“No, thank you. This is fine for now.”
Neither man wasted time delving into the delicious dinner. When they were nearly finished eating, Mrs. Hutchins sent over two slices of lemon cake.
As Noah leaned back after devouring everything on his plate, he sighed. “That was an outstanding dinner.”
“I agree. I’m not used to eating that much. I need to stretch my legs a bit before we retire for the night. Care to join me?”
“I would,” Noah said, following his friend outside. The countryside was full of shadows as the sun slipped behind the horizon. “It’s beautiful out here. I always forget how many stars are in the night sky,” Miles said.
“Agreed. The London sky is always so smoky that it’s a wonder we ever see a star in Town.”
After a leisurely stroll around the grounds, the men headed back inside the common room.
“Are you gentlemen ready to retire?” Mr. Hutchins asked.
“Yes. It’s been a long day,” Noah said.
Mr. Hutchins led them upstairs and showed them to their respective rooms.
“Thank you, Mr. Hutchins. I wish you a pleasant evening.”
“You as well, Mr. Hughes,” Mr. Hutchins said, handing him the key.
A steaming pitcher of hot water and a basin sat on the small table. This was why he liked theWhite Swan Inn—he was always so well looked after without having to request every little thing. After washing, Noah stripped down to his small clothes and climbed into bed. As he lay there, his mind was a whirlwind of confusing thoughts about Lady Williams.
Had she enjoyed his company as much as he’d enjoyed hers?
Would she welcome a visit from him or had he waited too long to contact her?
Did she think he’d just been toying with her at the house party? Nothing could be further from the truth. He’d felt so alive when he was with her—something he’d never experienced with any other woman of his acquaintance.
As sleep overtook him, her beautiful face was the last thing he saw in his mind’s eye.
The next day dawned bright, and after a hearty breakfast, Noah and Miles were on the road to the Fleming estate.
“So, what made you decide to share your expertise on investments with Fleming?” Noah asked. “It’s not something you usually do. As a matter of fact, you’ve always been very tight-lipped about your investing advice.”
“That is true, but as I got to know Fleming better, I realized I had more in common with him than I thought. He was country gentry like me before he inherited his title. He told me it was a tragedy that saw him become Lord Fleming. His brother and nephew both drowned in a boating accident and as the only surviving male in the family, he became the new baron. His newly elevated status didn’t change him though. He remained the same jovial man he’d always been. His tenants love him, and he wants to do everything he can for them, so he asked my advice. The yearly profits can only improve the estate so much.”
“Is the estate solvent?”
“Yes, but his finances could be improved upon. Once I understand more fully what he’d like to accomplish, I’ll know how to advise him on the best investments.”
“You’re a good friend, Miles.”
“Thank you, Noah. Good of you to say.”
They reached the Fleming estate by noon and were met with an enthusiastic welcome. “Gentlemen, I’m so pleased to see you again,” Fleming said, standing in the open doorway. “You must be quite famished after your journey. Come, Cook has prepared a lovely luncheon.”
Noah and Miles handed their horses off to a groom and followed Fleming inside.
As they enjoyed a delicious luncheon, all Noah could think about was that Lady Williams was less than an hour away. Being this close to her made him yearn for her company even more. He planned to visit the lady he couldn’t stop thinking about at the first opportunity.
Chapter 4
Bett was excited to seeher sister again. They wrote to each other often, but they hadn’t seen one another in almost a year. Georgiana’s letter last month had contained exciting news—she was with child—and Bett was thrilled for her. Her sister deserved every happiness.
The coach ride to Epsom took a good part of the day, and Bett was ever so glad to see Persing Manor come into view.
