Stone ambled his mount beside him as they headed across the back field. “I wondered where you’d gone off to after dinner. I’d rather thought the two of us would trek into the village for a few ales last night.”
“It was a long day,” Garrett answered. He could hardly explain to his friend that he’d been pawing at his sister. And then, not wishing to be rude, he added, “Did you go out alone, then?”
“No, stayed back with the old men.” Stone laughed. “I wish to assure you again, when I invited you here, I’d no idea my mother had planned such a large house party.”
Garrett rode along for a moment without speaking. “No worries. Her guests are reasonable sorts, really. I haven’t found reason to cuff any of them yet,” he conceded, “and it’s always a pleasure to converse with your father.”
As though summoned by Garrett’s words, Lord Ravensdale cantered up behind them, bringing his horse abreast of the two younger men. He pulled on the reins, and they slowed to a walk. There was too much riding to accomplish that day to push their horses early on.
“Good morning, Hawthorne, pulled yourself from bed early, I see.” The older man glanced at Garrett. “I failed to mention the outing to you last night. You disappeared early.”
“Not for lack of good company, my lord,” Garrett answered.
“Well, I’m glad you have joined us today. My steward’s beendoing a great deal to maximize the efficiency of our irrigation systems. Have you had a chance to inspect the channels around Maple Hall yet?” he asked.
Garrett shook his head. The condition of the fields left by his father was an embarrassment. “They’re in ruins. Aside from the fire, the estate has been so neglected, I have much rebuilding before I can begin improvements.” The men rode in silence for a few minutes. “The physical condition of the property is just part of the difficulties, however.”
Lord Ravensdale gave a rueful chuckle. “Tenant unrest, I imagine. No doubt the old man left you something of a hornet’s nest.” The earl adjusted himself in his saddle before continuing, “I’ve faith in you though. I’ve seen you turn around some shaky business deals for all involved, myself included. You’ll do fine to approach the estate the same way.”
As a hedge appeared ahead, the men spurred their mounts and took on the obstacle. Upon clearing it easily, they allowed the horses to walk again.
Garrett contemplated the tenants he’d spoken with. Most of them were willing to work with him contingent upon the investments he’d promised.
He’d heard talk, though, of one particular family in the village who held what might very well be a legitimate grudge. One of the older brothers had been working as a footman for his father and was killed the night of the fire. Evidence showed the man had been shot. Garrett could easily believe the rumors that his old man had pulled the trigger. Although he was not responsible for his father’s actions, and nothing could bring back the man, Garrett felt he owed them some retribution. He needed to approach the matter carefully. Legal issues, as well as emotional ones, must be considered.
Although he would have liked to, he could not discuss any of this with his friends. Certain matters must remain unspoken.
Garrett came out of his musings. The earl had been addressing him. “Pardon?” he asked.
“You’d be surprised how helpful a wife can be. My countess discovers gossip and whatnot that I would never be privy to. A woman can be more approachable, easier to unburden one’s secrets to.” He looked over at Garrett meaningfully. “You might do well to take on this tasknot alone, but with a good lady atyourside.” A roguish light gleamed in the man’s eyes.
Garrett held the man’s stare for but a moment as comprehension dawned. Was the earl implying his own daughter might be a candidate for the position? Such a notion made no sense at all! What about Monfort? What of the shadows looming over the Hawthorne legacy? Surely no man would want Hawthorne blood running through his grandchildren’s veins.
Garrett chose his next words carefully. Shaking his head, he said, “Unfortunately for me, the Season is at an end. Even so, not many marriage-minded mamas are throwing their daughters in my path.”
“Lucky for you, I’d say.” The earl laughed. “Most chits on the marriage mart are more liability than asset.” He rode silently for a moment before adding, “Perhaps the lady you need at your side can be found in the country. Perhaps she’s nearer than you think.” Looking over, he gave Garrett a sly smile and then spurred his horse into a trot, taking after the gentlemen ahead.
Good Lord, the manwassuggesting his own daughter.
Stone, watching the look of astonishment on Garrett’s face, burst out laughing.
“Did your father just say what I think he said?” Garrett asked his old friend.
Stone tried to bring his mirth under control before he answered. Once composed, he said, “By God, I believe so. But reserve any action on your part, my friend. My sister is notbiddable, and it’s very likely she’d refuse your suit anyway. I think you’ve enough troubles without adding to them.” Laughing again, Stone shook his head. “She just got herself out of one of my father’s schemes, she’s not about to allow him to get her into another. What’s my father thinking?”
Garrett attempted to look nonchalant. “My sentiments exactly.”
Natalie did not appear downstairsfor breakfast until several hours after the gentlemen had left for their day-long ride. In fact, she arrived just as the footmen began to remove the chafing dishes and pans warming the various breakfast offerings which had been set out. Only Lady Sheffield, Natalie’s godmother whom she called Aunt Eleanor, remained, lingering over her coffee as Natalie sat down with a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon.
“You look tired, dear. Did you not sleep well?” Aunt Eleanor asked. Although concern laced her voice, Natalie detected curiosity as well.
“My chamber was a trifle warm. Summer is definitely upon us.” Natalie waited to sit as the footman pulled the chair out for her. The weather was always a safe topic, after all. “I don’t think I fell asleep until the morning hours.” Another footman stepped forward to pour Natalie’s favorite blend of coffee into her cup. The rich aromatic liquid perked her up before she’d even taken a sip. She loved coffee. She preferred it even to chocolate in the mornings.
Aunt Eleanor smiled affectionately. “I never thanked you, my dear, for what you did for my niece, my precious Lilly. Not many young women would release a duke as you did. You demonstrated tremendous grace and courage.” She blinked rapidly, as though to dispel tears, but had more to say. “I hopeyou are not…heartbroken? I know you told Lilly you were not, but, oh, you made two people so very happy, and now it is my greatest wish that you find happiness as well.”
Natalie inhaled the fragrance of her coffee and took a slow sip. She searched her heart again before answering. She wanted to be truthful. “I was not ‘in love’ with Cortland. The evidence of his feelings for Lilly became apparent to me when we picnicked at London Hills. They couldn’t keep their eyes off one another. I know they did not intend to hurt me. In fact, I believe they’d been fighting their feelings for some time.” Natalie studied the delicate roses painted on her cup as she spoke. “In the end, they could not deny their mutual love.” She closed her eyes and took another long sip. Looking straight at the older woman, she continued, “I did not wish to marry a man who is in love with somebody else, Aunt. I know there are numerous marriages within thetonsuch as this, but that is something I could never abide.”
Again, she studied the steaming liquid in her cup. When Lilly and the duke had returned from their private walk around the lake that day, Lilly had had leaves in her hair.
