“I wouldn’t be too hard on him. He just got a little ahead of himself. How old is he?”
“Old enough to know better,” Nathaniel replied. “Animals need rules, just as we do.”
“Too many rules and the life is choked out of us,” Charlotte replied.
“There can never be too many rules. If every aspect of our lives is governed, then there can be no room for doubt or disputes.”
“I wouldn’t have thought you were the kind of man who was plagued with doubts.”
“I am not,” he said, baring his teeth, “but I believe it would be of benefit to other people.” He placed extra emphasis on these words and made a point of arching both his eyebrows, indicating that he was referring to Charlotte.
“I’m sure with a master like you, Brutus here will learn not to disappoint you.”
“I live in hope,” Nathaniel said dryly, looking down at the dog. Brutus was a wonderful companion, but he did tend to let his excitement get the best of him, and this compromised his sense of obedience.
“I must compliment you on your gardens. I’m impressed with all the plants you’ve managed to grow here. Some of them are difficult to cultivate in our climate.”
“Thank you,” he said. The tension was defused for a moment, although, as usual, he was left wondering if this was a genuine sentiment or another ploy of hers. “I have sourced different specimens from across the continent.”
“As with your books. You are quite worldly, Your Grace.”
“There is a lot we can learn from other lands.”
“Does your appreciation of nature extend beyond a superficial level?”
“I do have some interest in botany, although it’s unfortunate that I do not have the time to indulge all of my pastimes. I’m glad that my gardens are appreciated, though.” He inclined his head.
“I could spend all day here.” She cast her gaze around.
Nathaniel noticed how tightly she clasped the notebook.
“Did you come out here to write poetry?”
Charlotte looked bewildered for a moment before she realized he was looking at her notebook. She held it in two hands and wore a sheepish smile.
“Not poetry, research.”
“May I see?” he asked, holding out his hand expectantly. Charlotte thought for a moment and then passed the notebook to him. There was a hint of worry in her gaze, like the kind a mother had when passing her baby to someone else for the first time.
Nathaniel wet his finger and leafed through the pages, noticing the detailed drawings and the fine penmanship of the notes. Everything was laid out clearly, and the sketches showed real skill. The letters were looping and slanted. He had never thought of writing as graceful before, but Charlotte’s was.
“This is impressive.”
“I hope to publish my research on herbal remedies soon,” she said, lifting her head with pride.
He cocked an eyebrow and handed the notebook back to her.
“I would have thought a woman in your position would be better suited to finding a husband rather than a publisher.”
Charlotte’s grip tightened on her notebook as she snatched it from his grasp. She scowled.
“That seems hypocritical coming from you.”
“Why?”
“First, you accuse me of trying to trap you into marriage, and then you suggest that I need to find a husband. All this when I told you that I have no interest in marriage.”
“Every woman has an interest in marriage.”
