With the tea set up, the maid asked, “Shall I pour for you?”
Emma shook her head. “No, that will be all.”
Kate curtseyed and left the room, closing the door behind her.
“Now, tell me, was it a true love match between Lady Armstrong and Lord Robertson?” Emma asked as she poured the tea and handed Bett a cup.
“It was, but it took the earl a bit longer before he realized it and finally proposed.”
“How romantic! Tell me, was there someone special who piqued your fancy at the party as well?”
A range of emotions crossed Bett’s face. For a moment, it looked as if she might cry. Emma reached out and grasped Bett’s hand. “Oh, Bett, what happened? You look upset.”
“There was someone, but I fear my interest was not returned.”
“Oh? How could that be? You’re the loveliest woman I have the privilege of knowing. Any gentleman would be a fool not to take an interest in you.”
A single tear rolled down Bett’s cheek, and she swiped it away. “I thought my feelings were shared by Mr. Hughes, but unfortunately, I’ve not heard from him since the party. That makes me question his feelings.”
“Mr. Hughes? A friend of Mr. Walker?”
“Yes. Do you know Mr. Hughes?”
“Yes. He’s been visiting with my father for the last fortnight.”
“He’s here?” Bett asked.
“Yes. You should see him at luncheon,” Emma said.
Bett felt like she’dbeen hit with a sledgehammer. Noah was here? Why had he not come to see her? “I’m not sure. Seeing him today may prove rather awkward if he doesn’t feel the same. Perhaps I should leave. I wouldn’t want to upset your father’s guests.”
“Why would it upset them? Seeing you today may be just the thing to spark Mr. Hughes’ interest once again. Please stay,” Emma pleaded. “There’s no need for you to leave.”
Bett hesitated, unsure of the best course of action. Should she stay and hope Emma was right about Noah’s interest? She sipped her tea and finally decided she had nothing to lose, especially since she didn’t relish going back to Crenshaw Manor yet. Either Noah was interested or he wasn’t, and it would be better to find out sooner rather than later. “Very well, I’ll stay. Perhaps you’re correct.”
The two young women talked about a number of things as they drank their tea. “Would you like to take a stroll in the garden before luncheon?” Emma asked. “It’s quite nice out.”
Bett swallowed hard. Being in the garden again would remind her of Noah’s delicious kisses, the ones that had set her heart on fire. But it was a beautiful summer day with a gentle breeze blowing, and she felt like she couldn’t disappoint her friend. “That would be lovely.”
“The garden has never looked lovelier,” Emma said as they walked along the path. “Father hired a new head gardener, who’s revitalized it.”
Bett walked arm in arm with Emma, and her heart ached when she reached the bench where Noah first kissed her. “I’ve never seen a lovelier garden,” she said, trying hard to keep her voice neutral. Confessing her interest in Noah to Emma had brought back all the sizzling sensations he’d elicited in her.
Would he feel the same when they met again over luncheon? Time would tell, and Bett’s stomach was in knots thinking about the encounter. What would she do if he didn’t want to rekindle their budding tendre for each other? Could she accept the fact that he wasn’t interested when her silly heart was devoted to him and wanted no other? How could she move on to finding a husband when she was head over heels in love with Noah?
By the time they returned to the house, it was nearly time for luncheon. They strolled into the parlor to find Lord and Lady Fleming and Mr. Walker already there.
“Lady Williams, a pleasure to see you again,” Miles said. “I didn’t know you were visiting today.”
Emma spoke up. “Lady Williams was kind enough to visit me, and of course, I invited her to stay for luncheon.”
Bett looked around the parlor, but there was no sign of Noah. She desperately wanted to inquire as to his whereabouts, but before she could ask, Emma spoke.
“Where is Mr. Hughes? Will he be joining us today?”
Bett saw Mr. Walker frown. Why was he frowning? Had something happened to Noah?
“I’m afraid Mr. Hughes had to leave on an urgent family matter. His valet arrived from London late last night with the tragic news that his cousin had perished from a fever.”
