Jerrison took their coats and Robertson’s hat.
The housekeeper stood in the foyer behind her husband, waiting to welcome Noah’s guests as they entered the manor. “Lord and Lady Robertson, I’m Mrs. Jerrison. May I show you to your room to refresh yourselves before luncheon?”
“That would be lovely. Thank you, Mrs. Jerrison,” Lady Robertson said before turning to her lady’s maid. “Why don’t you go to the kitchen for a cup of tea and a spot of lunch?”
Robertson turned to his valet, who’d ridden up top of the carriage with the driver. “Bryer, you might do the same.”
“Are you sure, my lady?” her maid asked. “I need to unpack your things.”
“There will be time for that after you’ve had something to eat. I’ll see you later.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
Both the valet and lady’s maid followed Jerrison down the hallway toward the kitchen, talking quietly amongst themselves.
Within thirty minutes, Noah, Miles, and the Robertsons had reconvened in the dining room. Mrs. Peters had outdone herself, and Noah made a mental note to thank his cook. He also needed to check with Robertson to make sure he was paying the staff a good wage. He’d never inquired about staff salaries when Uncle Charles was alive. At the time, there’d been no need because the last thing he ever expected was to become responsible for all these folks.
“How was your journey?” Noah asked.
“It was pleasant,” Lady Robertson said, winking at her husband.
“Indeed. My wife is excellent company,” Robertson said with a chuckle.
Seeing his friends so happy together made Noah realize that he was missing Lady Williams more and more every day. He regretted waiting so long after the house party to call upon her.
“Lord Harrison, I would like to ask your permission to invite Lady Williams here for a visit. Do you feel well enough for that, or should I plan to visit with her in Albury instead?”
Noah stared at the countess. Had she read his mind? “First, please do call me Noah.”
“Of course, and I’m Olivia to both you and Mr. Walker.”
“Oh, call me Miles. I think we can all dispense with such formality when we’re together privately.”
“I would like that. Thank you, Miles,” Olivia said, turning her attention back to Noah.
“Olivia, you may invite Lady Williams here if you wish,” Noah said.
“Have you written to her since your family’s passing?” she asked.
“I did send her a note but have not invited her for a visit. I thought it would not be proper without a chaperone.”
“Noah, Lady Williams is a widow—the same rules do not apply to her as they do to a debutante. As long as a woman is discrete in her affairs, thetonwill not chastise her. The rules are also a bit more relaxed in the country, but I certainly understand your hesitation. It was well done of you to think of her reputation.”
“Olivia, I don’t merely wish to have an affair with Lady Williams. I realize now that she’s the only woman for me, and I’d very much like to court her with marriage in mind.”
“Have you told her this?”
Noah shook his head. “Not in so many words. I, like many of my kind, am an idiot and didn’t realize how much she meant to me when I called on her, but she wasn’t at home, and her brother-in-law wasn’t forthcoming about when she’d be back. I regret waiting so long to see her.”
Robertson chuckled. “Yes. Most men are idiots when it comes to love.” He looked at his wife with tender longing in his eyes. “I nearly lost the most important person in the world to me because of my inaction. I wouldn’t want to see the same thing happen to you, Noah.”
Olivia frowned. “Hmmm… I had noticed the baron becoming quite overbearing even before we went to the house party.I know he wasn’t keen for her to attend even though Lady Williams has known the Flemings for years through her friendship with their daughter. I shall write to her and invite her here for a visit if that’s what you wish.”
“Yes. That is very much what I wish. Thank you.”
“Good. I shall write this evening after dinner and extend the invitation.”
“Thank you.”
