“A lively intelligence does not attract a rich husband,” her mother said crossly. “Come now, please, Harriett.”
♥♥♥
“Whoa, there.”
Gerard, Earl of Foxworth, eased the long chains on the draft horses pulling the plough, and stopped to judge the unplowed field ahead. The day was hot and this was thirsty work. He uncapped one of his leather water flasks and drank, the water trickling down his throat and over his bare chest. Removing his hat, he filled it with water and offered it the horses. As his horses drank, Gerard thought about what he’d learned this morning from Harrison, that Lord and Lady Edgerton and their two daughters were coming to visit Pendleton Manor. While Gerard was keen to see them again, it was deuced inconvenient. They couldn’t have come at a worse time. Harrison’s condition had deteriorated, which made things very difficult. Gerard was taking on more work over at Pendleton every day. Harrison had dismissed the steward, who he claimed was untrustworthy. Although the coachman and groom had been with Harrison for years, several other members of the staff were newly hired and as yet untried.
He waved at Ben, who’d dug his spade into the dirt and raised a hand to block the sun. “You’ve done well. Almost time for luncheon,” Gerard called.
“Right, ye are, milord.” Ben’s grin split his face from ear to ear. He was a good lad. Gerard had discovered him thin and homeless in Temple Ewell, just passing through in search of farm work and regular meals.
Gerard urged the horse to work again wondering idly if either of the Edgerton girls was engaged. News took a long time to reach him in the country. He hadn’t seen them for years, not since they were school room misses. Now that his townhouse had been rented, he rarely stayed in London for the Season.
