“That may be true, but they were books that we were required to read for the course,” Bennett stated.
Lord Dallington chimed in, coming to Miles’ defense. “Leave Miles be. If he wants to spend the day reading, so be it. Our library is well stocked with books.”
Bennett tapped his fingers on the table, as if he were trying to sort out a puzzle. “All right, I will drop it… for now,” he conceded with a small grin.
Miles began eating his food as Lord Dallington announced, “I have meetings all day today that will keep me away. But I shall return for supper.”
Lady Dallington acknowledged his words with a smile. “I do appreciate you making time so we may dine as a family.”
“I know it makes you happy,” Lord Dallington responded, returning her smile. “Besides, a man has to eat.”
“That he does, and I shall see that your favorite dishes are prepared,” Lady Dallington said before she shifted her gaze towards Edwina. “How was the basket received by the Warrens?”
“They were most grateful,” Edwina replied.
Lord Dallington let out a disapproving huff. “I do not know why you insist on spending time with the Warrens. They were merely servants in your father’s household.”
Edwina tilted her chin defiantly. “They have, and always will be, more than just servants to me. When I am with them, I feel a part of me is at home.”
“Nonsense,” Lord Dallington said. “You should be using your time for more worthwhile pursuits- like finding a suitable husband.”
Lady Dallington shot her husband a sharp look. “Lionel…” she started, her voice holding a warning.
“Are we not allowed to discuss such serious matters?” Lord Dallington asked, his tone defensive.
“There is a time and place for such discussions and thebreakfast table is not one of them,” Lady Dallington stated firmly.
Lord Dallington pursed his lips. “Edwina cannot live off our generosity forever. She needs to find a husband, and quickly. I will not have her be a drain on our finances.”
Miles glanced over at Edwina and noticed the fire burning in her eyes. She seemed ready to fight back, but instead, she abruptly rose from her seat. “Excuse me, I just need a moment,” she said, before swiftly exiting the room.
After Edwina departed, Lady Dallington let out a weary sigh and shook her head. “Why must you insist on putting undue pressure on Edwina?”
“Undue pressure?” Lord Dallington asked. “You were married to me at this very age.”
“But those were different circumstances,” Lady Dallington countered.
Lord Dallington pushed aside his plate and leaned forward. “We mustn’t coddle Edwina forever. It is not good for her, or anyone else for that matter.”
Bennett dabbed at the corners of his mouth with a napkin and placed it neatly beside his plate. “I think I should go speak with Edwina.”
“Allow me,” Miles offered, pushing back his chair and standing up.
Bennett’s expression turned to one of skepticism. “You? Dare I ask why?” he questioned.
Miles met his friend’s gaze steadily. “I can sympathize with what Lady Edwina is going through,” he explained.
Bennett eyed him for a moment before he conceded. “Very well,” he said with a wave of his hand. “But you better not upset her further.”
Miles didn’t need to be told twice. As he departed from the dining room, he heard Bennett inquire of his father, “Why must you be so critical towards Edwina?” A smile came to hislips, knowing that his friend was doing all he could to protect Edwina in his own way.
He quickly made his way down the corridors of the grand manor in search of Edwina. As he reached the entry hall, he saw the butler standing watch by the door.
“Have you seen Lady Edwina?” Miles asked.
The butler tipped his head. “Yes, my lord,” he replied. “She was heading towards the gardens.”
Miles wasted no time in making his way towards the gardens, eager to find Edwina. He stepped outside and saw Edwina sitting on a bench, a goat nestled contentedly in her lap.
