Jerrison opened the door before he reached the top step. “Master Noah…I mean, my lord, you must change out of those wet clothes before you also catch a chill.”
“Jerrison, there’s no need for such formality. I would welcome our easygoing relationship to stay the same. Some things don’t need to change.”
Jerrison’s lips thinned, and a sadness Noah had never seen before crossed the butler’s face. “I’m terribly sorry, but I don’tthink that’s possible. You’re now Viscount Harrison and, as such, must be treated with all the respect due to your rank, especially in front of the staff.”
It was one more change that Noah hadn’t anticipated, but he knew the butler was correct. He was no longer merely Master Noah but now the lord of the manor. The thought terrified him. He’d never aspired to join the aristocracy, and with the title now his, he would have a lot to learn about running the estate, taking care of the tenants and staff, and eventually taking his seat in Parliament, although that was the furthest thing from his mind at the moment.
“Your valet has ordered a bath prepared in your chambers,” Jerrison said.
“Searle is here?”
“Yes, my lord. He arrived while you were at the funeral.”
“I see. Thank you, Jerrison,” Noah said, trudging up the stairs.
When he reached his chamber, Searle was there and helped him out of his wet garments with his usual efficiency. The man didn’t say much, and Noah appreciated the silence. The last thing he wanted was to talk about his current circumstances.
The bath was soon filled, and Noah climbed into the steaming water. His muscles unclenched as he soaked. He had no idea what his life would be like now. His days as a carefree bachelor were over. It was imperative he turn his time and energy into taking care of the estate, although as he thought about everything, a fleeting thought passed through his mind.
Life would be easier if I had Bett by my side.
He had no idea when he’d see the lovely Lady Williams again. His first priority was taking care of everything here at Harrison Manor. He couldn’t leave before he figured some things out. After he got out of the bath and dressed, he made his way downto his uncle’s study. He needed to write a note to Miles and let him know about the tragic turn of events.
As he began to write, silent tears rolled down his cheeks.
Miles,
Unfortunately, the worst has happened. Uncle Charles has also perished from a fever. I shall be at Harrison Manor for the foreseeable future, taking care of estate matters.
Noah
He sanded and sealed the letter using the Harrison signet ring that was sitting on his uncle’s desk. How many times had he played with it when he was younger? Charles always let him try it on, even though it would slip off his tiny fingers.
“Uncle Charles, I shall wear this ring and do everything within my power to make you proud,” he whispered as he slipped the ring on his little finger.
He tugged the bellpull.
It was mere moments before Jerrison appeared. “My lord, how may I be of assistance?”
Noah held out the letter. “Please have this sent to Mr. Walker at Fleming Manor.”
“Of course, my lord. I’ll send a messenger right away.”
“Thank you, Jerrison.”
“Will there be anything else, my lord?”
Noah shook his head. “Just the letter for now.”
Jerrison took the letter and left the room as silently as he’d entered.
Noah slumped down in the chair. This was his life now as the lord of the manor, and the sooner he embraced the changes, thebetter it would be for everyone connected with the estate. He would do his best for everyone, but he had no idea what it would take to mend his wounded heart.
Chapter 13
It had been four dayssince Noah left Fleming Manor, and Miles was beginning to worry about his friend. There’d been no word from him yet. Did that mean he was busy helping his uncle navigate his grief over the loss of his son, or was the situation worse than that? He didn’t know how much longer he could resist going to Oxfordshire and checking for himself.
“Mr. Walker, you seem quite distracted this morning,” Emma said, sipping her tea at the dining table. “You’ve hardly touched your breakfast.”
