Little did Hannah know that had been his first kiss, and he didn’t even have the mental capability to enjoy it, so shocked as he was.
He ran a hand over his face before looking out his window. Was his heart healed enough to move on?
Noah strode into his parents’ home, nodding at the footman as he passed. Donald flashed by in the hall, likely heading to the study, and Noah went to follow—until murmurs in the drawing room caught his attention.
“Ah, there he is,” his mother’s familiar voice said.
Noah stopped, turning toward the open door. “Hello, Mother. Do you need me for something? I was just about to speak with Donald.”
“Yes, I do actually.” She strode over to him in the entry, taking his arm and pulling him back with her. “We have some special guests this evening. Your father has returned from London.”
“That is very good.” Noah patted her hand. “I was a bit nervous when you were being so cagey.”
“Well, there is another surprise.” She smiled up at him, and Noah watched her with curious eyes as they entered the drawing room.
“Another?” Noah asked.
“See for yourself,” she said, nodding her head toward the seating area.
He turned to look, and the room seemed to tilt on its axis. “Margaret?” Her name slipped from his lips as if none of this was quite real. But there she was, standing by his parents’ piano, flipping through sheets of music in an elegant ivory evening gown.
“The Lewistons decided to return home a week early. Your father had mentioned to Mr. Lewiston that he was missing home, and apparently they all were as well.”
Margaret turned from the piano, holding sheets of music in front of her. And then she smiled at him. “Lord Noah. How good to see you.”
Noah gave his head a hard shake, trying to find his voice. “Yes,” he said, then swallowed. “And you as well, Miss Lewiston.” His heart pounded, and he felt physically ill.
Lady Chatham released Noah’s arm with a coy smile playing about her lips as she strode over to Mrs. Lewiston. And then Margaret began to walk toward him.
Noah’s breathing increased, coming in shallow bursts. He looked around, hoping to find an escape—someone to talk to. Donald, his father, anyone, but all the men must have been somewhere else in the house.
Traitors.
So, when Noah wasn’t sure what else to do, he gave Margaret a small bow, his palms sweating. “Good evening.” His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. He felt trapped.
Margaret smiled, shaking her head. “No need to be so formal, Noah.”
The night on the balcony flashed in his mind, and he nearly winced as she unknowingly threw his own words back at him. Had it really been two months since then?
“How would you prefer I refer to you then, Miss Lewiston?”
Her blonde hair was like a halo around her face, her posture regal, her smile perfectly rehearsed. “Why, Margaret, of course.”
Noah shifted on his feet, looking at the floor. Instead of referring to her again, he opted for a safe topic. The last thing he wished to do was stand there and make conversation as if nothing had happened. But what else was he to do? No one besides himself and Donald knew of her rejection, and he wanted to keep the peace between the families. “How was London?”
Margaret shook her head as she rolled her eyes. “It was smelly, dirty and the society was entirely lacking.”
“Really?” Noah asked, his head snapping up. “I am surprised.” Especially since she was so anxious to go and find a husband.
Margaret lifted her shoulders. “I do not know what all the fuss regarding London is about. I suppose the shows were entertaining and there were more balls to attend, but it lacked a certain warmth that Warthford has.”
“So you did not form any close friendships while you were there?”
Margaret sighed. “No, nothing that had the possibility to last. So we decided to come home to where our true friends are.” She gave him a warm smile as she placed her hand lightly on his arm. “It is so good to see you, Noah. It has been too long.”
Noah’s eyes fixated on where her hand touched him. “Do you have an announcement to make tonight?”
“An announcement?” she asked innocently. “Whatever would I be announcing?”
