Caleb turned his attention to Mr. Zeal. “Have it torn down. I will commission a new one to be built.” Caleb glanced out over the land. He’d commission it to be built in a different location on the estate, far removed from the memories of his mother’s treachery.
“Very well, Your Grace.”
They continued onto the next building, listing what needed to be done, then the next and so on until Caleb had taken inventory of them all. From what he had seen, Mr. Zeal was a capable steward and could be trusted to see to the repairs.
Having returned from their task, Caleb dismounted and tossed his reins to a nearby stable boy.
“I will work up a report and have it to you by this evening, Your Grace.” Mr. Zeal said.
Caleb gave a nod and started away, but stopped short having thought of one last thing. “Mr. Zeal.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“I want a bridge built over the river straight away. One sturdy enough to withstand the waters when they are high and fast moving.”
“As you wish, Your Grace.”
In desperate need of a strong drink and solitude, Caleb walked hastily back to the house. He could no more go back and save Maggie than he could part the sea, but he could damn sure make certain that no one else on the estate met with the same fate she had.
CHAPTER 9
Jane slowed her pace as she approached the threshold of the library at Highlawn Park. She moved closer to the wall, coming to a stop just outside the door. Peaking around the corner, she saw Caleb sitting in a brocade covered chair near the fire. He had his head bent and something in his hand.
Her heart rate accelerated. What if he was not pleased to see her?
She allowed her eyes to flutter shut and drew a steadying breath. This was no time to be a coward. Her marriage was at stake and she’d resolved to save it. Heaven help her, but she loved her husband. The realization slammed into her soon after leaving London. She had no wish to live apart from him. No desire to argue with him. Forcing her eyes open she took her first tentative step into the room.
He did not as much as flinch when she stepped farther into the room. “Caleb.”
His head remained bent, body still as stone.
Her heart speed. What was the matter with him? Forgetting her own nerves, she hastened to his side. Still he did not look at her, did not move. She glanced over him, her gaze pausing on the miniature he held in his hands. A woman.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, she said, “Caleb. The lady in the picture, who is she?”
After several heartbeats, he looked up at her. She was taken aback by the sorrow she witnessed in the fine lines of his handsome face. His eyes were dull and shadowed and his mouth a pensively straight line.
“Whatever is the matter?” She asked, staring into his eyes.
“Maggie, my baby sister.” His voice rang hollow.
“Has something happened to her?”
Caleb released a deep breath, returning his attention to the miniature. “I killed her.”
Jane jerked, her breath catching. Surely, that was not the case. “Do tell me what happened, Caleb. I am certain her death was not your doing.”
He rubbed his thumb over the picture. “She was only ten years old. I was seventeen and charged with watching over her. I assure you, itwasmy fault.”
Jane’s heart slammed against her ribs. “No. Caleb, it cannot be. Please, tell me what happened.”
His shoulders shook as though he was fighting for control on the verge of breaking down.
Jane rubbed a lazy circle on his back. He simply could not have killed his sister. “I am sure you are not to blame. You were but a child yourself.”
“Maggie had wanted to go for a walk in the woods and I indulged her as I always did. We had a great deal of rain the few days prior. The ground was mushy and the river swollen.” He broke off, returning his attention to the miniature.
