“Shall we go tell your parents our happy news?”
“Yes. I’m sure they’ll be delighted,” Emma said before they walked back to the manor.
They found her parents in the parlor, and the moment they entered, Emma couldn’t keep the smile from her face.
“Ahhh, I see Miles has made you a very happy young woman, my dear,” Fleming said.
Emma rushed to her father and kissed his cheek. “Papa, we’re engaged!”
Lady Fleming clapped. “How wonderful. I’m so very pleased for the both of you.”
“Papa, we want to have the banns read as soon as possible.”
“Of course,” Fleming said. “I’ll send a note to the vicar.”
Emma and Miles took a seat on the sofa and chatted with her parents about the arrangements for the wedding and the celebration after the church ceremony.
Miles squeezed her hand. “Are you happy, my sweet?”
“Deliriously so,” Emma said, staring into his beautiful brown eyes that she loved so dearly.
Chapter 23
Jerrison opened the door atHarrison Manor when the carriage pulled up. The footman jumped down and handed Olivia, Bett, and their maids down.
Now that she was here, Bett’s nerves were getting the best of her, and she wrung her hands.
Olivia squeezed her arm. “No need to worry, my dear. I’m sure everything will work out as it should.”
When they walked into the foyer, Robertson was coming down the stairs. The smile on his face made it crystal clear that he was delighted his wife was back by his side. He marched to Olivia and scooped her up in his arms.
“My darling, this past week has been an eternity without you,” he said, kissing her deeply.
Olivia was the first to break the kiss. “My love, we have a guest.”
Robertson looked up. “Lady Williams, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Bett curtseyed. “Thank you, my lord. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Olivia poked her husband in the ribs. “Well, where is he?”
Robertson looked confused; then he realized what his wife meant. “Lord Harrison is in his study, the last door on the right,” he said, pointing down the hall.
Bett didn’t waste another moment and swiftly strode down the hallway. This was the moment she’d been waiting for. It hadbeen months since she last saw the man she loved, and she didn’t want to waste another minute.
When she reached the door, she gave it a brisk knock.
“Come.”
Bett took a deep breath, opened the door, and walked into the study. Her eyes widened at the sight of her beloved. He looked magnificent—same broad shoulders and chiseled jaw—although he did look a little tired around the eyes. It wasn’t surprising, with everything he’d been through lately.
When Noah finally looked up, she saw a myriad of emotions cross his face, from shock to wonder. He bolted out of his chair and rushed to her, clasping her hands. “Oh, Bett, you’re a sight for sore eyes.”
“As are you, my lord.”
“None of that nonsense stuff. I’m still Noah, the same man you met at the house party. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see you standing here. I’ve been such a fool and have wasted so much time. I thought I should do everything alone, but I’ve realized that my real strength is when you’re by my side. Will you forgive me for—”
Bett stepped into his embrace and pressed her lips against his. There was no need for apologies. There was a moment’s hesitation before Noah devoured her lips like a man dying of thirst in the desert.
