“Why would you have to leave?”
“I—” She stopped, seemingly thinking over her words. “I can be a bit impetuous at times. And as a young woman who is not yet married, that is not always a good trait to have.”
“But it was only a laugh. Surely there is nothing wrong with that.”
She lifted her eyes to her plate, but no further. “You do not understand. They are overly sensitive of my actions after some mishaps in the past.”
Noah looked up to find Mrs. Gibbons had redirected her attention to the other guests. “I see,” he said. He glanced back at Miss Gibbons. “May I say something to that?”
She raised her gaze. “Of course.”
“I appreciate what you have done for me, and I would like to return whatever small favor I can. I hope you will always feel comfortable to be yourself with me.”
Her eyes glimmered in the candlelight as she studied him. For his sincerity? He let her think as long as she needed, for she would find he was sincere. She allowed him to sulk and be sullen when he needed to be, so why would he ask her to be anything other than herself?
“Thank you, Lord Noah. That is very kind of you to say.”
“I feel like we have made quick friends, you and I.”
She smiled. “I quite agree.”
Chapter 8
Noahstaredatthenew paper covering the walls of his study. Donald had been bequeathed the duty of overseeing upkeep on the dower house. As heir, their father felt it gave him the opportunity to run estate matters as practice. At least now Noah could confidently invite people back into this room without embarrassment. And Donald was polite enough to not ask too many questions about how the incident regarding the ruined paper occurred.
Even if the paper had still been hanging pathetically from the wall, however, it would not have dampened Noah’s spirits—for today, he had won his case in court.
He stretched back in his chair, placing his hands behind his head as he stuck his legs out in front of him. Goodness, he needed this. To feel success and pride in something that was his own. To venture outside the walls of his family’s influence and make something of himself—it was liberating.
Suddenly, the walls were too much, and Noah needed fresh air and freedom to complete this feeling. He did not have a meeting again in the foreseeable future, and a ride on his horse seemed just the thing.
Noah walked across the grounds between the dower and the main house, covering the span in record time. He felt so lighthearted he could run. But the air was warm enough that he did not wish to work up a sweat, nor did he think Egerton would appreciate him dirtying his coat.
Noah told the stable hand to let the staff of the main house know he had taken his steed out for a jaunt, and then he was on his way. He streaked across the lawn, listening to the pounding of his horse’s hooves on the solid earth and letting the wind whip around him. Once he had his fun, he steered his mount toward the road. Miss Gibbons had said she wanted to be kept apprised of his work affairs, and it would give him something to do with all of this euphoria coursing through his veins. Assuming she had been earnest in her request.
He slowed his horse once he met the road and made his way to Highgrove. Before making it to his destination, however, Noah saw two young ladies walking along the road—one of whom looked particularly familiar. Well, the hair anyway. It was quite hard to miss, even beneath her bonnet.
“Miss Gibbons,” Noah heralded as he neared.
Miss Gibbons stopped on the road, waiting for him to approach. “Good afternoon, Lord Noah.” She dipped into a curtsy. “What brings you out on this fine day?”
He pulled his horse to a halt and tipped his hat. “I have news that I thought you might be interested in.”
“Oh?” She squinted up at him, as the brim of her bonnet did not completely shield the sun from her eyes. “And what would that be?”
He wanted to see her face clearly when he told her, so he slipped from the saddle and held the reins in his hand.There. Now he could see her green-brown eyes and slight lift to her lip.
“I wanted to inform you that I won my case in court today.”
Her eyes lit up, and a smile stretched across her face. “That is splendid news. I am glad to hear it. I hope it is one of many in your career.”
“Thank you,” he said, dipping his head. “I hope so as well.”
Miss Gibbons looked about before turning back to him. “Won’t you join me on my walk? It is a beautiful day, and it should not be wasted. Unless you have somewhere else to be, of course.” Her face took on a worried look, as if she had done or said something wrong.
“My plan was to come and tell you my news, so a walk would be lovely. Thank you.”
Noah turned his horse around and Miss Gibbons’s maid walked just behind them.
