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

Chapter 23

J errison opened the door at Harrison Manor when the carriage pulled up. The footman jumped down and handed Olivia, Bett, and their maids down.

Now that she was here, Bett’s nerves were getting the best of her, and she wrung her hands.

Olivia squeezed her arm. “No need to worry, my dear. I’m sure everything will work out as it should.”

When they walked into the foyer, Robertson was coming down the stairs. The smile on his face made it crystal clear that he was delighted his wife was back by his side. He marched to Olivia and scooped her up in his arms.

“My darling, this past week has been an eternity without you,” he said, kissing her deeply.

Olivia was the first to break the kiss. “My love, we have a guest.”

Robertson looked up. “Lady Williams, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Bett curtseyed. “Thank you, my lord. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Olivia poked her husband in the ribs. “Well, where is he?”

Robertson looked confused; then he realized what his wife meant. “Lord Harrison is in his study, the last door on the right,” he said, pointing down the hall.

Bett didn’t waste another moment and swiftly strode down the hallway. This was the moment she’d been waiting for. It had been months since she last saw the man she loved, and she didn’t want to waste another minute.

When she reached the door, she gave it a brisk knock.

“Come.”

Bett took a deep breath, opened the door, and walked into the study. Her eyes widened at the sight of her beloved. He looked magnificent—same broad shoulders and chiseled jaw—although he did look a little tired around the eyes. It wasn’t surprising, with everything he’d been through lately.

When Noah finally looked up, she saw a myriad of emotions cross his face, from shock to wonder. He bolted out of his chair and rushed to her, clasping her hands. “Oh, Bett, you’re a sight for sore eyes.”

“As are you, my lord.”

“None of that nonsense stuff. I’m still Noah, the same man you met at the house party. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see you standing here. I’ve been such a fool and have wasted so much time. I thought I should do everything alone, but I’ve realized that my real strength is when you’re by my side. Will you forgive me for—”

Bett stepped into his embrace and pressed her lips against his. There was no need for apologies. There was a moment’s hesitation before Noah devoured her lips like a man dying of thirst in the desert.

Her heart swelled with love for this man. When she pulled back, she placed her finger on his lips. “My darling, there’s no need to chastise yourself. Events pulled us apart. Events that have changed our lives forever. I wanted to comfort you in your grief, but it felt wrong until I knew if you wished to see me again.”

“See you again? I wanted you here and thought of you every day, but I didn’t want to compromise your reputation. Bett, don’t you understand? You’re my moon and stars, my constant, my dearest love.”

“You love me?”

“With all my heart. Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

“Oh, Noah. I love you too. I’ve loved you since the house party. But I thought I was just a flirtation for you.”

“Never, and I’m sorry I gave you that impression. I should have called on you earlier. As I’ve told my friends, I was an idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot, and I’m sorry you received such a rude reception from Lord Williams. It was my fault for not mentioning you to him when I returned from the party.”

“Shhh. None of that matters now, my love. May I have your answer, or do you need to think about it?”

“I’ve been dreaming about this moment since June; I don’t need any more time to think about things. I love you, Noah, and would very much love to be your wife.”

Noah pulled her into his embrace and swung her around. “My darling Bett, you’ve made me the happiest of men. I shall go to London for a special license. I don’t want to waste any more time.”

“Noah, as much as I want to marry you, I don’t think it’s a good idea to get a special license. You’re still in mourning for another month, and I wouldn’t want to disrespect your uncle’s memory.”

Noah set her down. “How did I get so lucky as to have such a smart wife?”

Bett chuckled. “Not wife yet, but soon, my darling. There’s no need to give anyone a reason to criticize you for marrying before your mourning period is over. I think it would be best to have the banns read. That way, your tenants may come to the church if they wish.”

“Well, as much as I don’t want to wait, I can see you’re correct. I don’t want to start our life together with a scandal hanging over our heads. And I do think everyone has been greatly affected by the deaths and this could give them something to celebrate.”

“Exactly. Shall we share our news with our friends?” Bett asked.

“Absolutely,” Noah said, holding out his arm. “Let’s go find them.”

They found their friends in the parlor, and when they walked in, Robertson and Olivia turned to them with expectant looks on their faces.

“Can I assume by the smiles on both your faces that you’re engaged?” Robertson asked.

“We are indeed, and I couldn’t be happier. Having my love by my side is everything I could ever ask for,” Noah said.

Olivia jumped up and went to Bett, hugging her fiercely. “I’m so very happy for you both.”

Bett felt tears sting her eyes and blinked them back. “Thank you. I’m overjoyed.”

“So, are we off to London for a special license?” Robertson asked.

Noah shook his head. “No. My soon-to-be wife has wisely counseled me that it would be better to have the banns read. We will marry after I present myself to Parliament.”

“Well, that will give us plenty of time to visit my modiste in London,” Olivia said with a wide grin. “We’ll have such a good time in Town while the men go to Parliament.”

“I’d love to visit the modiste. Do you think she’ll be able to fit me in?” Bett asked.

“Of course. When a countess and a soon-to-be viscountess ask for a dress to be made, the modiste will be happy to rearrange her schedule to accommodate us. After all, she’ll be thrilled to have us as future clients.”

Robertson slapped Noah on the back. “Well, my friend, I do hope you have an abundance of coin. Trust me, you’ll need it after the women finish their shopping.”

Noah chuckled and looked at Bett with a smile. “My lovely lady may purchase anything she wishes.”

“When shall we leave?” Olivia asked. “The modiste will need some time to fill the order.”

“Of course. We can leave in the day after next if that’s agreeable to everyone,” Noah said.

“That will do nicely,” Olivia said before turning to Bett. “Of course, you must stay with us while we’re in London. We wouldn’t want to cause a scandal by having you stay with Noah before the wedding.”

While they were all chatting, Jerrison knocked and walked into the parlor, carrying a tray of champagne glasses.

“Ah, Jerrison, thank you,” Noah said.

“Of course, my lord. It’s wonderful to have something good to celebrate. All of the staff wish you happy.”

“Thank you. We will be leaving for London on Friday and will be gone for a few weeks before we return here for the wedding.”

“Very good, my lord. I shall inform the stablemaster of your travel plans.”

As Bett sipped her champagne, she could hardly believe how her life had changed. She was engaged to the man who’d stolen her heart, and in a matter of weeks, she would never be parted from him again.