Chapter 15
A light breeze floated in through the open window while Miles was in Lord Fleming’s study discussing an investment idea. “This is more of a long-term investment,” he explained, “to build on your wealth for the future.”
“How long before I see any dividends from this?” Fleming asked.
“Probably close to a year, I’m afraid. There are no easy answers or quick fixes when it comes to investing. One must be diligent in one’s oversight. That’s how to build wealth.”
“I understand. I trust your judgment and would like to move forward with this investment. The income from the estate covers the expenses and still yields a small profit, and I believe it’s imperative that I think about building long-term capital.”
A knock on the study door interrupted their conversation before Miles could explain the next steps.
“Come,” Fleming said.
Carlton entered carrying a silver salver. “Mr. Walker, this letter just arrived for you.”
Miles stood and took the letter, recognizing Noah’s handwriting. “Thank goodness. It’s from Mr. Hughes.” He tore open the seal and read the contents.
“How is his uncle?” Fleming asked.
Miles shook his head. “I’m afraid the news is dire. The viscount has also perished. Fleming, I regret that I must leave immediately and go to my friend. I shall return to advise you further on your investments as soon as I’m able.”
Fleming waved him off. “No need to worry about that. It can wait. You must go to your friend. Please give him our sincere condolences.”
“I will,” Miles said before he rushed out of the room. He ran up the stairs and raced down the hallway to his bedchamber, but before he reached the door, he heard his name called. He turned to see Emma coming down the hallway.
“Mr. Walker, you look distressed. Are you well?”
“No, unfortunately, I’m not, Miss Bent. I’ve just received word from Mr. Hughes. Now, his uncle has also died from a fever. I must go to him immediately.”
Emma squeezed his arm. “Oh, no!” What a tragic turn of events. I’m so very sorry to hear that. Please give Mr. Hughes my deepest sympathies.”
“I will. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must pack a bag.”
“I’ll ask Carlton to inform the stablemaster you need to leave and also have Cook pack a food sack for your journey.”
“Thank you, Miss Bent. That’s very thoughtful,” Miles said. “I will return as soon as I can.”
“I will miss you. I hope you can offer some comfort to your friend,” she said, turning around and hurrying down the hallway to find the butler.
“I will miss you too,” Miles whispered as he entered his bedchamber and pulled his valise out of the armoire. He packed enough clothes for a fortnight. He couldn’t begin to imagine how Noah was faring. He knew his uncle and cousin were Noah’s last remaining relatives and he adored them. His grief must be immense.
By the time Miles reached the stables, Vulcan was saddled, and the groom was tying the sack of food to the back of the saddle.
“There. You’re all set, Mr. Walker,” the groom said.
Miles vaulted into the saddle. He had no time to waste. He knew he’d miss the funeral, but he wanted to be with Noah as he navigated putting the estate’s affairs in order. Having a number of years of experience running a profitable estate under his belt—although his small estate paled in comparison to the viscount’s holdings—he felt confident he could help Noah. He knew his friend would welcome his advice, especially since Noah had no experience with estate management.
As Miles thought about the situation, he realized Noah was a viscount now—a member of the aristocracy. Would that change their relationship?
He didn’t think so. Both he and Noah had been friends with the Earl of Robertson since their school years, and Noah had never been envious of the earl’s rank, but then again, joining the aristocracy had never been an option before. It would be a challenging journey for Noah, to say the least.
That made Miles wonder about his own future. Did he want to be a bachelor for the rest of his life? He’d thought he did… until he met Emma Bent. Without realizing when it happened, he was nonetheless falling hard for the green-eyed beauty. She was so easy to talk to, and he enjoyed her company immensely. Despite his lack of a title, he was considered an eligible bachelor, with his considerable wealth, good breeding, and family’s ancient lineage. Perhaps it was time for him to change the direction of his life and take a wife.
The fact that Emma didn’t particularly enjoy London made her even more desirable to him. Miles wasn’t that fond of London either, although he did enjoy the camaraderie of his friends while he was in Town.
He needed to think more about asking Emma to be his wife, but his first priority was getting to Noah. After traveling for most of the day, Miles stopped at a cozy inn with the intention of inquiring about a room for the night. He was exhausted, and Vulcan needed to rest as well. His horse was a beast and had performed well on the road, but even the strongest horse needed to rest and eat.
He dismounted, and a groom appeared.
“Are you staying the night, sir?” the groom asked.
“Yes. Please be sure to rub my horse down and give him lots of oats. He’s traveled a long distance today.”
“Of course, sir. I’ll take good care of him.”
Once Miles made sure Vulcan was taken care of, he walked into the busy common room. Every table was filled with chatting customers. He hoped that meant the inn offered a decent meal.
“Sir, may I help you?” the man behind the bar asked.
“ Yes. I need a room for the night and my horse taken care of. We’ve been traveling all day.”
“Well, you’re in luck. I’m Mr. Wright, the owner of this inn. I have one last room available, but it’s in the back of the inn, overlooking the stables. Will that do?”
“Yes. That will be fine,” Miles said, paying the innkeeper.
“Has a groom already taken your horse to the stables?”
“Yes.”
“Would you care for dinner as well? My wife has made some tasty beef pies today.”
“That sounds delicious. I’m famished.”
“Please follow me.” The innkeeper led Miles up the stairs and down a long hallway to the last door on the right. He inserted the key and opened the door. “Here you are, sir. I’ll send the maid up with some hot water to refresh yourself. Would you care for your dinner tray up here?”
“Yes. That would be welcome.”
“Very good. I’ll see to everything,” Mr. Wright said, handing the key to Miles.
The late afternoon sun shone through the window as Miles looked around the room. It was nothing fancy, containing a small bed, a washstand, and a table with two chairs. He didn’t need anything elaborate, just a hot meal and a bed to catch some sleep. He hoped the innkeeper’s wife was a good cook, as his stomach chose that moment to growl loudly. He put his valise on the bed and looked out the window. Not much of a view, as the innkeeper warned, but that was fine with Miles. He wasn’t here for the view.
It didn’t take long before there was a knock on the door.
“Come.”
A maid walked in carrying a pitcher of hot water. “Here you are, sir. Your dinner tray will be up shortly.”
“Thank you.”
The maid poured some of the water into the basin and left him after laying out a fresh drying cloth.
Miles wasted no time washing the dirt of the road from his face and hands. He planned to leave the inn at first light so he could reach Noah early tomorrow. He couldn’t even imagine the torment his friend was going through. He’d not been through anything like that. Both his parents were hale and hearty. He made a mental note to go visit them and his siblings soon. The unexpected deaths of Noah’s family made him realize that he’d been taking the health of his own family for granted, and he didn’t want to have any regrets about not seeing them when he had the chance.
He was about to go downstairs to inquire about his dinner when there was another knock on the door.
“Come.”
The same maid brought in a dinner tray filled with a beef pie in a flaky crust, a hunk of fresh bread, and a glass of ale. “Here you are, sir.”
“Thank you, miss,” he said, reaching into his jacket pocket for a few coins to give her.
“Oh no, sir. That’s not necessary. Mr. Wright pays a fair wage.”
“Then perhaps you’d like some new ribbons.” Miles saw her eyes light up as he put the coins in her hand.
“That’s most generous. My sister and I will be delighted to be able to purchase new ribbons. Thank you,” she said with a curtsey before leaving Miles alone again.
The pleasing aroma from the dinner tray had Miles digging into the pie with gusto. Mr. Wright was correct—his wife was a fabulous cook. Soon, there wasn’t a scrap left, and Miles leaned back with a satisfied sigh.
The sun had set, and the night sky was full of stars. This was why he loved the country so much. He adored gazing at the stars, but when he was in London, the sky was rarely clear enough to see more than a few stars, if that.
He debated taking a walk outside, but he was exhausted, and the bed looked ever so tempting. He stripped off down to his smalls and hopped into bed. If he wanted to get back on the road at sunrise, he’d need to get to sleep early.
As he lay in bed, his thoughts went back to Emma. With the tragic turn of events with Noah’s family, Miles was beginning to realize how important family was. Perhaps he’d been a bachelor long enough.
What was he waiting for?
He had a lovely estate and plenty of money to support a wife and children. As he drifted off to sleep, the thought of never kissing Emma’s sweet lips again had him more convinced than ever that she was the perfect woman for him.