And she did. At that moment, she would follow him anywhere. Admiring the way his pants hugged his well muscled backside and strained over powerful legs. She started enjoying herself, despite the side saddle and her unease at her precarious position.
CHAPTER 23 - Just take my money already
THE NEXT DAY DAWNEDsunny. A perfect day to explore the gardens. Did she hope for a repeat appearance from Dale? She shrugged. She had only herself to blame for being a hopeless optimist. After their ride yesterday, he had disappeared again for the rest of the day, even excusing himself from dinner. It seemed nothing had changed, after all.
The gardens were marvelous. Meticulously kept parterres surrounding a central fountain, pathways that led to secluded benches, and niches inhabited by sculptures. Even a gazebo large enough to accommodate a table and twelve chairs. She still marveled at a lifestyle that included things like these gorgeous gardens.
When she asked, one of the gardeners informed her that the gardens were forty acres, not including the park and the forest beyond, which also belonged to the estate. In total, the estate was about ten thousand acres. Enough land to build an entire city!
The estate had many tenants and other businesses like the dairy, a kiln, and a wool mill. And Dale was the master of this small kingdom. He managed it all with his usual efficiency, for the prosperity of the estate was obvious. No wonder he didn’t have time for her.
She was probably as important to him as a stray puppy he picked up on the street. Good enough to keep around the house, feed, and even play with when he had nothing better to do, but easily forgotten afterwards. And meanwhile, like a stray puppy, her whole day revolved around catching a glimpse of him. Gaining his attention. The thought was depressing.
Well, no more of that.
The following day, she planned a trip to the nearest village. She had to get out of the house, perhaps meet new people. Try to achieve some independence. Could she find employment in this century?
The butler provided instructions on how to get to the nearest village. Although he seemed unconvinced at first that she should venture so far by herself. To ease his concern, she agreed to take her maid. She didn’t mind. She was capable of going places by herself, but a local guide could prove useful when traipsing about a different country and period.
Then she went looking for Dale to tell him of her plans. He might be avoiding her, but she didn’t want to leave the house without him knowing. She found him in his study, elbows deep in paperwork, but he put it aside when she entered to give her his full attention. When she told him of her plans, he insisted on giving her money to spend in the village.
“No, thank you Dale. I appreciate it, but it’s not necessary.”
“Of course it is.” Opening up a drawer, he took out several banknotes and handed them to her.
“This is just some pin money for you to have in case you want to buy something or eat anything.”
“I don’t plan to buy or eat anything,” she said, refusing to take the money. “I just ate breakfast, and I’ll return before lunch. As for buying, I need nothing. You have provided me with everything I could want.” And her codependence chafed.
“Nevertheless, you should have pin money.” He insisted.
“No.” Spoken in a polite but firm tone.
He put the money on the desk and pushed it toward her.
“I can’t accept money on top of everything else you have given me. It doesn’t seem right.”
