Miles interrupted his friend. “Noah, I’m planning to spend some time with Lord Fleming again soon. He’s interested to know where he might invest some of the estate’s profits. Would you care to join me? I’m sure Fleming would be delighted to havesome more male company, especially with his two sons away from home.”
Noah studied his friend. He’d met Miles when they were at boarding school, and they hit it off immediately. When Everett Simmons, the future Earl of Robertson, arrived a few days later, the three of them became fast friends and kept up that friendship through their university days and beyond. Miles had never lied to him, and he didn’t think his friend was trying to mislead him now.
What if Miles was correct, and he was more than a little enthralled with Lady Williams?
Neither he nor Miles were members of the aristocracy, although Miles was a much-sought-after wealthy country gentleman, while Noah was happy to tag along with either of his friends totonevents. Women seem to gravitate to his dark good looks, perfect smile, and startling blue eyes.
Noah’s Uncle Charles had always taught him to treat women with utmost respect, and his reputation as an upstanding gentleman who didn’t trifle with women had made him a favorite among Society hostesses, despite his lack of a title.
Noah trusted Miles. His friend had developed an affinity for numbers early in life, and he had a knack for sniffing out sound investments. Both he and Robertson had profited handsomely from Miles’s advice. Now it seemed Miles was going to share that expertise with Lord Fleming.
Should he go with Miles?
What exactly was keeping him in London?
Nothing of note.
It was the end of June, and the London Season was coming to an end. Most of thetonhad already left the city for their country estates. If Noah went with Miles to Guilford, then it wouldn’t be far for him to call on Lady Williams. Even though he’d told Miles that he didn’t want to give the lady false hope, he had toadmit that the thought of seeing her again made him smile. And thinking ofherbeguiling smile helped sway him.
“Yes, I’ll go with you. Nothing much is happening in London, and I did enjoy Fleming’s hospitality,” Noah said.
“Excellent,” Miles said. “I was planning on leaving Friday next. Will that suit?”
“Oh? So soon?
“Yes. I originally planned to travel there in August but Fleming wrote to me and asked if I could come sooner. I have a feeling he misses having men around to chat with.”
“I see. Well, I have no plans that make it necessary for me to stay in London. I’d like to ride, though, if that’s agreeable. I don’t relish being cooped up in a carriage for hours on end this time. Once was enough for me.”
Miles chuckled. “I agree. I have to admit, the last time we ventured to Lord Fleming’s estate wasn’t the most pleasant of trips. Too much whiskey the night before made that ride almost intolerable.”
“Agreed. You and Robertson were most disagreeable companions.” Noah said, standing. “I must take care of a few things before we leave. I’ll see you soon.”
“Good. I’ll write to Fleming to let him know you’ll be accompanying me. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled with some additional company.”
“Excellent,” Noah said as he strode out of the club. It was a warm night, and the moon was full—a perfect evening for walking back to the leased townhouse he called home while he was in London. His cousin, Aiden, would be joining him next spring, and Noah was excited to show the young man all around Town. Uncle Charles rarely came to London except to vote on bills he supported, preferring to stay at his country estate, Harrison Manor. He said London’s air was too dirty, and whileNoah agreed with him, he did love the excitement of being in Town for the Season.
The butler opened the door before he made it to the top step. “Good evening, Mr. Hughes.”
“Bentley, there’s no need for you to stand vigil on the evenings I’m out.”
“It’s my pleasure, sir. Your uncle would be appalled if you weren’t taken care of properly. Shall I bring you a nightcap?”
“No, thank you. I have some things to take care of.”
“Very good, sir.”
“Bentley, go to bed. I shall be quite fine for the rest of the evening.”
The butler started to walk down the hall and turned when Noah said.
“By the way, I’ll be visiting Lord Fleming again. I plan to leave on Friday next.”
“Of course, sir. I’ll alert Mrs. Grenchy to pack a picnic basket for that day,” Bentley said.
“We’ll be riding this time, so have her put it in a sack that I can attach to Midnight’s saddle.”
“I will see to it. Goodnight, Mr. Hughes.”
