“I’m aware of its effects.” Another swallow.
His father’s brow pulled down. “Are you all right?”
Noah tilted his glass as he looked down at it. “No, not really.”
“Noah, what is going on?” Lord Chatham leaned closer and lowered his voice. “You have been off ever since the Lewistons came home. I had thought you would be thrilled to have them back.”
Noah took one last swallow, successfully draining his glass. “So had I, once upon a time.” He poured another finger of brandy and looked at the door as the Baxtons entered. “But you have guests. Let us not be rude.”
“I think you mean to speak of yourself when you say that.” His father’s eyes lingered on him, censure in his gaze, before striding toward the door to welcome the newcomers.
Noah needed to pull himself together. Now he was being rude to his own father who, while utterly failing, meant well. But a little loyalty on Noah’s part wouldn’t go amiss. While they did not know he had proposed to Margaret, they did know she went to London, and it seems they could figure out her intent in going.
Noah looked down at his glass, but instead of taking another drink, he put it on the shelf and walked away. He approached Miss Baxton, who stood next to her parents and wouldn’t seem to meet his eye.
“Miss Baxton,” he greeted.
She finally met his eyes and smiled. “Good evening, Lord Noah.”
“Is—” He stopped and looked over at her parents, but they were currently busy speaking with his father. “How is Hannah?”
She bit her lip and glanced about the room before looking back at him. “I haven’t spoken to her in a week.”
“That is unlike the two of you, is it not?”
“Yes. I did try and go visit her, but Mrs. Gibbons informed me she was out with Mr. Swinton and that I shouldn’t return for a visit for two weeks.”
“Swinton?” Noah said, louder than he ought. It briefly caught the attention of his father. Noah swallowed. “But do you know anything else? Is she in good spirits?”
Miss Baxton’s eyes dropped to the floor, as if reluctant to answer his question.
“Please,” he said. “If you know anything, I would be eternally grateful.”
She looked at her parents before giving him her attention once more. “I do not believe her spirits are high.”
Noah rubbed his face. “Right. Of course. Thank you, Miss Baxton. I will not trouble you any longer.”
“Your spirits do not look high either, if you do not mind my saying so.”
“No, I am not in good spirits. It’s been a rather tumultuous week.”
“Will Hannah be here this evening?”
Noah’s head cocked to the side. “Were they invited?”
“I had thought my parents mentioned it, but perhaps I was wrong.”
Goodness, Noah wasn’t sure he could handle Margaret and Hannah being in the same room with him again. “I am sure the Lewistons will be here, but that is all.”
“I see.” Miss Baxton looked pointedly away, her mouth forming a tight line.
“Did you know?” he asked.
Her face jerked toward him. “Excuse me?”
“About . . . did Hannah tell you anything? About me?”
“Nothing so clear as saying it directly,” she said, lowering her voice. “I can only say that I had my suspicions.”
