“And his uncle? Is he well?”
“That I don’t know. Noah will write when he can to let me know what he finds once he arrives.”
“Thank you for telling me all this, Mr. Walker. I must admit I’ve been nursing a broken heart, thinking Mr. Hughes was no longer interested in me.”
“My dear Lady Williams, I do believe my friend is more in love with you than ever. Once everything is settled with his uncle, he will no doubt call on you again.”
Bett kissed Mr. Walker’s cheek. “Thank you. I can tell you that Mr. Hughes isn’t the only one in love. You’ve relieved my mind a great deal. I shall send him a note with my deepest condolences and tell him that, whenever he can, I would very much welcome him calling on me again.”
“Of course. It will be my pleasure.”
Lydia joined them outside, and Mr. Walker handed them up into the carriage. On the way home, all Bett could think about was the revelation that Noah loved her… or at least that Mr. Walker thought so. What a tragic turn of events it was that had pulled them apart when they were set to reunite. She sincerely hoped that Noah could help his uncle through his grief.
As far as Peter was concerned, she didn’t know what to do about him. If she confronted him, he would only claim to be looking out for her best interests. And he was actually right this time. She chastised herself for not immediately telling him about her interest in Mr. Hughes. Would that have made a difference? Noah must have thought she didn’t care for him, but that was the furthest thing from the truth.
Her heart ached to see his startling blue eyes again.
That evening as she sat alone in her bedchamber, she went to the small desk in the corner to pen a note to Noah. What a heartbreaking situation he was facing.
Mr. Hughes,
I wish to send my sincere condolences on the loss of your cousin. What a tragic blow to your family. I have no doubt your presence will be a great comfort to your uncle.
I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers, and I look forward to seeing you when you are able to come to Crenshaw Manor again.
Lady Williams
Bett wanted to say so much more, but for now, at least he would know she was thinking about him and wanted to see himagain. When the ink dried, she folded and sanded the note. She would have Lydia give it to Adams to post.
Chapter 11
Noah urged Midnight on. Theywere nearly at his uncle’s estate, and when the stone house came into view, he breathed a sigh of relief, not only for himself but for his poor horse. The last thing he wanted was to lame Midnight, but the need for speed in reaching his uncle’s side had been a necessary evil. He wouldn’t have stopped at all if his horse hadn’t needed some rest and feed. Those few hours at an inn along the way had crawled by, but at last, he was here.
Riding up to the front door, he bounded off his horse. A groom appeared around the side of the house.
“Give him a good rub down and lots of oats. He’s had a hard ride here.”
“Yes, of course, sir,” the groom said, leading Midnight to the stables.
Jerrison, his uncle’s long-time butler, opened the door. “Master Noah, thank the stars you’ve arrived.”
“How is my uncle?”
“He’s in his bedchamber with the doctor.”
“The doctor?”
“Yes. I’m afraid he ran himself ragged caring for Master Aiden.”
Noah swallowed hard. It couldn’t be. He couldn’t lose his uncle too. Uncle Charles was his last living relative, and he loved him dearly. His fondest childhood memories were growing up here at Harrison Manor. He’d already lost Aiden, and ifsomething happened to Uncle Charles, he would be all alone in the world. He was devastated that he’d never hear Aidan laugh again, and his heart ached for everything that could not be. They had made such plans for the upcoming Season together. Now, everything was in shambles.
Noah rushed up the stairs and down the hallway to his uncle’s bedchamber. He burst into the room to find his uncle looking pale and thin in his bed with an older man standing over him.
The doctor turned around. “Who are you, sir? This is a sick room. You should not be here.”
“I’m Noah Hughes. That is my uncle. How is he?”
“Mr. Hughes, I regret to inform you that your uncle is very ill. He developed a fever two days after his son perished.”
