Her uncle spoke up. “You are late, Edwina,” he chided. “Either strive to be on time or take your breakfast in your bedchamber, like your aunt.”
“My apologies, Uncle. I went to visit the Warrens this morning,” Edwina shared.
Her uncle huffed disapprovingly. “A colossal waste of time, in my opinion,” he said, returning his attention to the newssheets.
Miles shifted in his seat to face her. “How are the Warrens?”
“They are well,” she replied.
“And Mr. Warren’s ankle? Is it healing properly?” Miles inquired with a genuineness to his words.
Edwina was touched by his concern. “Yes, it seems to be healing nicely.”
“Good, good,” Miles murmured as he resumed eating his breakfast.
A footman placed a plate in front of her with one egg and a slice of toast. She picked up her fork and knife and began to eat, savoring each bite.
After a long moment of silence, Winston said, “I am eager for our carriage ride so I may see the village.”
“It hasn’t changed much since you were last here,” Edwina responded nonchalantly, taking another bite of her toast.
“Does that quaint little shop on the corner still sell sponge cake?” Winston inquired eagerly.
Edwina brushed the crumbs off her hands as she replied, “It does, but I am not quite feeling well. I think it would be best if I passed on the carriage ride.”
Winston gave her a baffled look. “What ails you?”
Bringing a hand to her forehead, Edwina replied, “I feel a headache coming on and I think I might have a fever. Yes, a fever. And I don’t dare go out and get other people sick. That wouldn’t be fair of me.” Why couldn’t she stop rattling on?
“If you are sure…” Winston said, his words trailing off.
“I am,” Edwina responded firmly, pushing her plate away.
Miles glanced over at her, his brow arched in question. “Should we send for a doctor?” he asked.
She waved her hand dismissively. “No need for a doctor. I am sure this will pass shortly and I do not wish to waste his time.”
“All right, then I shall stay behind as well,” Miles said. “Just in case you change your mind about the doctor. I could fetch one for you.”
Bennett smirked from across the table. “Or we could simply ask one of our servants to fetch the doctor without any trouble.”
Edwina pushed back her chair and rose, causing all the men to stand. “I think it would be best if I go lie down. I wouldn’t wish to get any of you sick.”
Without waiting for any of their responses, she hurried outthe door and down the corridor. She had just reached the entry hall when she heard Miles calling her name.
She turned around and faced him. “I wouldn’t get too close,” she warned. “I am sick, after all.”
Miles grinned in response, undeterred by her warning. “We both know you aren’t sick. You always ramble when you lie. It is a trait that I find rather endearing.”
With a quick glance over her shoulder to ensure they were alone, Edwina lowered her voice and shared, “The Warrens informed me that the villagers might not be very accommodating to my family since my uncle has reduced the funds given to them and is neglecting his tenants.”
Miles nodded somberly. “Bennett and I have experienced that firsthand when he was confronted by one of your uncle’s angry tenants.”
“You didn’t say anything to me,” Edwina said.
“Quite frankly, I didn’t think it was important. Bennett and I spoke to Mr. Stanley about it and assumed that it had been taken care of,” Miles replied.
Edwina let out a sigh of frustration. “What do we do?” she asked. “If the rumors are to be believed, my uncle is bankrupting this estate.”
