Oh, I have just started. You wait and see.
Chapter Three
Henry
“This is ridiculous.”
“This is a ramp the carpenter constructed for you.” Percy jutted his chin. “And you are going to use it.”
I rotated my shoulder.
He merely shrugged.
Maestro eyed me. Damn horse had been excited to see me. Whether he remembered me after fifteen years was debatable, but he was clearly excited to be taken for a ride.
Mr. Wiggins and I had spent the past week reviewing all the ledgers, crop yields, and rents paid for the past year. For me to get a sense of where the money came from and how it was being dispensed.
We had gone over the list of tenants and farmers. Determined who would need to be visited first.
Hence the lesson on how to mount a horse.
“When I visit and do not dismount, it will be rude.” I scowled at Percy.
I appeared to be doing that a lot—even though the man did not deserve it.
“I will dismount, and you will remain on your horse, and you will converse with people and express your gratitude for the work they do for you.” He glared back. “Up.”
I pursed my lips.
He put his hands on his hips.
Maestro whinnied.
Which was, for me,thedeterminative factor.
With great frustration, I grasped the pommel with my left hand and hauled myself into the saddle.
And nearly vaulted myself over the far side.
“Steady there.” Percy gripped my waist. “Power is good. Too much and you’ll go over.”
“I can see that.” I might have snapped that.
“Yes, your lordship.” He was all grins.
In the week I had been home and he had been tending to my every need, his cheerfulness had not faltered. Even as he removed chamber pots, assisted me in dressing, and took care of just about every intimate need I had, he never once had a cross word for me.
Yet I was keenly aware of when I disappointed him.
More and more, I did notwantto disappoint him. I wanted the praise, which he showered on me when I did things correctly. He always knew just the correct words to use to defuse any situation that threatened to spiral out of control. He understood my needs—and my mind—even better than I did. Always anticipating. Always helpful. Yet never overtly obtrusive.
He was always just…there.
“I shall never marry, you know.” I blurted the words.
He held my gaze. “And why not?”
“Look at me.” Again with my shoulder. I also pointed to my leg. “I can barely walk properly, let alone dance. Women require wooing. They wish to be taken out and treated like queens.”
