That was not a direction his thoughts were allowed to go.
“Good morning, Little Mouse.”
She giggled again.“Good morning, Trent.”
“Good morning, Samantha,” he said as he pulled out a chair.A footman had been hovering, but sometimes he just wanted to do it himself.
“Oh, I’m in your seat,” Samantha said quickly.“I’ll move.”
“Don’t be silly.This seat will be just fine.”A plate of food was quickly deposited in front of him, and although he was grateful for it, the staff here treated him with a level of deference and respect he just didn’t deserve.
Maggie and Samantha had both finished eating, and it wasn’t long before Mrs.Baird appeared in the doorway.Maggie hurried across the room but stopped just before reaching her to turn back.She stuck her tongue out one more time before running off, giggles floating behind her.
Samantha’s cheeks glowed red above her shy smile.“I’m sorry.”
He shook his head.“Thank you for taking care of her.Apparently I slept right through my responsibilities.”
“It was my pleasure.I assure you.”
“Will you be able to manage getting back upstairs?I’m sure Brennan is already waiting for me.”
Her brow furrowed.“But you didn’t eat yet.”
“Well, that’s what I get for lazing about for half the day.”
“What can I do to help?I don’t like that I’m yet another burden you’ve had to take on.”
“You already have helped me.You took care of Maggie while I slept.”
“You should at least eat something.Benson says you’re working far too much.”
“Benson needs to remember his place,” he said irritably.He folded a piece of toast around two sausages and held it up.“I’m eating.”He took a bite, pushed back his chair, and strode from the room.
Guilt settled in his stomach as he crossed to the stables.He should be grateful for their concern.Instead, he’d been a cad, lashing out.As if she hadn’t already been treated poorly by enough people in her life.He sighed and stuffed the last of his food into his mouth, self-loathing making it taste bitter.A horse was saddled and ready for him.You’d think he was the master of the estate.Why did they all treat him that way?He was only Ash’s bastard brother.
Brennan was at the cabin, but there were two other men with him Trent didn’t recognize.
“I’m sorry,” Trent said as he climbed out of the saddle.“I appreciate you getting started without me.”
Brennan brushed his hands on his trousers.“This is Theo, and Stanley, your new help.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means Ash hired them.They arrived this morning.Apparently, a telegram was delivered as well, but?—”
“But I was sleeping, so no one knew,” Trent snapped.
“No harm done.I just put them to work.You can go back home.”
“Don’t be daft.”
“We’ve got it well in hand, boss.”
“It isn’t your responsibility.”
“It is now.Your job is to manage the estate.Not to do all the labor too.When was the last time you had a day off?”
“I don’t—” He breathed a frustrated sigh.He didn’t take days off.
