Royce…he’d had a quieter time, watching what was going on, and occasionally nodding and shaking hands with some of the older tenant farmers. They knew he was the estate manager now that Daniel had left, and the conversations there were less lighthearted.
But as the afternoon wore on, Gwyneth noticed a few more ladies, young ones, finding their way to Royce’s side and engaging him in conversation. She wasn’t sure he liked it, but he seemed to adapt well and they withdrew with smiles on their faces.
She herself had met so many of her tenants that their names blurred in her mind. Mrs Barnsley had arrived and introduced a steady flow of well-wishers, all of whom had something pleasant to say in the way of a welcome. Once again she rediscovered her strengths as Lady of the Manor, a role she’d learned at Kilham. Here, it was so much easier. The difference of course lay in the fact she was happier to be at Wolfbridge than she’d ever been at the Abbey.
She’d watched people leave, some as families, others in ones and twos—holding hands briefly, exchanging smiles—the warm spring sun had awoken not just the fruiting raspberry fields, but also the interest in other more intimate fields as well. Giles and Trick had said their farewells…Giles had work to finish and Trick was eager to return to Jane.
She had to smile as they departed along with the courting couples, since she too had once enjoyed a warm spring day in the countryside, not unlike this one. It had been idyllic, but sadly had not led to happiness.
“My Lady,” said Gabriel dropping down on the grass beside her bench. “I cannot possibly allow such a serious face on such a glorious day.” He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips, placing a long and lingering kiss on her knuckles, and then kissing each finger for good measure.
“You’ve enjoyed yourself, then?”
“Enormously.” He settled himself. “My back will probably ache tomorrow, and I expect I’ve a wee bit of burn on my nose from the sun. My clothes are damp, but the swim was worth it.” He sighed. “Yes, I’ve had fun.”
“I’m glad.” She resisted the urge to run her fingers through his soft pale hair. It had dried to a tangle of silk and she itched to touch it.
“Can I get you anything, my Lady? Food? Drink?” Evan strolled up, looking every bit as tasty as the food he’d contributed to the day’s events.
Gwyneth eyed him, her thoughts growing warm, and not from the setting sun. “What would you suggest?”
He let a little wicked smile twist around his lips. “Wine, perhaps? I think you’re healthy enough to enjoy a glass…”
“I’m healthy. Can I have a glass as well?” Jeremy was wringing out his shirt as he crossed the grass to join his friends.
His chest was quite beautiful. Gwyneth watched the reddening light play on the muscles and planes of his chest. He sported just enough hair to be interesting—the sort that made a woman’s fingers tingle at the thought of twining through it.
“Wine for everyone, I think,” declared Royce, sitting down on the other side of Gwyneth’s chair with a thud. “I’d forgotten what a toll field work can take on one’s muscles.” He stretched, arms above his head, wet shirt clinging to what was beneath.
Gwyneth was surrounded by men, bombarded with the sights and sounds of their lithe and handsome bodies. It was a moment she could almost taste on the back of her tongue and she willingly accepted a glass of wine, hoping it might quench the flames she could feel flickering in parts of her that had been dormant for far too long.
“This is so lovely,” she leaned back and sipped the rich sweet drink. “And the pond looks perfect for a swim.”
“Indeed it is,” said Jeremy, lying down flat in the grass. “The water has warmed from the sun, and what a pleasure it was to step into it.”
Gwyneth sighed. “I’m sure it must be.”
Silence fell for a few moments.
“Gentlemen,” said Jeremy, laughter in his voice. “It sounds very much as if our Lady is jealous of our dip in the pond.”
“I was just thinking that,” agreed Royce.
“You know, you’re right,” Gabriel chimed in.
“Well then.” Evan walked to Gwyneth. “Let’s do something about that, shall we?”
The field was empty now as the first stars twinkled in the dusky sky. She looked at Evan. “You mean I could…”
“Why not?” Gabriel stood beside her. “I know you have a chemise beneath your dress because I laid it out for you this morning.”
“And there’s nobody here now. They’ve all gone home.”
“It’s your pond, my Lady,” Jeremy grinned. “Why not enjoy it?”
She rose, looking at them, four handsome faces, four delightful bodies, all waiting on a single word from her. In that moment, she realised she was about to fully accept what Wolfbridge offered. Affectionate and loving attentions from men who were devoted to her well-being.
“Then by all means, take me to the pond,” she whispered, breathless with anticipation.
