For the first time in weeks, Noah began to relax a little. Knowing that he’d be able to see Bett soon was soothing to his soul. He could hardly wait to hold her in his arms again. With both Miles and Robertson to counsel him on the best practices for the estate, he felt he could handle everything now. After dinner, they all headed to the family parlor for a glass of brandy. Noah poured the brandy for the men and a sherry for Olivia.
“Thank you, Noah,” she said.
As Noah took a seat beside the fireplace, he was grateful that he had such good friends to help him through his intense grief. The coming days would be plenty of time to question Robertson about Parliament and what he thought about raising sheep on the estate.
“My darling, will you play for us?” Robertson asked. “Music is always so soothing.”
“Of course,” Olivia said, getting up and walking to the pianoforte.
As Noah listened to the music, a calm seemed to settle over him. If he could work things out with Bett, he would be a happy man indeed.
Chapter 20
She walked into the diningroom with Robertson to find that Noah and Miles had also arrived for breakfast. “Everything smells delightful. Noah, your cook is to be commended.”
“I heartily agree,” Miles said.
“I’ll be sure to pass on your compliments to Mrs. Peters,” Noah said, filling his plate with eggs, bacon, and toast.
“Well, as much as I adore your cook’s expertise, I’m afraid I must get back to Fleming Manor,” Miles said.
“Oh, is there a reason?” Olivia asked. She and Miles hadn’t had a chance to chat much since they’d arrived. It was usually the men advising Noah on estate management and her husband talking about Parliament. That left little time for Olivia and Miles to enjoy any extended conversations.
He smiled. “Indeed there is. I’m going to ask Miss Bent for her hand.”
“Oh, how wonderful!” Olivia exclaimed. “I know her through my friendship with Lady Williams and like her very much indeed.”
“She’s a lovely young woman and everything I could hope for in a wife. I shall, of course, seek her father’s permission first, though.”
“That is always the wisest course of action,” Robertson chimed in.
Olivia turned toward her husband. “My darling, I’ve not heard from Lady Williams yet, though I’ve sent her two notes.I’d like to travel with Miles to Fleming Manor and then on to Crenshaw Manor. I’m quite worried about my friend and need to see with my own eyes that she’s well. You don’t mind, do you?”
Robertson shook his head. “Not at all… that is if Miles is agreeable to the company.”
“I’m most agreeable. It’ll be delightful to have a traveling companion to make the miles go by faster.”
Olivia filled her plate and sat down at the table across from Noah. “Noah, may I share your feelings with Lady Williams?”
“Of course, I don’t mind at all. Do you think she’ll return with you for a visit?”
“That I don’t know. It’s very uncharacteristic of her not to answer my letters. That’s never happened before, and I want to make sure she’s well.”
“She has not answered my letter either,” Noah said.
“Noah, I found her quite receptive to hearing from you the last time I saw her before coming to Oxfordshire,” Miles said. “It does seem strange that she hasn’t replied to either of you.”
“Exactly, and that’s why I want to check on her personally,” Olivia said. “It’s a very odd situation.”
“Do you think she’s fallen ill?” Noah asked, concern written on his face.
“I don’t know, but I intend to find out. I’ll send word once I know the situation.”
“Thank you. I’d be most appreciative.”
After breakfast, Olivia went to find her maid. She found her in the dressing room.
Her maid turned to her when Olivia walked in. “My lady, do you need assistance?”
