“I would like to see her again, but there’s much I need to do here at the estate first. I cannot leave at the moment.”
“I’m sure she understands the gravity of your situation, although it might ease her mind if you were to write to her,” Miles said.
“Yes. Perhaps I will.”
Later that evening Noah went to his study to write a note to Bett. Miles was right. There was no reason not to at least pen a short letter to her informing her of everything that had happened. He reached for a piece of paper and dipped his quill in the ink.
Lady Williams,
I greatly appreciate the note you sent on the passing of my cousin. Unfortunately, it is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you with more sad news. My uncle has perished due to a fever as well. The loss of my family is such a terrible blow, and it is hard to fathom my life without them.
Mr. Walker told me about your recent conversation, and it gladdens my heart to know that you would welcome a visit from me. Unfortunately, I cannot leave the estate atthis time. There is much to do, and it will take me time to understand everything.
I hope that you will understand and know that I think of you often.
Harrison
Chapter 17
It had been several weekssince Noah lost his family. His grief came in waves of intensity, and the nights were the worst. During the day, he was busy conferring with Miles about estate management, trying to absorb everything his friend had to teach him, but after everyone retired for the night, his mind was a sea of chaos, trying to make sense of the tragedy.
Could he have done something to prevent their deaths?
What if he hadn’t gone back to London with Miles and Robertson and instead had headed to Oxfordshire to see his uncle and cousin? He would have at least been able to see his family one more time before they passed. He regretted that decision most of all, but he had to push back the soul-crushing grief and move on with his life. His tenants and servants needed him, and he was determined to make his uncle proud.
He was looking out his study’s window, watching as baskets of food were loaded into the bed of a wagon. Miles had suggested that the tenants were also grieving over the loss of Charles and Aiden and would appreciate a visit from the new viscount. After thinking about it, he realized there was much value in Miles’s counsel. It was evident from the turnout at the funeral that Miles was right. Everyone was hurting over the loss of his family.
He wondered if he’d even recognize any of the tenants. Had the ones he’d met when he was a child stayed on all these years? Were their children now working the land?
“Care to join me today?” Noah asked Miles.
He shook his head. “No. This is something you must do alone. There’s no need to confuse your tenants as to why I’m with you. They’ll appreciate the fact that you took the time to visit them personally. You aren’t nervous, are you?”
“Perhaps a little. I’ve never held such responsibilities in my hands before. What if I make a misstep and the tenants suffer for it?”
“Noah, you’ve led men into battle without flinching. You must realize no one is perfect. We all make mistakes, but the crucial part is knowing how to fix them. I’ll stay with you for as long as you need me to help with the transition until you become comfortable being lord of the manor.”
“Thank you, Miles. I appreciate your support these past weeks more than you know. But what about Miss Bent? Won’t she miss you?” Noah asked.
That brought a smile to Miles’s face. “I do believe she will.”
“I thought as much. I saw the spark between you while I was at Fleming Manor. Is there something you wish to tell me?”
“The tragedy that has befallen your family has made me more aware of my own mortality. I do believe it’s time for me to take a wife.”
“And Miss Bent is that young woman?”
“She is indeed. I’ve never met anyone like her. She’s an exceptional conversationalist. I enjoy our lively discussions immensely, and the fact that she doesn’t want to reside in London makes her even more appealing to me. You know I prefer the country to Town.”
Noah clapped Miles on the back. “Well, my friend, I wish you the best. Miss Bent is a lovely young woman, and I’m sure she’ll make you very happy.”
“Thank you. I do hope so. Now, enough delaying. Go out and see your tenants.”
Noah knew Miles was right. Even though his heart was shattered, it was time to be the lord his tenants deserved. “I’ll see you later,” he said, striding out the door.
Mrs. Jerrison came bustling out of the kitchen with the last of the baskets as Noah reached the wagon. “Lord Harrison, this basket is for the Smithfield family. Mrs. Smithfield has just given birth to her fourth child and would welcome a little extra help.”
“Of course. That’s very considerate of you. Thank you for taking care of it,” Noah said, handing the housekeeper up into the wagon.
