‘You handled things as I would have done,’ he stated simply, and for that you have my thanks.’ From his father, ever a man of few words, it was high praise indeed. Peter reddened slightly and sat a little taller in his chair.
‘Goodness, don’t say anything further,’ Jennifer laughed. ‘He won’t be able to get his head through the door.’
‘You are equally deserving of my thanks, Jenny,’ her father continued seriously. He paused before adding, ‘As are you Augustus, and you Felicity.’ His voice had turned a little husky, and Grace gripped his hand tightly. ‘I cannot tell you what a relief it is to know that you’ve all come through such an ordeal unscathed and that Caerlaverock was and is in such capable hands.’
To Jennifer’s relief, he said nothing about her impetuously taking off after the traitorous footman on her own, but she had no doubt the lecture would come…
‘Are ye ready fer a whisky yet, Nick?’ Malcolm grinned, clapping his hand on his old friend’s shoulder.
The Duke gave a rueful laugh and nodded. ‘So where is our new steward and his err … intriguing father?’ he asked. ‘I had thought they would be here.’
‘I might call Dougal Galbraith many things,’ the Reverend snorted, ‘but intriguing is definitely not one of them. Likely he’s currently helping himself to some of Mrs. Allen’s tablet.’
‘Brendon is down at the old boathouse I believe,’ Jennifer added. Remembering the intimacy they’d shared there just two days earlier, she felt herself going pink and knew well her mother would not have missed it.
‘It hasn’t been used in years,’ Peter explained, ‘and the only reason the boat in there hasn’t sunk is because it’s resting on the bottom of the loch. I asked Brendon to make the whole thing safe in case any other waifs and strays should think to spend the night there.’
‘Are there any foundlings left in the area?’ Nicholas questioned drily.
Jennifer drew in her breath. This was it. The perfect time to bring up her plan. She gripped her hands together nervously and gave a small cough. When all eyes had turned towards her, she swallowed and managed, ‘It’s interesting you should say that, Papa… In truth, I… I’ve actually had an idea…’
∞∞∞
Both her parents had been cautiously optimistic about the idea of building a boarding school on the estate, providing someone could be found to manage such an ambitious project. Indeed, Jennifer was gratified when everyone in the room began enthusiastically contributing their opinions about the best way forward.
‘Have you asked Brendon Galbraith what he thinks about the idea?’ the Duchess asked suddenly.
‘Naturally we have spoken about it,’ Jennifer stammered, ‘but like you, he thinks it will take a lot of planning…’
‘Not to mention money,’ her father added wryly.
‘I believe it’s Brendon’s wish to use some of the money from the jewellery found on Inveruglas to help fund the building work,’ Jennifer clarified carefully. ‘But that’s only if the jewels are found to be genuine, of course.’
Nicholas nodded thoughtfully. ‘I think I would like to talk to our new steward – sooner rather than later.’ He turned to Peter. ‘Would you object if I asked him to finish his work for the day and return to the house to speak with me?’
Jennifer’s heart slammed against her ribs. Peter was nodding his head. ‘I think it’s an excellent idea,’ he answered. ‘I’m certain you’ll be most impressed with Brendon. Truly, Father, we could not have rescued the children without his help.’
‘Aye,’ added Malcolm, ‘the lad’s a rare one. I’d trust him wi’ ma life. Indeed, I did – on several occasions. Ye’ll like him, Nick.’
And though she desperately wished to be privy to the conversation, Jennifer found herself outside the room without quite knowing how she’d got there.
Damn, she’d forgotten how good her parents were at acting in unison when they wanted to be rid of someone…
Jennifer was drying her hair by the fire when there was a knock on the door. She’d been expecting it for some time. She had not seen Brendon, despite lurking upstairs on the landing while he was closeted in the sitting room with her father. She’d then spent the whole of her bath wondering what they had spoken about. Had she figured at all in the conversation? Somehow, she doubted it.
What she didn’t doubt was her mother’s absolute awareness of what she hadn’t said – hence the knock.
Sighing, Jennifer climbed to her feet and went to the door. As she expected, her mother was standing on the other side. With a rueful smile, Jennifer stepped to one side, and her mother, every bit the Duchess, swept into the room. It was clearly going to be one of those conversations…
∞∞∞
‘She wishes to remain at Caerlaverock,’ Grace declared, walking back into their bedchamber.
‘Why am I not surprised. I take it she also wishes to marry the steward?’ Grace nodded, lying down on top of the bed next to him. In truth, she didn’t know whether she wanted to laugh or cry.
‘What is he like?’ she asked instead.
‘Honourable. In fact, if he had any more honour, he’d be unable to sit down.’ Nicholas shook his head and sighed. ‘I’m being unfair. The truth is, I liked him. Very much. And had I not known he had designs on my daughter, I would be ecstatically happy to leave Caerlaverock in his capable hands.’
