He gave her an incredulous look. “Once thetonsees you for who you truly are, the suitors will line up to vie for your attention.”
“I am nothing special.”
Miles lifted her gloved hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. “If I had to go through all of this, everything, just to meet you, I can most assuredly say that I would do it all over again.”
Edwina felt the tears prick at the back of her eyes and she wondered if she could marry Miles, knowing he was quickly becoming her everything. But he didn’t feel the same. She would always have to compete against the memory of Arabella.
The carriage rolled into the village and Edwina slipped her hand out of Miles’. Her resolve was weakening with each passing moment she spent with him.
Once the carriage came to a stop in front of a brick building where Mr. Stanley had an office, Miles stepped out and assisted her down. She promptly removed her hand from his and clasped her hands in front of her.
They started walking towards the door when she saw Miss Price pass by her.
“Miss Price,” Edwina said, calling after her.
With a hesitant look, Miss Price turned around and said, “Hello, Lady Edwina.” Her voice was timid and awkward.
Edwina offered her a warm smile. “How is your baby?”
That brought a smile, albeit small, to her face. “She is not quite so young anymore,” Miss Price said. “Can you believe that she is almost six months old?”
“Time does certainly fly by when it is not your own child,” Edwina remarked.
Miss Price’s eyes darted around the pavement. “I should be going,” she said. “But it was nice talking to you, my lady.”
Without saying another word, Miss Price put her head down and walked swiftly down the pavement.
Edwina stared after Miss Price and she felt a weight on her shoulders. If her interaction with Miss Price was any indication, then the villagers had turned against her, as well. What was she going to do?
Miles placed a hand on her sleeve and encouraged, “Let us go speak to Mr. Stanley.”
She let him lead her into the building until they arrived at Mr. Stanley’s office. Miles removed his hand and rapped on the door.
“Enter,” came a voice from within.
Miles opened the door and stood to the side to let her enter.
As she entered the room, Mr. Stanley stood and said, “Lady Edwina. Lord Hilgrove. What a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Edwina waited for Miles to close the door, ensuring their conversation remained private, before saying, “I was hoping you could help.”
“Oh, I would be happy to,” Mr. Stanley said, gesturing towards a chair. “Please have a seat and tell me what troubles you.”
After she was situated, she pressed her lips together as she tried to gather her courage to say what needed to be said.
Taking a deep breath, Edwina said, “I am concerned about my uncle’s ill-treatment of the villagers.”
Mr. Stanley’s brow shot up. “Pardon?”
“My uncle informed me that he reduced the funding he gave the village and I understand that is causing some discontent here,” Edwina replied.
With a heavy sigh, Mr. Stanley said, “I’m afraid not much can be done. It is up to Lord Dallington’s discretion on how much he gives to the village and what those funds are allocated for.”
“Perhaps you could speak to him and suggest he provide more aid…” Edwina attempted.
Mr. Stanley put his hand up, stilling her words. “I do understand your concern, but your uncle does things differently than your father. You must give him time to execute his vision.”
“Does he even have one?” Edwina asked.
