“And Lady Williams?”
“She’s doing better now that we hired a wet nurse.”
“That’s lovely to hear. I hope to meet your son someday soon, and please give my best regards to your wife. I haven’t visited with her in a while.”
Peter didn’t reply and merely concentrated on his food.
The conversation around the table was mostly small talk. Bett didn’t feel it was appropriate, under the circumstances, to talk about their upcoming trip to London or the wedding. Peter would find out soon enough when she married. There was no need to add fuel to the fire, so to speak.
After the meal ended, Peter announced, “I must get back to my family. Good day, Robertson, Harrison, ladies.”
“Williams, the stablemaster will provide a fresh horse for your return journey. I will make sure to have your horse returned to you soon.”
“Thank you,” Peter said.
“Give your wife my best, and kiss baby Stephen for me,” Bett said.
Peter bowed, and without another word, he left the dining room and walked out the front door.
“That is one odd little man,” Noah said. “How did he expect Bett to return with him when he didn’t bring a carriage?”
“I’m sure he hadn’t thought that far ahead,” Bett said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Olivia, would you care to take a walk in the garden while the men discuss the details for our trip to London?”
“Yes. That would be lovely,” Olivia said before the women headed outside. As soon as they were out of earshot, Olivia asked, “What happened before we walked into the parlor earlier? Lord Williams looked like a thundercloud.”
“It was awful. My brother-in-law stormed in and was insistent I return home with him immediately. He grabbed me, and I thought he’d drag me out, but Noah came in and put a stop to his manhandling of me.”
“Oh, my. That must have been quite a scene.”
“Indeed it was. I was afraid Noah was going to plant him a facer so I stepped between them. He was still threatening me until Noah told him the consequences if he didn’t leave me alone. That’s when you and Robertson came in.”
“Well, I’m glad we arrived when we did. I can’t imagine what else might have happened.”
When the women returned to the manor, Jerrison told Bett there was a letter on the foyer table for her.
She rushed over, and sure enough, it was a letter from Emma.
Dearest Bett,
I’m overjoyed to tell you that Mr. Walker has proposed and I’ve accepted. We will wed in three weeks’ time after the banns have been read, and I sincerely hope that you and Harrison will be able to attend the wedding.
In loving friendship,
Emma
Bett had tears in her eyes when she finished reading. “You were right, Olivia. They’re engaged. I must send her a note wishing her happy.”
“Who’s engaged?” Noah asked when he and Robertson walked into the foyer.
“Mr. Walker and Miss Bent,” Bett said.
“He told me he was going to propose—I’m happy the lady accepted,” Noah said.
“Who would have thought at the beginning of the Season that all three of us would be leg-shackled,” Robertson said with a chuckle. “I, for one, am very happy to be in that state.”
“And soon, so will I be,” Noah said, pulling Bett into his arms for a quick kiss. “Now, ladies, I think you must get to packing for London. We leave after breakfast tomorrow.”
“Of course, my darling,” Bett said. She and Olivia walked up the stairs together to check on their luggage for their impending departure.
