Fiona’s stomach began to churn. “I never would lie to him.” And was she not obligated to prevent him from making the biggest mistake of his life?
She changed the topic of conversation, knowing there was no point to dwelling on the hopeless situation. “Please advise Simmons I’ll need the rig brought around.”
“Right away, m’lady.” Molly nodded and then bustled out.
Fiona walked downstairs soon afterward, her heart turning light and breezy when she saw Rob seated at the table nursing his cup of coffee. He was frowning, lost in his thoughts and looking quite daunting, for anyone who did not know him would have thought twice before approaching him when he wore that serious expression.
However, he rose and managed a smile as soon as she walked in. “Good morning, again.”
“Did you wait for me before digging into the salvers?”
He nodded. “Didn’t want to be rude and start without you.”
“Nonsense, you must be starving after your morning ride. Did you enjoy it?”
“Yes.” He shot her a look that revealed he had enjoyed their night rides, too.
Heat shot into her cheeks.
He cast her a knowing grin.
Dear heaven.He needed to behave or her entire staff would know how they had been spending their nights.
Well, they probably did anyway. Molly certainly knew.
Eager to leave the house and be away from prying eyes, Fiona shoveled down her eggs and kippers, finished her tea, and then rose. “Time to go.”
“All right.” Rob had gobbled down his food, too. But this was only because he had seen her move fast and realized she wanted to set out for the farm as soon as possible.
The rig was ready and waiting for them when they walked out the front door. Rob helped her climb in, and then took the driver’s seat himself.
With a crisp flick of his wrists on the reins, they were off.
However, the simple ride proved something of a dilemma, for their shoulders constantly grazed, reminding Fiona how nicely broad his were.
Molly’s cautionary words this morning came back to haunt her. Was it truly Rob’s decision alone to make about whom to marry? Did she not have a say in it, too?
And was it not also a Crown matter? The Durham dukedom, a historic title and bastion of power in England for almost a thousand years, was at stake. Would Rob be permitted to throw it away?
Everyone else seemed to think it was not of major concern. How easy it would be if she simply went along. Unfortunately, she could not, for along with the benefits of their status in Society came responsibility.
Fiona’s sense of duty had been ingrained in her since childhood, and she knew that she had to do the right thing. Was she not obligated to steer Rob correctly, especially if he was inclined to make the wrong choice?
She diverted her attention to her own affairs when the farm, which comprised a vital part of her wealth, came into view. It was only a twenty-minute ride from Shoreham Manor, and was a profitable enterprise that gave her a steady income. It also provided employment for numerous local families.
She looked upon the farm as her child in many ways, for she was responsible for the welfare of everyone who depended upon it for their livelihoods. Shoreham had given it to her as a bride gift upon their marriage and left the running of it entirely to her and his competent estate manager, Mr. Sykes, an amiable man in his early fifties with a full shock of white hair.
“Good morning, m’lady,” Mr. Sykes said, hurrying out of the barn to greet her upon hearing the rattle and rumble of her rig.
“Good morning,” she replied, smiling at the older man who had run the Shoreham holdings for almost thirty years, and her own bride gift for these past twenty years.
She introduced the man to Rob, who offered his hand in greeting. “A pleasure to meet you,” he said with sincerity. “Lady Shoreham speaks of you with tremendous respect.”
“Well earned,” Fiona added.
The estate manager gave a humble smile. “Well, I do my best, Your Grace. And it has always been a pleasure to work for Lady Shoreham.”
He then led them on a tour of the farm. Of course, Fiona knew it well. But she was curious about what Rob thought of the operation. In all the years she had owned the place, she had never brought her guests here. Mostly because those who came to her house parties were all about having fun, not stomping about in muck or watching sheep being sheared.
