“Nor do I.”
Lydia made quick work of the packing and went to fetch a footman to bring the trunk downstairs as well as collect Lady Robertson’s maid from the kitchen.
With one last look around her bedchamber, Bett grabbed her bonnet, pelisse, and gloves. The women made their waydownstairs, only to be confronted by a tearful Cecily standing beside Peter in the foyer. The last thing Bett needed was an emotional plea to stay from her sister-in-law.
“Oh, Bett. Peter told me you’re leaving. How could you? I need you here.”
Bett walked to Cecily and wiped the tears from her cheeks. She felt sorry for her but not sorry enough to stay. “Cecily, you’ll be fine. Little Stephen is thriving, and you have the wet nurse and your husband to help with the child.”
“But it won’t be the same. I need your sweet voice to soothe me.”
“I’m sorry, Cecily, but I’m leaving. There’s a friend in need I must visit. I shall see you later,” Bett said, giving Cecily a hug. “Be well and enjoy the baby.”
Cecily burst into tears and ran into her husband’s arms. “You must do something. Don’t let her leave, please.”
Bett glared at Peter before she and Olivia walked out the door to see a footman attaching her trunk to the back of the carriage. He handed Bett, Olivia, and the two maids up into the carriage before closing the door. As the carriage rolled down the drive, Bett looked out the window to see a tearful Cecily on the doorstep, being comforted in Peter’s arms.
She couldn’t believe Peter would try use Cecily’s tears to convince her to stay, but it didn’t matter now because she was finally on her way to see the man who’d held her heart for so many months.
“Olivia, I can’t thank you enough for coming today. I shudder to think what would have happened if you hadn’t.”
“I’m happy to help,” Olivia said, squeezing her hands. “Now it’s time for a new adventure.”
“Indeed,” Bett said, thinking of kissing Noah’s lips again.
Chapter 22
Carlton opened the door forMiles before he had a chance to knock. “Welcome back, Mr. Walker.”
“Thank you, Carlton,” Miles said, handing over his valise and hat. “I’d like to see Lord Fleming, if he’s available.”
“He’s in his study. Shall I announce you?”
Miles shook his head. “There’s no need. I’ll head down there now.” Butterflies roiled around his gut as he walked down the hallway to the study. This would be the most important conversation of his life, and he didn’t want to make any mistakes.
He knocked on the door and waited.
“Come.”
Miles opened the door and strode in. “Fleming, it’s good to see you again.”
Lord Fleming stood and came around his desk, his hand extended. “Miles, welcome back.”
Miles took his hand in a firm handshake.
“How is Lord Harrison doing these days?” Fleming asked.
“Grieving the loss of his family, of course. He’s settling in though, learning about estate management.”
“I cannot even image such a tragedy,” Fleming said. “It was good that you were there to help him.”
“As he’s never had any experience with estate management, it took longer than I expected to teach him the basics. I think he’lldo very well once he gains some experience. Robertson is with him now,” Miles explained.
“That’s good. The earl can offer him some sound advice on his responsibilities as a member of the aristocracy. You must be tired from your journey. Would you care for a tea tray?”
“I would indeed, but first, I’d like to talk to you about a very important matter.”
Fleming pointed to the chairs by the fireplace. “Have a seat. No need to stand on ceremony. Would you care for a brandy?”
