Although she wasn’t interested in marrying him, for as long as he was in a position to do so, Eli was determined to give her everything he could.
He glanced down at his notebook. It was meant to contain observations from the castle conservatory, but over the past few days, it had grown to also include detailed suggestions for the Harper farm.
With a few slight changes in pasture rotation and maintenance, Eli could ensure better nutrition for the horses and lower risk of infections from the equine parasites that thrived in certain weeds and soil conditions.
There had been a marked improvement when Eli had implemented such modifications on his father’s farm. On that occasion, Father had considered Eli’s techniques a secret advantage over his competitors.
The marquess wouldkillEli if he suspected him of aiding and abetting lifelong foes.
Eli was going to do it anyway.
In fact, now that he’d had an opportunity to inspect Cressmouth’s native foliage and pastures, he had several new ideas that would be even better for the Harpers. Their already famous horses would be even healthier and more valuable by springtime.
“There you are,” came a jolly voice Eli didn’t recognize at all. “I was hoping you’d return soon!”
Eli glanced up over theeschscholziato find the castle solicitor beaming at him. What was his name? Ah, yes.
“Good day, Mr. Thompson. I couldn’t stay away. Your conservatory is...” An unmitigated disaster? “...fascinating.”
Mr. Thompson chuckled. “Is that the word you’d use? Miss Harper led me to believe you found it something of a disaster.”
“Er...” Eli shifted his weight. Lovely. Thank you, Olive.
“She also convinced me you were the best man to consult on a grand reorganization.”
Eli blinked. “She did what?”
“She said you are a brilliant botanist here on holiday for a limited time, and it would be remiss of the castle if we did not beg for your assistance.” Mr. Thompson gestured helplessly. “If you could sketch out a plan of what ought to be placed where, as well as anything else we ought to be doing, I will arrange for your suggestions to be implemented posthaste.”
“Oh.” Eli swallowed. “I see.”
Didhe see? Eli wasn’t certain what was happening.
Hewas the amateur who consulted others. Eli had never been the one consulted before. He’d had to force his revolutionary ideas onto his father, who to this day believed botany to be frivolous.
Thus far, Eli’s grand plans for the Harper farm lived exclusively in his head and his notebook. He had not yet thought of an appropriately persuasive argument to convince them to put their greatest enemy’s heir in charge of their precious pastures.
And now...
“The castle will compensate you for your time and expertise, of course.” Mr. Thompson gave a jovial laugh. “Even in a village called Christmas, we don’t expect everything for free.”
Paid.
For hisexpertise.
“Yes,” Eli said quickly. “Absolutely. I would be happy to help. Delighted to help.”
Hewashappy. Unreasonably happy. He felt as improbably jolly as the solicitor looked.
“I’ll just... I have notes in here.” Eli held up his notebook. “I’ll create a report and sketch out a map and timetables for watering and—”
“Brilliant. Make sure to include your fee and I’ll write a check at once.”
“Er...” said Eli. “Shouldn’t we negotiate the price?”
“What do I know about such things? If we were remotely knowledgeable on the subject, we wouldn’t need your expertise. More importantly, I trust Miss Harper, and Miss Harper trusts you.” The solicitor clapped Eli on the shoulder. “The castle’s coffers are nearly bottomless, my boy. Charge what you deserve.”
What washappening?
