“Marshall, you should respect that it’s cold out here,” Luke said, wondering what had made the man so cross.
Marshall’s eyes narrowed.
“This is ridiculous.” Judith pushed past him, pulling Luke with her.
“You’ll be interested in hearing what happened,” she said to her brother as she removed her scarf.
Marshall’s expression turned from irritation to concern. “Come into my office then, Luke, and tell me about it. Judith, Doris is in the parlor with the girls.” He started to turn away.
“I’m pretty sure Judith will want to come with us.” Luke glanced at her, hoping he was right and relieved when she gave a soft nod.
Marshall tilted his head as he studied how closely Luke and Judith were standing. She stiffened, but her brother only smiled, his expression turning pleased.
“Yes, it appears she should.”
They followed him into the room. A portrait of Marshall’s late wife used to grace the mantle above the fireplace by itself. There was now a series of smaller paintings surrounding it, all done by Doris. Every time Luke saw them, he was struck again by how talented she was.
Marshall strode to his desk, sat, and signaled they should too.
“Is there something of a personal nature you should talk about first?” he asked.
Luke glanced at Judith, and she nodded.
“I had planned to ask you for permission to court your sister,” Luke said, “but she’s informed me she’s of age and doesn’t need your permission.”
Marshall gave his sister a frustrated scowl before turning his attention on Luke. “And what do you think?”
“I wish to make both of you happy. I may not need your permission, but I’d very much like your blessing.”
Marshall looked at his sister. “You’ve never mentioned it to me, but a blind man could have seen your growing affection for Luke. Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Very sure.”
“Then you have both my blessingandmy permission.” Marshall’s face turned serious, and he pinned Luke with a hard gaze. “But youwilltreat my sister with the respect owed her. I saw how you lifted her out of that sleigh just now.”
“I told you he was spying on us,” she muttered.
“And you were right,” Luke replied before saying to Marshall, “I promise to protect Judith’s reputation and treat her with proper respect.”
“Thank you.” Marshall leaned forward on his desk. “Now, tell me what’s happened.”
“Tom killed an attack dog who brought down one of my cows.”
Before Luke could say more, Judith rose. She bent to kiss his cheek. “I’ll leave you to it.” He watched as she left the room. Dang, but she was beautiful.
“I wasn’t sure you were ever going to return her regard,” Marshall said, when she’d left.
“I won’t deny she’s had my attention for a long time, but I’ve been a bit preoccupied.” Luke shook his head, bemused. “It sort of snuck up on me.”
“I understand that sentiment perfectly,” Marshall said, his voice turning soft for a second. “Now tell me about this attack dog.”
* * *
Judith could barely containher excitement as she stepped into the parlor. Doris sat on the sofa with Florence and Lydia on each side. They glanced up from the picture book they were reading.
“I’m glad to see you made it safely home,” Doris said. “Marshall was worried when your driver returned without you.”
“Then he should have spoken to the man because he knew Luke was bringing me back.” Judith tried unsuccessfully not to smile. “He just asked Marshall to court me.”
