Page 47

At least Dockery had taken his leave. Jervis too, the quisling. Not a doubt remained that the former bailiff had lined his and Dockery’s pockets with Perygrim’s profits during Father’s decline in health.

Only the knowledge that Jervis and Dockery had families with young children prevented Chester from reporting them. Their children shouldn’t have to suffer for their father’s sins. The few pounds he offered in severance as well as a threat to notify the magistrate of their thievery encouraged them to leave peaceably.

“Mattie said you asked to see me?” He advanced farther into the room.

“Yes. I need to speak with you. Mama, I’d like a few minutes alone with his lordship, please.”

“Of course, dear. I’m feeling a bit done in. I think I’ll have a short lie down before dinner.” She bent and kissed Eden’s forehead and smoothed her hair. “I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I was quite worried.”

“I know, Mama. I truly am recovered.”

Just a few days ago, their situations had been reversed, with Miss Haverden abed and Eden fussing over her. In both instances, their love for one another was obvious.

Something, perhaps sadness or regret, maybe even envy, tugged at his heartstrings. He didn’t know how to overcome the frigid antagonism between the duke and him. Entrenched habits were not easily broken, especially when each was convinced the other was in the wrong.

Eden tugged the silk coverings higher on her lap as Chester approached the foot of the bed.

He’d have put her in the blue guest room.

The shades of cream, cobalt, and azure suited her color better than more vivid rose and plum hues of this chamber.

“I’ll check in on you before I retire, darling,” her mother said before sweeping from the room.

A full minute passed in silence after her departure, Eden staring into the corridor the whole while.

What troubled her?

With a deep breath, she directed her attention to him.

“Mama tells me you’ve moved the entire household to Perygrim, including our belongings, the chickens, bees, and Peony.”

She sounded neither pleased nor angry.

Leaning a shoulder against the bedpost he nodded.

“I did. Even those special brocade or velvet or whatever they were rose bushes. It may have been presumptuous of me, but you were indisposed. Your mother as well as Mattie and Old Ronald were distraught when I called upon them to inform them you’d collapsed in the village.”

In front of the church.

Why had she been there?

“You dug up the Blue Damask roses?”

When she looked at him like that, like he was her hero, her eyes soft and promising, he was hard put not to sweep her into his arms and profess his devotion.

“Indeed, I did.” Because the confounded things were about to bloom, and he’d be buggered if he didn’t do his part to make that legend of enemies becoming lovers a reality.

Specifically, this enemy.

“Old Ronald planted them in Mother’s rose garden. He assures me they’re thriving, and we can expect blossoms very soon.”

“Thank you. That was very thoughtful.” She seemed to collect herself, and her manner became more formal. “I’m sure you remember, tomorrow is the deadline for us to vacate Briar Knoll. There’s something there I must retrieve.”

“I would be happy to collect it for you.”

He came ’round the side of the bed, then after a slight hesitation, sat by her hip. She’d lost weight. Not a lot, but enough to make her delicate features more pronounced.

“Honestly, I don’t think you could find it.”