“Do any of those decisions involve Caroline?”
He glanced over at his mother and narrowed his eyes. “Why would you ask?”
She chuckled and set her teacup aside. “It is obvious that you have formed a tendre for her.”
How could she possibly know?
“It has been whispered about by the servants of how the two of you worked side-by-side every day of the harvest, that the two of you spoke quietly and there were times that Caroline blushed, and you would laugh. Such teasing usually only occurs when there is attraction.” She arched a brow. “Or even love.”
He did not want to have this discussion with his mother.
“She would make a fine wife, Sterling.”
He already knew that and did not need his mother to convince him.
“Follow your heart, Sterling. If you think with your head, you might talk yourself out of love or let fear control your decision.”
“I promise to make decisions with my heartandmy head,” he said.
“Just your heart,” she reiterated.
“I do not even know if Caroline loves me.”
“I do know that you love Caroline.” It wasn’t a question but a statement.
Except, she never claimed that Caroline loved him, which was his main concern.
Sterling finished his tea, took a last bit of his breakfast and stood. “I will see you later, Mother.”
He then made his way to the office for his appointment with Hallaway only to find his son, William, waiting instead.
“Where is your father?”
“He…well…he…there were matters…um…”
“What matters?” Sterling asked.
“He is recovering,” William blurted out.
“Recovering? From what?”
“The, erm, harvest takes more out of him…he is not as young…”
That had been a concern. Not that Hallaway was frail, but he was getting on in years, a bit eccentric, and only worried about the grapes.
“How long have you been back at Wyndview Farm?”
“Approximately nine months.”
Sterling nodded. “I assume you attended university.”
“Yes. My father wanted that for me and my grandfather arranged it.”
“Why did you return when you could have done almost anything you wanted in England?”
“I did remain there for over a year after. I attended a Season. I went to house parties. But I was not wealthy nor titled and when my grandfather passes, my cousin will become the next baron, so friends soon fell away as I pursued areas of trade.”
“What would those be?”
