Nic laughed, suddenly feeling lighthearted again. “Actually, I’m not Hawthorne, here. I’m Mr. Woodland, the good clergyman of this parish.”
Trey arched a dark eyebrow. “Oh, now Iamintrigued…and slightly worried at the same time.” He glanced at his wife. “My dear, we didn’t come soon enough, I fear. Hawthorne is a lost cause.”
Nic gestured his hand toward the house. “Please come in and I shall settle your worries.”
Trey walked up to Nic and threw his arms around him, giving him a bear hug. “It’s been too long, my friend.”
Nic pulled away and nodded. “Indeed, it has.” He took Judith in a small hug and placed a kiss on her cheek. She, out of all the Worthington wives, he felt comfortable enough to do this. They had become close while she was falling in love with Trey. “My lady, you are practically glowing. I swear you grow more beautiful every time I see you.”
She rolled her eyes. “And you, my lord, grow bolder with your flirtation every time I see you.”
“Only for you.” He winked.
Once they walked in, Trevor stopped in front of Nic and hugged him. “I must admit, I have missed seeing you as well.” He shrugged. “Your personality rather grows on a person, you know.”
Chuckling, Nic nodded. “I’ve been told that many times, Your Grace.” He took Louisa’s hand and kissed her knuckles. He really hadn’t gotten to know Louisa that well, but she made his friend very happy, and that was good enough for Nic. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
“And you as well, Lord Hawthorne.” Louisa displayed a caring smile.
When Tristan walked up to Nic, the two men embraced as if they hadn’t seen each other for years…but in reality, it had been about six months. “It’s good to see you, my friend,” Nic said.
Tristan’s gaze swept over Nic. “I sincerely hope you are keeping out of trouble.”
Diana bumped her arm against Tristan. “Come now, my dear husband. You know Hawthorne better than that. He’salwaysin trouble.” A twinkle lit her eyes when she grinned at Nic.
He laughed and nodded. “Listen to your wife, Worthington. She knows what she’s talking about.” He took Diana’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “It’s good to see you again.” Seeing Diana made him think of Tabitha, and once again, heaviness grew in his heart.
Once everyone was inside and seated, Nic stood against the hearth. “I still can’t believe youallcame to see me.”
The brothers exchanged glances before Trey cleared his throat and looked at Nic. “The letter you had sent me was what encouraged us to come and visit.”
Confused, Nic tilted his head. “My letter?”
“Yes, about Tabitha.” Trey nodded.
“I’m aware what I wrote in the letter, but I’m not sure why my questions had all three Worthington brothers—and their wives—coming to see me.”
Trevor chuckled. “Well, when our wives discovered we were planning this trip, they convinced us they needed an outing as well.”
“That makes sense,” Nic said, “but I find I’m still confused as to why you just couldn’t reply in a letter. Why did all three of you have to come see me? Not that I’m complaining, of course, it’s just that…I’m confused.”
“Obviously you’reveryconfused,” Trey answered as he motioned his hand toward Nic’s attire. “Look at the way you’re dressed. Now, I’m wondering why we didn’t come sooner. I fear, my good man, you have absolutely lost your mind this time. There is no wayyoucould be a clergyman.”
Shaking his head, Nic flipped his hand in the air. “Long story short, my cousin—the clergyman—convinced me to help him catch a thief. Part of his plan was for me to play the clergyman role so that Frederick could sneak around after dark and spy on people.” He shrugged. “So that’s the reason for the facial hair, and for this ridiculous outfit.”
“Thank heavens you had a reason.” Tristan nodded. “I wouldn’t have ever believed you had given up your title as an accomplished rogue.”
“For the right woman, I would.” Nic practically whispered his answer, but he could see the others had heard. All three brothers wore shocked expressions—again, and their wives…well, they were women, so naturally, they appeared very pleased to hear him say that.
“So tell me, Hawthorne,” Tristan said. “Why do you want to know about Tabitha? Your letter to Trey was very…eh…different.”
Nic narrowed his gaze on the middle brother. “Different? What do you mean by that?”
“Well, you see,” Trey answered for his brother, “your letter led me to believe that you might have feelings for Tabitha.”
A quick breath caught in Nic’s throat and this time, he nearly choked on it. Instead, he swallowed hard and shrugged. “As Tristan and Diana can probably tell you, I had gotten to know the young maid not too long ago. And of course, I wrongly accused her of murder, for which I will be forever ungrateful. When Tabitha arrived here in town, my first point of business was to make sure she knew how sorry I was. After that, we became friends, and I’ll admit that I began having feelings for her.”
“What kind of feelings?” Diana asked quickly. Her eyes were larger and locked on to Nic.
