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

Chapter 6

B ett had been visiting with Georgiana for the last ten days, and although she enjoyed her sister’s company more than ever, it made her realize that she wanted another chance at happiness for herself. The love between Georgiana and her beloved was on display daily. Persing was a devoted husband, always seeing to his wife’s comfort, and Georgiana had never looked happier.

It was everything Bett desired for herself, but the man she craved hadn’t bothered to contact her. It was devastating to think that Noah had merely been flirting with her. She’d felt a deep connection to him and thought he felt the same way.

So where was he?

Was he offended that she’d left without saying goodbye in person? That situation had been beyond her control. Surely he understood that. Whatever the reason for his lack of communication, it had left her feeling adrift and questioning her own good sense.

Georgiana walked into the family parlor. “Good day, sister. I hope you slept well.”

“I did indeed. Thank you.”

Her sister sat next to her on the sofa and grasped her hand. “Then why do you look so sad? Are you still thinking about Mr. Hughes?”

Georgiana had always been perceptive, and Bett wasn’t surprised that her sister had guessed correctly at the reason for her sadness.

Tears pricked behind Bett’s eyes. She didn’t want to feel this hollow achiness anymore, but she was powerless to force her feelings to comply and forget Noah. Her stubborn heart wouldn’t listen to reason.

“Oh, Bett. Please don’t cry. I’m sorry I brought him up. Please forgive me.”

Bett squeezed her hand. “There’s nothing to forgive. It’s evident to me that Mr. Hughes does not feel as I do, so I have no choice but to forget about him. If he’d felt anything for me, surely he would have sent a letter or come to call on me. I told him where I was residing in my last note to him.”

“Are you sure he hasn’t paid you a call? After all, you’ve been here for nearly a fortnight.”

Bett blinked back her tears.

Wait.

Was Georgiana correct?

What if Noah had visited while she was away? Peter wouldn’t have any idea who he was and would certainly not be forthcoming about where she was. She loved her brother-in-law but not how he sought to control every aspect of her life of late. She wasn’t an innocent eighteen-year-old anymore. She was a grown woman who could make her own choices. “You may be correct, dear sister. I think it’s time I went home. I’ve enjoyed seeing you and Persing very much.”

“And we’ve enjoyed having you. Will you come back to visit soon?”

“I would be delighted,” Bett said, hugging her sister. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll have Lydia pack my things and we’ll be heading home tomorrow after breakfast.”

“Of course. I’ll have Lyons inform the stablemaster of your plans.”

Miles and Noah had been guests at the Fleming estate for almost a fortnight now, and he’d become increasingly interested in Fleming’s daughter. Miss Emma Bent was in a league all her own. She wasn’t a simpering and demure miss, like most young women her age. She was witty, brutally honest, and not afraid to speak her mind on any number of subjects. It was a refreshing change.

Miles liked her.

Liked her very much, which was a foreign emotion for him. He’d not been attracted to many innocents in his seven and twenty years. Oh, he was no monk and enjoyed a good tumble with a willing woman as much as the next man, but his heart had never been a factor before. Each previous encounter had been for both parties’ enjoyment, and that’s how he liked it. He never trifled with debutantes and only went to events because Robertson had invited him. He might not hold a title, but he was wealthier than many of the nobs who looked down on him. Of course, no one would ever openly criticize him, especially when he was in the earl’s company. No one wanted to incur the wrath of the powerful Earl of Robertson.

However, every time he saw Miss Bent, his heart did a little flip. A most annoying sensation. What was happening to him? “Miss Bent, would you care to take a stroll in the garden?”

“Mr. Walker, as much as I would enjoy that, I’m otherwise engaged. I’m off to the village. There’s a new book on astronomy that the bookstore owner has procured for me, and I’m anxious to collect it.”

“Perhaps I may accompany you if you’d be glad of the company.”

Miles watched as Miss Bent hesitated a moment before her lips curved up in a smile. “That would be delightful. Thank you, Mr. Walker. Please excuse me for a moment while”

As much as Miles didn’t want to place any significance on her acceptance, he was secretly overjoyed. He’d had the pleasure of her company many times, listening to her play the pianoforte as well as playing a number of rousing games of chess against her. She was certainly no pushover and strategized well. The lady had hidden talents and had soundly beaten him on a few occasions. The first time they played, he’d let her win, and she’d called him to task for it. She was very clever and an enigma that he wanted very much to solve.

Why had this beautiful and vibrant young woman not been to London for a Season yet? He had no doubt that she would be much sought-after, so why was she still hiding away in the country? Or was it her preference to remain at Fleming Manor? Did she even want to find a husband?

What?

Why was he thinking about that?

He hadn’t seriously considered marrying any time soon. There was no need or rush. He was country gentry, and as such, there was less pressure for him to marry and produce an heir. His investments were doing well, and his wealth and excellent oversight over his small estate ensured his tenants had everything they needed. His income would certainly be enough to support a family. Miles did eventually want to marry, but it had never been a top priority for him.

Until now.

Could Miss Bent be the one to capture his heart? He had no idea. All he did know was that he enjoyed her company immensely and wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.

The village was a mile away, and it was a beautiful summer day—not too hot and with a cool breeze blowing while a number of puffy white clouds drifted along in the sky.

“Shall we order the carriage, or would you prefer to walk?” Miss Bent asked.

“Whatever pleases you will be fine with me,” Miles said.

“A lovely walk it is then. July can be so hot sometimes, so I like to take advantage of it when we have a pleasant day like today.”

“Agreed. Shall we?” Miles held out his arm, and when she placed her fingertips on his sleeve, he was struck by how right it felt. That had never happened to him before, and he didn’t mind it at all.

“My father is enjoying having you here,” she said as they strolled down the road.

“I’m pleased to hear it. I’ve been advising him on some investments that could help secure additional income for the estate.”

“Oh, he’ll be very pleased about that. He’s always worried there won’t be enough funds to take care of the family and tenants.”

“There’s no need to worry about that. The estate is solid. The investments I propose are merely to help secure more wealth in the long term.”

“That’s excellent to hear. I’d love to learn about investments myself.”

“You would?”

“Yes. Is that so surprising?” she asked, her eyebrow raised as if she was expecting him to disagree, saying that financial decisions would be best left to the men.

“Not surprising at all. I would be happy to explain things to you if you wish.”

“Thank you. I would like that.”

“And what about your hopes, Miss Bent? Are you happy living in the country?” he asked, wanting to know everything about her.

She hesitated a moment before answering. “For the most part, yes.”

“Have you plans to join Society next Season?”

“Oh, heavens no!” she said, shaking her head.

“No? Isn’t that what most young ladies want more than anything?”

“Perhaps, but I’m not like most young ladies. All that simpering and smiling is quite ridiculous in my book. Why can’t young women just say what they want to say and not be restricted to such mundane topics as the weather or the latest gossip? After all, what’s so interesting about the weather?”

“I heartily agree, Miss Bent,” Miles said, chuckling. “London can be a complicated place. Society is quick to pounce on any weakness or oddity, and a wrongly placed word or action can ruin a lady in a trice.”

“Do you partake in the Season, Mr. Walker?”

“On occasion, yes. The Earl of Robertson is a great friend of mine and has invited Mr. Hughes and me to join him at several events. I had invited Robertson to join me at your father’s house party last month, where the earl became quite enamored with Lady Armstrong.”

“I’m familiar with Lady Armstrong through my friendship with Lady Williams, although I don’t know her well. Tell me, Mr. Walker, were you enamored with any of the ladies at the party?”

Miles was slightly taken aback by her question. “That’s a bold question, Miss Bent. Are you always so forward?”

She nodded. “I’m afraid so, much to my mother’s despair. She’s told me repeatedly that young women should not be bold when talking with gentlemen. That I should let the gentlemen lead the conversation. That doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t see why we cannot enjoy the same freedom as men do in their conversations.”

“I don’t disagree with you, but I’m afraid that’s not how Society works. The ton is fickle and will pounce on any oddity, especially if they think a young lady has overstepped what they believe is proper behavior.”

“Pfft. And now, do you understand why I do not wish for a Season?”

“Indeed I do, Miss Bent. Indeed I do.”

Miles filed that piece of information away. A young woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind appealed to him a great deal. Noah would also be very interested to know that Miss Bent was friends with Lady Williams. It was a happy coincidence, especially since Noah had been moping about for a while now. He could only surmise that he was still upset about not seeing Lady Williams.

Noah had been greatly affected by Lady Williams, although he seemed loath to admit it, even to himself. Miles could see it all very clearly, however, and he did hope that the situation would soon rectify itself. Perhaps Miss Bent would be able to gain some insight into the situation and find out where Lady Williams had gone and when she would return to Crenshaw Manor.

Miles and Emma talked about a great many things during their visit to the village, and on the way back, Emma was delighted to show Miles the different constellations contained in the astronomy book. When they reached Fleming Manor, Miles gave her a bow. “Thank you for a most pleasant afternoon. I look forward to hearing more about the constellations.”

“Perhaps we might look at the stars this evening?” Emma asked.

Miles smiled. “I would like that very much. Good day, Miss Bent. I shall see you at dinner.”

“Good day, Mr. Walker.”