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When sufficient time had passed, he began his walk across the gardens. As predicted, reality set in as he approached the manor, and many thoughts clamored to be heard.

What if Richard was angry at this turn of events? The earl had no inkling of their relationship.

What if they were met with disgust or derision? Their age difference was not too extraordinary, but coupled with his status as a by-blow, there were going to be people with thoughts. Some would express them; others would display it in their attitudes.

What if their match horrified Jane’s family? They had sent their daughter to have a Season in London. Surely they had hoped she would make a match with a member of the gentry, or perhaps a minor peer. Instead, they would have to settle for an architect for a son-in-law. A successful, renowned architect, but a working man all the same. The field had made great strides over the past couple of decades as a bona fide art, but it being accepted as a proper profession was slow going, and not everyone saw it that way yet.

As he strode past the ornamental hedges and the terrace came into view, Barclay firmly put these thoughts from his mind. As Aurora had advised, the best course was to be united as a family and handle adversity as it presented itself. Avoiding adversity could not be the goal of living. Love, family, and work well done were far better goals. Adversity was simply what one dealt with when it could not be avoided, but what truly mattered in life was one’s accomplishments, which included the health and success of the family to whom he owed his loyalty and support.

Passing by the majestic oak tree, Barclay saw several guests playing ninepins, including Mrs. Gordon. He nodded politely but did not break his stride. It seemed a hundred years since he had played the silly game and had attempted to convince himself he could grow to like it over time. It seemed the height of obnoxious stupidity that he had tried to convince himself to make such an unsuitable match. If Natalya had been here, she would have shaken her head at his asinine behavior and accused him of cowardice.

She would have been right. He had been afraid that if he loved Jane as deeply as he had loved his late wife, he would never recover if he lost her, too. Or caused her unhappiness.

But one could not live one’s life in fear. Having the courage to take a risk brought much reward. Loving Natalya had been a privilege he would choose many times over, and he would never regret the life they had shared. Natalya had known her time was more limited than most, but she had had the courage to live her life to the fullest while she had the chance and had appreciated every moment she had walked the earth.

Something he should have paid more mind to since she had slipped into the unknown beyond.

Reaching the terrace, Barclay placed the hamper and blanket by the table of refreshments before heading inside. By now, Aurora would have informed the earl that Tatiana was safe, and he hoped he would find his brother in his study so he could press on and discuss the awkward situation they were in.

All too soon, he approached the door of the earl’s study, which was ajar. Likely to catch a breeze, as the day was warm enough for the manor to be mildly stuffy.

As he reached the doorway, he heard the Duke of Halmesbury speaking. “I am afraid I will not be available to accompany you to Chatternwell in November because of prior engagements.”

“Nor I. I will be too far along for such a journey.” It was the countess, sitting near a window with her hand resting on her rounded belly.

Seizing the moment, Barclay rapped his knuckles on the door to announce his arrival. All three occupants in the study started, appearing distracted by something as they turned their heads to find him standing in the doorway.

Richard was the first to react, jumping to his feet to beckon Barclay to enter. “Barclay, Aurora informed us Tatiana is safe and sound. We are very relieved to hear. The duke and the other men just returned from their search not ten minutes ago.”

Barclay nodded, entering the room. “I thank you for all you did. I apologize for any inconvenience we caused.”

Richard shook his head adamantly. “Not at all. We are here to assist in such matters any time you need us.”

Barclay took up a seat across from the duke, the earl resuming his own seat at an angle from where the duke was sitting. Silent for several moments, Barclay considered scheduling a time to talk to Richard later that day. His brother was occupied with something, based on the uncomfortable silence that had descended upon the room after his arrival.

The countess cleared her throat at the window, sitting up. “Barclay, I was wondering … My husband is to visit Chatternwell in November to … survey his local estate. Chatternwell House. We were considering having the manor renovated in preparation for Ethan.”

Richard straightened in his chair, his interest piqued. “That is correct. The estate is unentailed, and I am planning to give it to Ethan when he reaches his majority. The manor is quite outdated, so it will need work. Could you accompany me in November to provide me with an estimate? I would be very pleased to have you do the design.”

Barclay was mildly suspicious that there was more than had been said, but he pulled a notebook from his coat pocket. “What are the dates, so I may consult my schedule?”

“The seventh?”

He reviewed the pages. “I could manage the first week of November if I move another appointment. A few days should be sufficient to travel from London to see the place and make my next engagement the following week.”

Richard’s face lit up. “That would be wonderful. I am quite excited to learn what we might do with the manor. If it needs significant work, I would like to begin so that it would be ready for Ethan when the time is right.”

Barclay nodded. “If the work is minor, it may only take a year or two, but significant building or renovations may take several years to complete. It is best to assess the situation early on.”

“I would appreciate it. I want my boy to be well taken care of. The estate itself is prosperous, but the manor has not been occupied in many years. Once we assess the main building, I shall be able to meet with my solicitor to make arrangements for Ethan’s future.”

Barclay noted the date, putting the notebook away during the ensuing silence. He was aware that the others had been interrupted by his arrival and must have been discussing something sensitive. His own needs would have to wait for a little while. “I had another matter to discuss, but I can see you later this afternoon if you could give me an appropriate time?”

Richard shook his head. “No, no. We can talk now. We have settled our other matter for now.”

Barclay took a deep breath. “I wish to discuss Jane with you.”

“Oh, is this about Dunsford?” Richard’s question caught him by surprise—Barclay blinked.