“It’s been…what…at least half a dozen years?” He tilted his head on one side. “You’ve not changed much.”
Royce snorted. “More than that, I think. I’ve aged, Giles. In more ways than I can tell you.”
“Still wandering?”
“Not so much these days.”
Giles squelched down a well-remembered flare of impatience. Talking to Royce was difficult at the best of times, impossible if he didn’t wish for conversation. “You still tending to the sick?”
Royce’s shoulders moved in a slight shrug. “If they come my way. I don’t seek ‘em out, but it’s wrong not to help if one is able.”
“A noble sentiment.”
“An honest one, at least. Not much that’s noble about it. I don’t like that word. Never have.” He sat back and pushed his ale aside as the serving girl brought their meals. Simple fare—beef, potatoes, vegetables and a loaf of bread. However, the bread was warm from the oven, the beef tender and both men were hungry, so for a while they remained silent as they filled their bellies.
Replete at last, Giles ordered them both a brandy.
Royce sipped. “I take it now’s the time you tell me why you asked to meet me here?”
“It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, Royce. I have made this request once before.” He sighed. “Neither of us knew at that point you’d choose the military.”
“What else could I do? The Peninsula War. It seemed the right thing, especially given my family situation.”
“I will allow that.” Giles nodded. “Yes, it was a logical choice.”
“And your offer was…unusual, to say the least of it.”
“Wolfbridge is unusual. It was then, and it still is. Even more so, since the intervening years have worked well for us down there. It’s a thriving estate, not wealthy as some would measure it, but holding its own. We survived that terrible summer a couple of years ago, and with some excellent management recovered more quickly than I’d hoped. And that is a good introduction into my reason for asking to see you.”
“Wolfbridge. I knew it would be about Wolfbridge.”
“I will always be about Wolfbridge, Royce. Like you, I know where my duty lies. Unlike you, I am thrilled to take its burdens onto my shoulders and work for its betterment.”
“That’s a low blow.” Royce’s eyes darkened. “I fought alongside my men, Giles. I never shirked a single engagement.”
“I know. I wasn’t speaking of your military career.”
“Ah.” He turned away and stared into the fire that was now burning merrily at one side of the now-quiet inn. “That was another time and another place.”
Giles acknowledged the truth of that statement with a nod. “And I was unwise to bring it to mind. I apologise for my poor timing and probably less than complimentary expressions.”
“Accepted.” Royce sipped his brandy, and Giles felt the intensity of that pure blue gaze. “So. You are here to invite me to be one of the Wolfbridge servants.”
It took a moment of deep breathing for Giles to find his control. Royce was one of the few who knew exactly how to rouse both temper and anger. He’d just done both.
“We do not have servants, as you call them, at Wolfbridge, Royce. You are under a misapprehension.”
“Really?” One eyebrow rose. “Enlighten me, then. Because the last time you suggested I come to Wolfbridge, it certainly sounded as if I were to become no more than a well-dressed servant.”
“That’s more what youheard, than what Isaid, but that time has passed and I would prefer we deal with the here and now.”
“Very well.” Royce inclined his head, his gaze watchful.
“Wolfbridge has just lost its estate manager. Daniel has married our current Lady of Wolfbridge, so both must be replaced at the earliest opportunity.”
“So not a servant, then?”
“Definitely not. But a position that will require work, good management skills and solid financial acumen. All of which I know you have.”
