Bett squeezed Georgiana’s hand. “I’ll see you at dinner. You should rest,” she said before following Mrs. Ketterly to her bedchamber. Lydia was unpacking her things when she walked in.
“Did you enjoy tea with your sister?” Lydia asked.
“I did. It’s lovely to see her again.”
“Would you like to change out of your traveling dress?”
“Yes.”
Lydia pulled a yellow silk dress out of the armoire. “Will this one do?”
“That’s always been one of my favorites, and it will be fine for dinner.” After she’d washed off the dirt from traveling and changed, Bett headed back downstairs. Her sister had taken her advice and retired to her bedchamber to rest before dinner, but Bett wasn’t tired. She walked down to the foyer.
“Lady Williams, may I offer you some assistance?” Lyons, the butler, asked.
“I was going to stroll around the garden for a bit before dinner.”
“Very good, my lady,” he said, opening the door. “Enjoy your walk.”
Bett walked around the side of the house to the lovely garden awash in red, pink, and white. The roses scented the air, and though they were beautiful, they reminded her of another lovely garden, which she’d recently been in with Mr. Hughes. He had kissed her for the first time near a row of pink rose bushes.
It had been such a magical kiss. Perhaps it only felt that way because it had been over a year since she’d been kissed by a man, but she was sure it was more than that. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, Mr. Hughes was a better kisser than her beloved Stephen. That had surprised her, but then again, Stephen had been the only man she’d ever kissed, so she had nothing to compare it to.
Mr. Hughes knew his way around a lady’s lips, and when his tongue had swept into her mouth, she’d groaned in pleasure. That kiss had ignited a fire within her, and no amount of time apart seemed to be able to quench it. It was an entirely new experience for her.
Her late husband had been the love of her life, but Stephen was gone. Maybe there was room for another man in her heart.
Had Mr. Hughes thought of her since her departure from the house party?
Was Georgiana correct in her thinking that men took longer to realize their feelings?
Was that why she hadn’t heard from him this last fortnight?
All these confusing thoughts whirled through her mind as she walked around the garden.
Mr. Hughes, do you still crave my company as much as I crave yours? Please say you do.
Chapter 5
“Mr. Hughes, I’m so gladyou’ve decided to visit again,” Lord Fleming said, leading him and Miles into the parlor.
“Lord Fleming, how could I pass up the chance to visit your estate again? It’s quite beautiful. And, please, call me Noah.”
“Thank you, Noah. Please call me Fleming, no need to be so formal in my own home.”
Lady Fleming walked into the room to join them for drinks before dinner. “Gentlemen, a pleasure to see you both again.”
“Lady Fleming, the pleasure is ours,” Noah said with a bow.
Lady Fleming was an elegant and attractive woman with light-brown hair and expressive hazel eyes. She appeared to be much younger than her husband, but one glance at the way she gazed at Fleming told Noah that theirs was a love match. Did he hope for such a match some day? The image of Lady Williams popped into his mind, although he quickly dismissed it. The lady was lovely, but he certainly didn’t love her.
“My dear husband was quite happy to learn he’d have some male company for a bit. I’m afraid it’s rather dull around here with both of our sons away at university.”
“Will they be returning for the summer?” Miles asked.
Lady Fleming sighed. “I’m not sure. They’re young men now, and I’m sure London holds more appeal for them than rusticating in the country with their parents.”
Noah chuckled. “That’s very true, my lady. I remember those days, but I soon came to appreciate everything my uncle had done for me.”
