When Mrs.Elmhurst opened the door, she smiled at Trent.
“Good afternoon, Mrs.Elmhurst.I hope you won’t mind that I’ve brought company with me again.”
“Of course I don’t mind, but you never told me you had a brother.”
“Have you been keeping me a secret?”Ash asked him.
“You shouldn’t have,” she said.“He’s even handsomer than you.”
Trent laughed awkwardly, knowing what was coming.“He is my brother, yes.He’s also Lord Ashdown.”
Her smile withered as she dipped into a curtsy.“My lord.Apologies.”
“None of that,” Ash said, urging her to stand up straight.Then he turned his eyes on Trent and whacked the back of his hand against his shoulder.“Why’d you go and do that?You could have just introduced me as your brother Ash, but no, you had to bring His Lordship into it.She was complimenting me and everything.Now that’s out the window.”
Trent laughed and gave a slow shrug.
Ash was trying to put her at ease, but Mrs.Elmhurst did not laugh.She looked utterly bewildered.“How may I be of service, my lord?”
Ash shook his head.“That’s not why we’re here, Mrs.Elmhurst.We’re here to see how we may be of service to you.”
Anthony came galloping from the back of the house, his young sister giggling as she bounced on his back, her arms wrapped around his neck.
“Mr.Gibson!”He smiled as he approached.
“Good afternoon, Anthony.This is my brother, Ash.”
“Lord Ashdown,” his mother said in a quiet warning.
Anthony’s mouth also fell open.He put Emma down and bent into a bow.
Ash groaned.“I am merely here as a visitor.”He crouched to be eye level with the little girl.“And what’s your name, Poppet?”
She wrapped her arms around her brother’s leg, hiding shyly behind him.Anthony picked her up.“Her name is Emma, my lord.”
Ash stood and whispered to the little girl.“It’s nice to meet you, Emma.My name is Ash.”
Anyone else would have reveled in being lord of this estate and over all these people, but not Ash.
“Apologies, my lord, my house is not in a fit state for guests.But may I at least offer you some tea?”
“I’d be grateful for a cup.Thank you.”
They settled themselves into the small sitting room.Anthony’s eyes had still not returned to their normal size.And they only grew wider when Ash addressed him.
“Anthony, I understand you escorted Miss Allister home last night.”
“I-I did.Yes, my lord.”
“Thank you.I appreciate you making her welcome here and keeping an eye on her.”
“She’s been ever so kind to my family.”His eyes flicked to Trent.He was probably afraid Trent was going to tell Ash about her first time meeting Anthony.
Trent smiled at him.“Anthony has been working hard to fill some big shoes.Not only has he been helping his mother around here, but he’s also been helping around the estate with different jobs, as well.”
“Good lad.”
The door burst open.John stormed in with a frustrated howl as he slammed it shut behind him.“I hate people!”His face was red and tears streamed down his cheeks.He threw his coat on the floor and kicked off his shoes.He picked one of them up and hurled it with all his might.Straight through the window.Glass shattered and crashed onto the floor, startling a cry from Emma.Mrs.Elmhurst gasped, her hands clapping over her mouth.She shook her head.
