Under the Mistletoe with the Viscount (Unlikely Lords #6)

Chapter 1

June 1816 London, England

T he Honorable Noah Hughes watched as his friend, the Earl of Robertson, squirmed in his seat, denying that he was in love with a lady he’d recently met at Lord Fleming’s house party.

“Bloody hell, Robertson. Tell her you love her,” Noah said as Robertson plopped down in the chair opposite him at their favorite club.

Robertson looked at him. “What did you say?”

“You’ve been moping around for the past fortnight, and as far as I can tell, there’s only one reason that would be so. You’re in love with Lady Armstrong.”

“No. Don’t be ridiculous. I admire the lady, of course, but that’s all,” the earl said, trying to sound convincing.

Noah had always been very observant, especially when it came to his friends. He could see how unhappy Robertson had become of late and knew that the earl needed a push to rectify the situation.

“Robertson, you might as well face the facts,” Miles Walker, their childhood friend, chimed in. “I’ve known you a long time, and I’ve never seen you like this, not even when you were courting Miss Grandier.”

“My previous courtship has nothing to do with this,” Robertson growled.

“Exactly,” Noah said. “You were merely disappointed when Miss Grandier passed you over for Evans. This situation is entirely different. It’s a fiasco of your own making. So stop being a bloody fool and go tell the lady you love her before you miss out on the best thing to happen to you.”

Noah watched the emotions cross Robertson’s face as he thought about what Noah said.

“Damn it, Noah. Why are you always so bloody right?” the earl asked as he rushed out of the club.

Noah turned to Miles. “Well, it was about time he did something. He’s been impossible lately, moping around here.”

“Oh? And what about you? What are your future plans? You seemed quite enamored with Lady Williams. What are your intentions toward the young lady?” Miles asked.

What were his intentions? He honestly wasn’t sure.

Noah was seven and twenty, too young to marry in his opinion. A better age would be thirty; at least, that’s when he’d always thought it would be a good time to marry. However, his friend’s question gave him pause. It was true he’d enjoyed his time with Lady Williams while at Fleming Manor. Bettina was witty, charming, had a great sense of humor, and he couldn’t deny she was quite beautiful.

“I’m not sure yet.”

“Really, Noah? Can you honestly say you’re not nursing a tendre for her?”

“Well, I don’t wish to marry yet, and it would be unfair to Lady Williams to give her false hope that our connection might lead to marriage,” Noah said.

“Noah, don’t be a fool like Robertson. You won’t know whether you suit if you don’t court her properly. Take the time to get to know the lady, and then you can decide,” Miles said.

Noah sipped his brandy while his hand slipped into his pocket to make sure Bettina’s letter was still there. He knew the words by heart, he’d read it so many times since she left it for him the day she departed the house party.

Mr. Hughes,

I apologize that I cannot deliver this message to you in person, but I must leave the house party earlier than expected. Lady Armstrong and I will be departing at first light.

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our time together, and I very much look forward to seeing you again. I reside with my brother-in-law, Baron Williams, at Crenshaw Manor in Albury.

In friendship,

Lady Williams

Wasn’t it a sign that he’d carried her letter with him wherever he went for the past fortnight? Albury was located not far from Guilford, where he’d attended the house party, and it would only be a day’s ride from London to visit her. Though he hadn’t made plans to see her yet.

What was holding him back? He honestly couldn’t put his finger on it.

Miles interrupted his friend. “Noah, I’m planning to spend some time with Lord Fleming again soon. He’s interested to know where he might invest some of the estate’s profits. Would you care to join me? I’m sure Fleming would be delighted to have some more male company, especially with his two sons away from home.”

Noah studied his friend. He’d met Miles when they were at boarding school, and they hit it off immediately. When Everett Simmons, the future Earl of Robertson, arrived a few days later, the three of them became fast friends and kept up that friendship through their university days and beyond. Miles had never lied to him, and he didn’t think his friend was trying to mislead him now.

What if Miles was correct, and he was more than a little enthralled with Lady Williams?

Neither he nor Miles were members of the aristocracy, although Miles was a much-sought-after wealthy country gentleman, while Noah was happy to tag along with either of his friends to ton events. Women seem to gravitate to his dark good looks, perfect smile, and startling blue eyes.

Noah’s Uncle Charles had always taught him to treat women with utmost respect, and his reputation as an upstanding gentleman who didn’t trifle with women had made him a favorite among Society hostesses, despite his lack of a title.

Noah trusted Miles. His friend had developed an affinity for numbers early in life, and he had a knack for sniffing out sound investments. Both he and Robertson had profited handsomely from Miles’s advice. Now it seemed Miles was going to share that expertise with Lord Fleming.

Should he go with Miles?

What exactly was keeping him in London?

Nothing of note.

It was the end of June, and the London Season was coming to an end. Most of the ton had already left the city for their country estates. If Noah went with Miles to Guilford, then it wouldn’t be far for him to call on Lady Williams. Even though he’d told Miles that he didn’t want to give the lady false hope, he had to admit that the thought of seeing her again made him smile. And thinking of her beguiling smile helped sway him.

“Yes, I’ll go with you. Nothing much is happening in London, and I did enjoy Fleming’s hospitality,” Noah said.

“Excellent,” Miles said. “I was planning on leaving Friday next. Will that suit?”

“Oh? So soon?

“Yes. I originally planned to travel there in August but Fleming wrote to me and asked if I could come sooner. I have a feeling he misses having men around to chat with.”

“I see. Well, I have no plans that make it necessary for me to stay in London. I’d like to ride, though, if that’s agreeable. I don’t relish being cooped up in a carriage for hours on end this time. Once was enough for me.”

Miles chuckled. “I agree. I have to admit, the last time we ventured to Lord Fleming’s estate wasn’t the most pleasant of trips. Too much whiskey the night before made that ride almost intolerable.”

“Agreed. You and Robertson were most disagreeable companions.” Noah said, standing. “I must take care of a few things before we leave. I’ll see you soon.”

“Good. I’ll write to Fleming to let him know you’ll be accompanying me. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled with some additional company.”

“Excellent,” Noah said as he strode out of the club. It was a warm night, and the moon was full—a perfect evening for walking back to the leased townhouse he called home while he was in London. His cousin, Aiden, would be joining him next spring, and Noah was excited to show the young man all around Town. Uncle Charles rarely came to London except to vote on bills he supported, preferring to stay at his country estate, Harrison Manor. He said London’s air was too dirty, and while Noah agreed with him, he did love the excitement of being in Town for the Season.

The butler opened the door before he made it to the top step. “Good evening, Mr. Hughes.”

“Bentley, there’s no need for you to stand vigil on the evenings I’m out.”

“It’s my pleasure, sir. Your uncle would be appalled if you weren’t taken care of properly. Shall I bring you a nightcap?”

“No, thank you. I have some things to take care of.”

“Very good, sir.”

“Bentley, go to bed. I shall be quite fine for the rest of the evening.”

The butler started to walk down the hall and turned when Noah said.

“By the way, I’ll be visiting Lord Fleming again. I plan to leave on Friday next.”

“Of course, sir. I’ll alert Mrs. Grenchy to pack a picnic basket for that day,” Bentley said.

“We’ll be riding this time, so have her put it in a sack that I can attach to Midnight’s saddle.”

“I will see to it. Goodnight, Mr. Hughes.”

“Goodnight, Bentley.”

Noah walked down the hallway to the study with a bounce in his step. Although he’d told Miles that he wasn’t carrying a tendre for Lady Williams, he couldn’t deny the fact that he was very much looking forward to seeing the lady again.

Would that be considered carrying a tendre? He wasn’t quite sure.

The question was, would she be happy to see him? It had been a fortnight, and he’d not written to her since he returned to London. He wasn’t much of a letter writer and didn’t exactly know what to say.

I miss you and want to see you again, but I have no intention of marrying anytime soon.

Even he knew his literary skills were appalling.

Maybe a surprise visit would be better after all.