Adalyn sighed. “Yes indeed, sir. Thank you for your inquiry. We are going over some details of our business.”
“Take your time, then.”
So Adalyn did her best to update Trick on the things he needed to know, welcoming his approval of the hiring of temporary lads, and confirming that he would love to have a new permanent stablehand when he returned. They touched on matters of feed, and who might exercise the horses, going over everything she could think of that might need Trick’s input or ideas.
“Nobody will take your quarters, Trick. I promise you that.” She rose and walked to the basket. “I brought you some things, and also this…” She pulled the paper and charcoal from the bottom. “In case you feel like drawing…”
His face lit up and he hurried to her side “Adalyn, bless you. This is just what I needed. Thank you, my l-my Lady.” He remembered to use her title just in time. “Thank you.”
“I cannot stay, I’m afraid,” she said, her heart sinking at the thought of saying goodbye to him.
“I know.” He walked back to the far side of the room and beckoned her. “I thank you for your kindness. This visit has meant so much to me.”
She went into his arms without a word and once more eagerly pressed herself to him, letting him ravage her mouth.
Finally, they separated, breathing heavily, lingering, and not wanting to part.
“I shall make sure Jane keeps up her visits, Trick,” Adalyn cleared her throat as he reached out to tuck an errant lock of hair back beneath her bonnet. “And even if you’re moved, she will be certain to come at least twice a week.”
“That will be most kind, Ma’am. And I thank you for everything you’ve done to keep the stables in good order.”
She straightened and looked at him, just touching his lips with her hand. “They are Wolfbridge stables, Trick. You are Wolfbridge, as much as the rest of us. I am merely taking care of what is mine.”
He looked at her then, as if he saw something new. “You’ve changed, Adalyn. I’m not sure how, but you seem…stronger. More resolute,” he said, a note of wonder in his voice. “You truly are the Lady of Wolfbridge.”
She nodded and moved to the door to summon Gerald.
“Yes, Trick. I believe I am.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Upon returning to the carriage, Adalyn found Jane waiting inside.
“I hope you will forgive this intrusion, my Lady,” she said as she retreated into the corner and made room for Adalyn. “I was here in Ditchley and heard you were visiting Mr. Trick. I hoped for a break in the weather, but it doesn’t look like we’ll get it, so rather than walk…”
“Of course, Jane, of course. You did just the right thing. You’d told me you’d would be in Ditchley this week, but I couldn’t recall the day, but your Mama reminded me about it. So all has worked out well, and I shall be glad of the company on the way home.” Adalyn smoothed her skirts and settled herself as the driver shut them in. “This rain is quite horrid, so I’m sure we’re both content to be out of it at the moment.”
“’Tis a worry indeed,” answered Jane. “There’s mutters about the river rising.”
“I noticed that on the way here. It was tumbling under the bridge at quite a frantic rate.”
With a jerk and a whinny of horses, they were off, rattling down the small streets of Ditchley and then out onto the road toward Wolfbridge.
“Mr. Trick looked well, Jane, and was most complimentary toward you.” Adalyn watched the youthful face next to her. She barely noticed the scarring now, having become acquainted with Jane the young woman, not Jane the unfortunate victim.
“He’s so kind, Ma’am.” Jane’s beam transformed her. “Always has a thank you and a smile for me, and he makes me feel like I’m someone special.”
Adalyn couldn’t help but smile back. “He has a gift for that, doesn’t he?”
Jane nodded. “He…well, he’s been so kind. I never knew that anyone would be that kind to someone like me.” She took a breath. “Especially somebody as important as Mr. Trick.”
Adalyn watched the young face, noting the warmth that rose in her cheeks. “I hope you’ll find that everyone at Wolfbridge is the same way, Jane. And I have to correct one thing…Trick is as important to all of us as you are. I am learning that the Manor is more of a family than an estate. Yes, it has lands, but the heart of Wolfbridge is in its people. And you are one of its people.”
“Oh, but…I…” Her hand lifted to her scars. “No, I couldn’t…”
“Yes you can, my dear. Set aside your concerns. You are a part of our family now.” Adalyn reached over and took the cold hand in hers. “You tend to me with efficiency and kindness. You have spent many hours going to Ditchley to visit Trick. We could ask no more of each other, and thus you have become one of us. Please remember that?”
“I don’t know quite what to say, Ma’am…” Jane looked at a loss.
