Apple-blossom waved a hand about. “Oh, that was not important, therefore it does not count.”
Milly found herself laughing. She’d done that quite a bit lately.
Daisy greeted them, barking enthusiastically in her hoarse little voice. The dog loved it here. Romped around fields with whomever was out walking. Wove in and out of horses’ hooves, and rolled in the mud with the pigs. The Wimplestows had four large dogs that worshipped her and followed her everywhere. Lord Wimplestow had become a particular favorite, and was seen striding about with her clutched to his chest when her little legs tired.
“Is someone here, Apple-Blossom, because I heard your father saying he had an appointment?”
“Mr. Howard. His land borders ours to the west.”
Apple-blossom’s words were curt, and unlike her usual happy tone. Hurrying to keep up with her long strides, Milly drew alongside.
“Do you not like this Mr. Howard, then?”
“He’s rude and arrogant, with no manners.”
Coming from a Wimplestow, this was quite a statement. She heard the masculine voices as they approached the stables, which they walked through to get to the pigs. Why she had to help in this area when she was a governess, Milly did not know, but here she was.
“She’ll break her neck on him.”
Apple-blossom stiffened beside Milly at the deep words. One of her hands grabbed Milly’s and clenched it tight as she dragged her forward at a rapid pace.
“You’re squeezing the blood from my fingers, Apple-blossom.”
“Sorry.”
They drew level with the open stable doors, and the girl marched inside. Milly followed slowly, stopping in the doorway when she saw Lord Wimplestow and another man.
Possibly the biggest man she had ever seen. He dwarfed Lord Wimplestow. He had a shock of blonde hair, his face tanned, and two black eyes were focused on Apple-blossom. His hands were huge, as were the two large feet in black leather, parted in an aggressive stance. Milly took his age to be thirty something.
“Don’t you dare tell my father I cannot ride, Daniel Peter Howard!” Apple-blossom braced hands on her hips.
“He’s too strong for you.” The man spoke calmly in the face of her obvious anger. “You’ll not control him when he runs.”
“I bloody well will!”
“Now, my love, there is no need for this, Daniel is just looking out for—”
“He’s not!” Apple-blossom cut her father off. “He’s stirring things up like he always does. Belittling my abilities because I’m a woman!”
Milly had never seen her charge so upset before, nor heard her voice raised in anger.
“It’s not because you’re a woman! God, you’re infuriating.” Color was now riding Mr. Howard’s cheeks. Perhaps he was not as calm as she’d thought. Milly couldn’t be sure, but thought there was a spark of something other than anger in the man’s eyes as he looked at Apple-blossom.
“I’m infuriating?” Apple-blossom roared the words. “You’re bossy, rude, arrogant and....” She spluttered, trying to find the right words.
“Articulate?”
Milly winced as Apple-blossom screeched. She then spun on her heel and walked into Milly, sending her backward. She managed to regain her feet, and then she was being towed outside.
“Have mercy, Apple-blossom, I-I cannot breathe,” Milly wheezed.
“I hate that man!”
“I gathered that you did.”
They arrived at the pig sty, and Milly stayed outside while Apple-blossom entered. Picking up a shovel, she proceeded to shovel muck about the place in a furious whirl of activity. Ducking as a load sailed her way, Milly straightened when she was sure she was no longer in the firing line.
“He’s been our neighbor for five years, and my father thinks him a wonderful man, as does Angus. I loathe him.”
