“Yes. Is that so surprising?” she asked, her eyebrow raised as if she was expecting him to disagree, saying that financial decisions would be best left to the men.
“Not surprising at all. I would be happy to explain things to you if you wish.”
“Thank you. I would like that.”
“And what about your hopes, Miss Bent? Are you happy living in the country?” he asked, wanting to know everything about her.
She hesitated a moment before answering. “For the most part, yes.”
“Have you plans to join Society next Season?”
“Oh, heavens no!” she said, shaking her head.
“No? Isn’t that what most young ladies want more than anything?”
“Perhaps, but I’m not like most young ladies. All that simpering and smiling is quite ridiculous in my book. Why can’t young women just say what they want to say and not be restricted to such mundane topics as the weather or the latest gossip? After all, what’s so interesting about the weather?”
“I heartily agree, Miss Bent,” Miles said, chuckling. “London can be a complicated place. Society is quick to pounce on any weakness or oddity, and a wrongly placed word or action can ruin a lady in a trice.”
“Do you partake in the Season, Mr. Walker?”
“On occasion, yes. The Earl of Robertson is a great friend of mine and has invited Mr. Hughes and me to join him at several events. I had invited Robertson to join me at your father’s house party last month, where the earl became quite enamored with Lady Armstrong.”
“I’m familiar with Lady Armstrong through my friendship with Lady Williams, although I don’t know her well. Tell me, Mr. Walker, were you enamored with any of the ladies at the party?”
Miles was slightly taken aback by her question. “That’s a bold question, Miss Bent. Are you always so forward?”
She nodded. “I’m afraid so, much to my mother’s despair. She’s told me repeatedly that young women should not be bold when talking with gentlemen. That I should let the gentlemen lead the conversation. That doesn’t sit well with me. I don’tsee why we cannot enjoy the same freedom as men do in their conversations.”
“I don’t disagree with you, but I’m afraid that’s not how Society works. Thetonis fickle and will pounce on any oddity, especially if they think a young lady has overstepped what they believe is proper behavior.”
“Pfft. And now, do you understand why I do not wish for a Season?”
“Indeed I do, Miss Bent. Indeed I do.”
Miles filed that piece of information away. A young woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind appealed to him a great deal. Noah would also be very interested to know that Miss Bent was friends with Lady Williams. It was a happy coincidence, especially since Noah had been moping about for a while now. He could only surmise that he was still upset about not seeing Lady Williams.
Noah had been greatly affected by Lady Williams, although he seemed loath to admit it, even to himself. Miles could see it all very clearly, however, and he did hope that the situation would soon rectify itself. Perhaps Miss Bent would be able to gain some insight into the situation and find out where Lady Williams had gone and when she would return to Crenshaw Manor.
Miles and Emma talked about a great many things during their visit to the village, and on the way back, Emma was delighted to show Miles the different constellations contained in the astronomy book. When they reached Fleming Manor, Miles gave her a bow. “Thank you for a most pleasant afternoon. I look forward to hearing more about the constellations.”
“Perhaps we might look at the stars this evening?” Emma asked.
Miles smiled. “I would like that very much. Good day, Miss Bent. I shall see you at dinner.”
“Good day, Mr. Walker.”
Chapter 7
When Bett returned home toCrenshaw Manor, there were a number of letters waiting for her on the table in the foyer. Her heart was pounding as she scooped up the stack and hurried upstairs to her bedchamber.
Lydia was unpacking her things when she walked into her room. “May I help you with something, my lady?”
She wanted privacy while she read through her correspondence. She hoped with all her heart that one of the letters was from Mr. Hughes, and though Lydia had witnessed their growing connection at the house party, Bett didn’t want her to know one way or another if there was a letter from him. “A cup of tea would be most welcome.”
“Of course, my lady. I shall return momentarily.”
“Lydia, don’t rush back. Sit and have a cup of tea and refresh yourself. I shall be fine until you return.”
