“Thank you, Garrett, it is quite all right,” Stephen said, his initial surprise having faded, replaced by fury at Darkmoor’s arrogance.
Garrett bobbed his head and backed out of the room.
“Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of my mother,” Stephen said in a firm tone.
“It’s time to pay the piper!” Darkmoor bellowed, pointing at Stephen.
“My son doesn’t owe you anything after today.” Lady Bridgewater reached for the draft from Stephen’s hand and handed it to the baron. “This debt is paid. In full!” she said, her voice steely calm. “And don’t think of lying about having received the full payment. I am here to witness it! And I have already written to my solicitors with all the details concerning this payment to you.”
Stephen bit back a smile at his mother’s fib. She had not had time to do that yet, but he knew she would do it as soon as Darkmoor left.
Now it was the baron’s turn to appear startled. But he seemed to recover his surprise as his dark glare locked onto the two of them, an ember of fury flickering in his eyes. “This isn’t over.” His voice dripped with disdain as he turned and stomped from the room.
Stephen drew his mother close, enveloping her in a calming hug.
“Oh, what a horrible man,” she whispered. “I’m so glad you finally confided in me, Stephen.”
Before he could muster a response, Michael and Grandmère rushed into the room, followed by Lacey.
“What’s wrong?” Michael asked, glancing around. “Someone very evil was just here. But I think he’s gone.”
Lady Bridgewater held her hand out to Michael, who walked to her and looked at her with solemn eyes. “You are an intuitive child,” she murmured, embracing the boy. “And a charmer.”
“Were you listening at the door?” Stephen asked, half joking, his lips twitching.
“Of course,” Michael replied, causing Stephen and the ladies to burst into laughter. Even Lacey sensed the change in mood and began to bark and frolic about the room.
Stephen looked at the boy, whose bright blue eyes were sparkling with mischief. “I recall hearing that you enjoy treasure hunts. How would you feel about helping me search for treasure?”
“A realtweasure?”
“Yes!” Stephen replied.
“Oh boy! I love tweasurehunts. That would be good fun. Only… can Lacey come?”
~*~
Chapter Sixteen
“Do you want to walk a little before we ride?” William asked, hoping Bella felt as he did and would opt for time to talk. He hadn’t had a chance to speak with her that morning, and there was so much in his head after speaking with Stephen that he wanted a chance to comb through it.
“I’d like that. Besides, Winterborne appreciates going for a walk beyond the stable yard for the first time in too many months. I can tell he’s enjoying snacking on dandelions and other vegetation he fancies.”
“If I didn’t know better, I would say your horse is grinning. Winterborne seems to agree with you,” William said.
“He’s much happier, I think.” She reached up and kissed the horse on the nose. “Winterborne, you’re enjoying yourself, aren’t you?” she asked.
The horse answered with a whinny.
“I have a question I must ask. And since we are alone, this is the first time I’ve had a chance to ask, but I’ve noticed the tension between Lacey and your butler, Garrett. What’s that about?” William asked, a wide grin on his face.
“Oh, that,” Bella said, holding a hand over her mouth to hide her smile. “Lacey stole food for Winterborne, and he stopped her the last time he caught her in the kitchen. Apples and carrots kept disappearing, and Mrs. Bisque, our cook, mentioned the missing food and teased him about taking it. Garrett is very proper and didn’t appreciate being accused, even if it was in jest. He took it upon himself to find the culprit and hid in the pantry, only to discover it was Lacey.”
William guffawed. “That’s funny. She’s holding a grudge! Did he scold her? Is that why she’s being so huffy around him?”
“Yes, I’m afraid so. Garrett, who is the soul of patience, lost his temper at her, and Lacey hasn’t forgiven him. She is a very clever dog, and very loving, but I believe she feels insulted by the scolding, and it seems she has a long memory,” Bella said, her smile wide. “I’m hoping it resolves itself. They used to be such chums.”
“If it continues, perhaps we can explore some ideas.” William cleared his throat. “Speaking of exploring, there’s an area I haven’t explored yet,” he said, pointing to a field of lavender in an area near the edge of the property. “There’s a big, flat rock I spotted a few days ago, perfect for a picnic. And it just so happens I’ve brought a picnic.” He smiled, tapping the basket attached to the back of his horse.
