Donald returned his attention to his search, picking up a leather-bound ledger. “Nonsense. I can use another room for an hour or so.” He swiveled back, a small smile on his lips. “Are you meeting with a solicitor? Any potential, you think?”
Noah was nervous to speak of business with Donald. As the eldest son, and because of Donald’s nature, he excelled in such matters.
“I have hopes, yes. It would be a smaller case, but if I can prove myself in court, I imagine better opportunities will present themselves.”
Donald leaned against the desk, crossing his arms over the ledger held to his chest. “I have every faith that you will make an excellent barrister, Noah. Don’t let a minor setback get you down.”
Noah straightened his shoulders under his brother’s bolstering confidence in him. But was he being genuine? Or was he only trying to lift Noah’s spirits after Noah had come to him in a puddle after Margaret’s rejection? Noah’s shoulders sagged as he loosed a sigh, unable to appear false in front of his brother. “But what need have I of a career now? Margaret will be gone in a week and I shall be a hermit.”
“A hermit?” Donald said with a booming laugh. “Noah, you are only twenty-two. Much younger than my thirty-three. Am I a hermit?”
“No.” Noah ran a hand along his neck. “The difference,” he said, trying to undo his blunder, “is that you choose to be single. The very essence of a confirmed bachelor. But if you offered for a young lady’s hand, she would never refuse you.”
Donald’s grin widened. “Nonsense. Who said my affections were never rebuffed?”
“Well, I assumed as much as you have never told us otherwise.”
“I say again. You are very young, Noah. I know Miss Lewiston wounded your heart and perhaps even bruised your pride, but you will find someone else. You only need time to heal.”
“And to get work,” Noah said, throwing his head back. He lifted it when he heard Donald push away from the desk.
“Is there anything I can do to help? Perhaps if I came in during the meeting and discussed—”
“No.” Noah shook his head. “I cannot have my older brother coming in and saving the day. I need to do this myself. Ineedto, Donald. I cannot explain why, I just—”
Donald held up a hand, walking over to him. “No need to explain. I understand. But if you ever find you do wish for my assistance, I am only a short walk away.”
Noah nodded, swallowing as he pinched his eyes shut. “Thank you.”
“Good luck.” Donald nudged him under the chin with a light fist, then strode toward the door, giving Noah one last encouraging smile before disappearing down the hall.
Now it was time for Noah to get down to business. Assuming the next man would recommend his expertise, that is.
Chapter 4
Iflaughingatinopportunemoments was a sought-after skill, Hannah would be qualified to give etiquette lessons. Unfortunately, that was not the case in polite society. Or any society, for that matter.
Hannah had put on her best face after laughing at Lord Noah. She had done her best to hide it, but he knew. She had seen it in the faint lines between his brows when he looked at her. But why on earth had he been having an entire conversation by himself? How was one expected not to laugh at such a thing?
“Miss Gibbons,” Lady Chatham said, drawing her attention. The two mothers had become engrossed in conversation since Lord Noah’s arrival. “How are you enjoying Warthford? Have you been to the bluffs yet?”
Hannah smiled. “Not yet, my lady. I’m afraid we have been too busy getting settled at Highgrove. I do hope to go soon, however.”
“Oh, you should let Noah take you. The edge of our estate borders the water, and he knows all the best trails. I am sure he would enjoy the company. With this new job, he has had his head in books for weeks. He could use some fresh air and good companionship.”
Hannah knew there was a blush on her cheeks even without the evidence of seeing her reflection. The sheer warmth was enough to know. “Of course. That would be lovely.” Except Lord Noah would likely want nothing of the sort after their rather unconventional meetings thus far. “Oh, Mother, I had forgotten we are quite busy this week.”
Her mother’s head swung toward Hannah. “Nonsense, my dear. Of course you could spare an afternoon for our friend’s son.” Her eyes became fire, and Hannah could do nothing but bite the inside of her lip. Her mother was not aware of Hannah and Lord Noah’s brief history, and Hannah was not necessarily keen on sharing it.
“Of course.” Hannah crossed her feet at the ankle, straightening her back. “I would love to, as long as you can spare me, Mother. I was only thinking of all you have to do with the move. I hate to leave you floundering.”
Her mother waved a hand in the air. “We are not paupers. There are plenty of servants to do the work. It would be wonderful for you to have an afternoon of frivolity.”
What a seamless way of getting Hannah to go on an outing with an eligible gentleman while simultaneously getting the point across to Lady Chatham that they did not have a lack of funds. Hannah often wondered if people ever saw her for herself, or only for what she came with—money. Though, not even that enticement had been enough to make up for her social blunders in past pursuits.
“If it is agreeable to Lord Noah, then I have no objections.”
“Oh, wonderful,” Lady Chatham said, clapping her hands together. “He needs a good day out of doors. Perhaps you could even plan for a picnic.” Her eyes peered off, deep in thought. Whether those thoughts were innocent or calculating was yet to be known.
