’s excellent to hear. I’d love to learn about investments myself.”
“You would?”
