“That will do nicely,” Olivia said before turning to Bett. “Of course, you must stay with us while we’re in London. We wouldn’t want to cause a scandal by having you stay with Noah before the wedding.”
While they were all chatting, Jerrison knocked and walked into the parlor, carrying a tray of champagne glasses.
“Ah, Jerrison, thank you,” Noah said.
“Of course, my lord. It’s wonderful to have something good to celebrate. All of the staff wish you happy.”
“Thank you. We will be leaving for London on Friday and will be gone for a few weeks before we return here for the wedding.”
“Very good, my lord. I shall inform the stablemaster of your travel plans.”
As Bett sipped her champagne, she could hardly believe how her life had changed. She was engaged to the man who’d stolen her heart, and in a matter of weeks, she would never be parted from him again.
Chapter 24
Bett was over the moonwith happiness, and she could hardly believe her good fortune. Noah was everything she could ever want in a husband—kind, caring, and considerate—plus, it didn’t hurt that he was tall and handsome.
She was in the parlor, trying to decide what color she wanted to have the room repainted. Harrison Manor was a lovely home, and Noah had told her that she should feel free to redecorate whichever rooms she wanted. As she looked around, she could see that the parlor could use some sprucing up. The rug and drapes were faded, and she wanted to lighten up the dark color on the walls.
She’d been talking with Olivia earlier about her ideas and was pleased that her friend thought they were just what was needed to revitalize the manor.
“I think the parlor could use your redecorating touch first,” Olivia had told her after the two of them had toured the manor.
Bett agreed. The parlor had dark maroon walls and a definite masculine feel. She wanted it to be a warm and welcoming room, where she and Noah could spend many pleasant days enjoying each other’s company. She was taking measurements of the drapes when Jerrison knocked and walked in.
“Lady Williams, you have a visitor.”
Bett turned around. “A visitor? Who is it? I’m not expecting anyone.”
Who knew she was here? It took a few seconds before the realization struck that the only people who knew she was here were Peter and Cecily, although she hadn’t given them her exact location, only said that she was comforting a friend. She didn’t have a good feeling about this. What if Cecily made another scene, trying to make her feel guilty for leaving, like the one when Bett had left Crenshaw Manor? That was the last thing she needed.
“A Lord Williams.”
Just as Bett feared. Somehow, Peter had found out where she was and had followed her here. He must have pushed his poor horse to exhaustion to get here so quickly.
Jerrison didn’t have a chance to announce Peter before he stalked into the room, his brow furrowed and his mouth set in a grim line.
The butler quickly left the room.
“Peter, how did you know where I was?”
“I remembered Olivia’s references to Harrison Manor from the letters she sent you. It didn’t take much to realize where you had gone.”
“I see. Well, it makes no difference how you found out. The question is why are you here?”
“I’m looking out for you. You’re living in a bachelor’s home, and it’s not acceptable. Think of what a scandal will do to your reputation and to mine. How do you think thetonwill react if they know about this arrangement? I’ve come to escort you home to avoid that unpleasantness.”
“Peter, my reputation is no longer your concern, and I will not be returning to Crenshaw Manor with you.”
He stormed over to her. He wasn’t much taller than she was, so his intimidation attempt was not as effective as he probably thought.
“You’re living under my roof, my protection—of course your reputation concerns me,” he said, grabbing her elbow in a painful grip.
Bett tried to pull her arm away. “Peter, you’re hurting me. Please—”
She didn’t get a chance to finish because Peter was suddenly yanked away from her and stumbled backward.
“Take your hands off her,” Noah growled.
