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

Chapter 17

I t had been several weeks since Noah lost his family. His grief came in waves of intensity, and the nights were the worst. During the day, he was busy conferring with Miles about estate management, trying to absorb everything his friend had to teach him, but after everyone retired for the night, his mind was a sea of chaos, trying to make sense of the tragedy.

Could he have done something to prevent their deaths?

What if he hadn’t gone back to London with Miles and Robertson and instead had headed to Oxfordshire to see his uncle and cousin? He would have at least been able to see his family one more time before they passed. He regretted that decision most of all, but he had to push back the soul-crushing grief and move on with his life. His tenants and servants needed him, and he was determined to make his uncle proud.

He was looking out his study’s window, watching as baskets of food were loaded into the bed of a wagon. Miles had suggested that the tenants were also grieving over the loss of Charles and Aiden and would appreciate a visit from the new viscount. After thinking about it, he realized there was much value in Miles’s counsel. It was evident from the turnout at the funeral that Miles was right. Everyone was hurting over the loss of his family.

He wondered if he’d even recognize any of the tenants. Had the ones he’d met when he was a child stayed on all these years? Were their children now working the land?

“Care to join me today?” Noah asked Miles.

He shook his head. “No. This is something you must do alone. There’s no need to confuse your tenants as to why I’m with you. They’ll appreciate the fact that you took the time to visit them personally. You aren’t nervous, are you?”

“Perhaps a little. I’ve never held such responsibilities in my hands before. What if I make a misstep and the tenants suffer for it?”

“Noah, you’ve led men into battle without flinching. You must realize no one is perfect. We all make mistakes, but the crucial part is knowing how to fix them. I’ll stay with you for as long as you need me to help with the transition until you become comfortable being lord of the manor.”

“Thank you, Miles. I appreciate your support these past weeks more than you know. But what about Miss Bent? Won’t she miss you?” Noah asked.

That brought a smile to Miles’s face. “I do believe she will.”

“I thought as much. I saw the spark between you while I was at Fleming Manor. Is there something you wish to tell me?”

“The tragedy that has befallen your family has made me more aware of my own mortality. I do believe it’s time for me to take a wife.”

“And Miss Bent is that young woman?”

“She is indeed. I’ve never met anyone like her. She’s an exceptional conversationalist. I enjoy our lively discussions immensely, and the fact that she doesn’t want to reside in London makes her even more appealing to me. You know I prefer the country to Town.”

Noah clapped Miles on the back. “Well, my friend, I wish you the best. Miss Bent is a lovely young woman, and I’m sure she’ll make you very happy.”

“Thank you. I do hope so. Now, enough delaying. Go out and see your tenants.”

Noah knew Miles was right. Even though his heart was shattered, it was time to be the lord his tenants deserved. “I’ll see you later,” he said, striding out the door.

Mrs. Jerrison came bustling out of the kitchen with the last of the baskets as Noah reached the wagon. “Lord Harrison, this basket is for the Smithfield family. Mrs. Smithfield has just given birth to her fourth child and would welcome a little extra help.”

“Of course. That’s very considerate of you. Thank you for taking care of it,” Noah said, handing the housekeeper up into the wagon.

Mrs. Jerrison chatted as they drove down the lane. “The tenants will welcome a visit. The late Lord Harrison would visit his tenants at least once a month, and they’ll be happy that you’re continuing that tradition.”

“I’m afraid I don’t remember all their names. I assume some of the ones I knew as a boy have since moved on. The funeral, when I was introduced to most of them, was a blur.”

“I can help you with that. Would you also like to know a little bit about the families?”

“Yes. That would be very helpful.”

As the wagon driver made steady progress toward the tenant cottages, Mrs. Jerrison told him of the different families and their challenges.

The Smithfield cottage was the first one they visited. Noah took the time to look around the property and inspect the cottage’s roof, which looked sound.

Mrs. Smithfield opened the door with an infant girl in her arms and a young boy clinging to her skirts as Noah jumped down from the wagon.

“Good day, Mrs. Smithfield.”

She curtseyed as best she could. “Lord Harrison, it’s an honor to welcome you to our home. Would you care for some tea?”

“No, thank you,” Noah said, retrieving the basket from the wagon bed. “I’m making the rounds to visit all the tenants.” He handed her the basket full of fresh bread and other foodstuffs. “Mrs. Jerrison has put together baskets for everyone.”

A tear rolled down Mrs. Smithfield’s face as she took the basket. “Thank you ever so much. This is quite welcome. The baby has been quite fussy, and I’ve not had a chance to make today’s bread.”

“Mrs. Smithfield, please don’t hesitate to send word if you’re in need of anything in the future. I want to make sure all the tenants are well cared for. It’ll be no trouble to send more foodstuff if you need them.”

As they talked, a man of about five and thirty came around the corner of the house. “Millie, I hope you’ve made lunch. I’m famished.”

“Thomas, my dear, Lord Harrison has come to call,” Mrs. Smithfield said.

Thomas stopped short as he realized they had company. “Lord Harrison, welcome,” he said, pulling off his hat.

Noah walked to Thomas and held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Thomas.”

Thomas grasped it in a strong handshake. “My lord, we were all shocked and devastated to learn about your family.”

“Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say. I was telling your wife that if there’s anything you require, be sure to send word to the manor house,” Noah said.

Thomas’s two sons came around the corner of the house. They didn’t immediately see Noah and were bickering amongst themselves.

“It’s my turn first,” the oldest boy of two and ten said.

Thomas quickly stepped between them. “Boys, Lord Harrison has come to pay a call. Mind your manners. My lord, my sons —Thomas, John,—and that’s George clinging to my wife’s skirts. My daughter’s name is Margaret.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all, but I’m afraid I must go. There are many more baskets to deliver today.”

“Thank you again for the basket, my lord,” Mrs. Smithfield said. “It’s very much appreciated.”

“Yes, thank you, Lord Harrison,” Thomas said.

“My pleasure. Good day,” Noah said and climbed back in the wagon.

As the wagon moved on, Mrs. Jerrison told him about the different families on the estate. “Currently, there are eighteen families tilling the land,” she said.

“I see. Are all the cottages occupied then? I remember there being twenty when I was younger.”

Mrs. Jerrison shook her head. “You’re correct. There are two cottages on the outer edge of the property that are vacant. That land doesn’t produce well, and those families have moved on.”

“I see. Are there any other uses for that land?”

“That I do not know, my lord.”

Noah would have to investigate that. Perhaps Miles could offer some suggestions. Delivering the remaining baskets took most of the day, and by the time they returned to the manor, Noah was starving. Thankfully, his cook, Mrs. Peters, had a generous tea tray delivered to the family parlor.

“So, how did it go?” Miles asked, piling sandwiches on his plate.

“Much better than I expected, although I would have been lost without Mrs. Jerrison. She has a wealth of knowledge about the tenants and told me about each family and any challenges they faced. There were many new faces since I was young and trailing behind Uncle Charles.”

“Excellent. Glad to hear it went well. I knew the tenants would want to see you.”

“I found out that there are two vacant cottages on the edge of the property where the land doesn’t produce well. Perhaps we can ride out to see what other uses that land can be put to.”

“Of course. You know I enjoy a good gallop. Shall we investigate it in the next few days?”

“Yes. That will work. I haven’t ridden to the property line since I was young and should familiarize myself with all of the estate again.”

“Noah, remember all this new information takes time to digest,” Miles said between bites. “Don’t try to learn everything at once. Have you thought about hiring a steward to help manage the estate?”

“Perhaps I will at some time in the future, but for now, I’d like to know and understand everything first.”

“Of course. That makes sense.”

After they’d eaten their fill, Noah stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to write some letters.”

“Oh? Perhaps one of them will be to Lady Williams?”

“I did write to her explaining the situation.”

“I’m glad to hear it. So you do plan on courting her then?” Miles asked.

“Yes. I will, but at the moment, I need to write to Robertson to inquire about the rules and regulations for joining Parliament in November. I’m not sure if Mr. Henshaw has told me everything I need to know.”

“Good idea.”

“I’ll see you later,” Noah said, exiting the parlor and making his way downstairs to his study. His mind was a jumble of thoughts, especially concerning Lady Williams, but as he told Miles, he had explained the situation to her and that it wasn’t the right time to court her. He didn’t want to leave the estate, and she certainly couldn’t come here. They weren’t engaged, and it would be inappropriate for her to stay here without another female in residence.

The most important thing to him at the moment was taking care of the estate and making his uncle proud of him. As much as he wanted to see Lady Williams again, he would have to put his personal feelings aside for the time being.

“Lord Harrison, do you need any assistance?” Jerrison asked when Noah was walking down the hallway.

“No. I shall be in my study. There are letters I need to write.”

“Very good, sir,” the butler said, walking away.

As Noah neared the study door, a wave of nostalgia hit him hard. He remembered so many good times when he and Aiden had been in the study while Uncle Charles read over the estate plans and tried to explain them. Noah should have paid more attention to the lessons about estate management, but at the time, there’d been no need. Aiden was young and healthy, and no one could have foreseen the tragedy that would befall his family.

He opened the door and sat down at his uncle’s desk. No—it was his desk now. He took out a sheet of paper and dipped the quill in the ink pot.

Robertson,

I write to you with a heavy heart. My Uncle Charles and cousin Aiden have both perished from fevers. It seems I am the new Viscount Harrison, although it’s the last thing I would ever wish for.

I would welcome your advice on a number of issues concerning estate management and joining Parliament.

As such, I would like to invite you and Lady Robertson to visit at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Harrison

Noah sanded and sealed the letter. It felt so strange to sign that name. Harrison was his uncle’s name, not his. It would take a long time for him to get used to the title.