He caught up with his brother a minute or so later. Arthur was standing on a ridge as the black stallion held his ears back and teeth bared when Roddy came running up next to him, circling him. Charles brought his horse to a halt as he surveyed the trees.
“That’s a lot of trees,” Charles murmured as he approached.
“It isn’t. There are the usual apple trees. Pear, peach, and a few cherry trees. The fruit from these trees are used for jam, pies, cakes, to name a few. What isn’t put back for the family is given to tenants and the church in the fall.”
“Along with the wheels of cheese?”
“Yes.”
“So the estate is self-sufficient,” Charles said.
“Yes.”
“I’m impressed,” he replied. “Shall we move on?”
Arthur nodded and began walking his horse along the edge of the orchard. Soon, he took a turn into a wooded area. A white-washed cottage sat in the middle of a clearing. There was a small barn and two other outbuildings. Dismounting, Charles followed his brother to the front door of the cottage. It wasn’t locked, leaving them to walk right in. The cottage was more spacious than it looked on the outside. It boasted a large hearth to heat the house and to use for cooking. There was an area designated as a kitchen and another as a living area. Through a doorway which had been partitioned off was a main bedroom. A ladder was positioned. Above the ladder was a large room which must have been used for children. There were only a few pieces of furniture that had been left behind.
“What do you think?”
“Well maintained. I’d like to see the stables and outbuildings.”
Arthur nodded. “Let’s go.”
Looking around one more time, Charles followed his brother out and walked to the nearby stables. There was a nearby paddock and what appeared to be a small pasture beyond that. The stable was small with enough space to house three horses. The outbuilding held extra hay and grain. It was a perfect fit for the cottage.
“Your estate manager’s parents had a nice place here. Is there any reason it hasn’t been inhabited by another?”
“Repairs were made, the roof is new, and so is the paint. I decided I wanted to think about it before anyone was assigned the cottage. When I met you, I decided you might be interested in it. Even to use as somewhere you can get away to write. Same goes for the lake house.”
“It seems a waste to just use it as a place for me to come part of the time.”
“I wasn’t sure how you were going to accept being in the main house. I wanted you to have an option.”
Charles arched a brow. “You’re very observant.”
“You’ve lived a very different life from me. I’m sure mine can be overwhelming.”
“Yes, at times. I realize being brother to a duke, I don’t have the same privileges as you. Second son and all.”
“You’re still entitled to more than you’re used to. If you want it,” Arthur replied.
“Very well. Let me think on it, but if there’s someone more in need for a place to live, please see they get it.”
“Very good,” Arthur said. “Why don’t we head back, unless there’s somewhere else you’d like to see?”
Shaking his head, Charles mounted the chestnut. “I can’t think of anywhere else right now.”
He followed Arthur as they headed back to the stables. There was a lot to think about. He had his choice of a place to live.There had been many changes in his life in a matter of weeks. He had his own wing in the house. He could hire his own staff and live independently from everyone else. If he chose this cottage, he certainly would be alone as he had been on the island. It was time for a change, but first he would weigh the pros and cons of each building, and he’d speak to Frazier about everything. He was always good to listen to him when he was trying to make decisions like this one.
When they finally walked into the house, Daphne greeted them. Charles had liked her immediately and was glad his brother had found her.
“Did you enjoy yourself, Charles?” she asked with a smile.
“Very much.”
“Well, I have some news. Graham and Roxanne have returned from their wedding trip and are having a hunt next week and we’re all invited. Knowing Roxanne, it’ll be wonderful.”
Charles looked at his brother who was standing next to his wife. “Will the chestnut be suitable for a hunt?”
