*
Caroline stood beforeher father; hands fisted on her hips. “Why did you not tell me that you plan on harvesting tomorrow?”
“You have been busy.”
“I am never too busy for something this important.”
“All is ready. I can assure you. Would I let the harvest happen too soon or too late?”
“What of the vats? Are they all sufficiently cleaned and ready?”
“Yes, they are.”
“Have all the baskets been loaded into the wagon?”
“Yes.”
“Has every servant been informed of their duties?”
“You behave as if I have never overseen the harvest before, Caroline.”
“We have never harvested grapes while the Earl of Wyndham has been here.”
“I know grapes. I know harvesting. I know making wine. I would not shirk any duty that could affect the quality we will produce.”
Caroline stared at her father. He was correct. When it came to his estate manager duties, the grapes and making of wine had never been a concern. It was everything else.
“Check for yourself. You will see that the vats are ready, that the barrels have arrived, and the wagons are loaded with baskets to bring into the field.”
“I will!” she announced and marched away to the barn.
Four days she had been absent. Four days she had allowed Lady Wyndham to dictate where she went and with whom when thewoman knew that Caroline was needed here, especially at this time of year.
Just because her father always had the harvest in hand, and that it was the only thing he cared about, did not mean he couldn’t forget something important. William would not know if anything was neglected because he had not been part of the harvest before. He arrived last year just as they were about to load the last of the barrels on a ship.
She should have been here so that he was taught everything that was necessary.
What if Father had only rambled on, as he tended to do, without imparting any true knowledge?
Except, the servants knew what to do…
Still, she needed to make certain for herself.
When she stepped inside the barn, Caroline paused and took in the activity then inspected the vats, wagons, baskets, then the cellar where empty barrels waited to be filled.
There was nothing that she needed to do. Everything was well in hand.
While she was relieved, there was discontent.
They did not need her.
Once William was trained, she would not be needed anywhere.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“It is anart,” Hallaway had explained after Sterling had found him and asked how he knew the grapes would be ready.
Hallaway picked a grape and handed it to Sterling. “Taste.”
