Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“He acquired the piece of land between the two estates from my father in the same fashion I obtained it back.”
He pursed his lips.
“Speak.”
“They were once friendly neighbors. Lord Barnett won it in a game from your father after your mother passed, then when your father changed his mind later, refused to allow him to purchase it back. It had become overrun, unused, much like his estate. They had a large falling-out over it and became bitter rivals.”
“Until I won it in the same game in which he demanded I take Maddie.”
“His reputation at one time was of a decent man. After his wife passed, he became known as angry and bitter. Harsh with servants. Unwelcoming to visitors. There were rumors of cruelty. Drinking. Excessive gambling. He was banned from his gentlemen’s club over dishonoring his debts. He fell out of favor with many.”
I barked a laugh. “He still had enough pull that he could draw them out for a card game.”
He cleared his throat. “Many opportunists. Those who wished only to win, my lord. Not for the sake of friendship.”
I chuckled. “Myself included.”
He bowed his head. “Extenuating circumstances.”
I blew out a long breath. “I can attest to his desperation. I saw the poor state of his estate. I have seen with my own eyes the marks he left on his daughter. She has told me stories of his temper.” I clutched the glass in my hand tightly, recalling some of her words. “He put her up for offer to satisfy a gambling debt, wanting me to ruin her.”
“She is fortunate that it was you, my lord. Another less noble man would have done exactly that and left her badly off.”
I turned in my chair, staring out the window. I could not even begin to think of my Maddie used and cast aside in that fashion. Her beauty diminished and faded, and her gentle spirit crushed. Simply the thought made me ill. It also filled me with rage. Fury at an unknown I could not fight.
I turned back to Higgins. “My affairs are in order?”
“Completely, my lord,” he assured me.
I looked to Edward, who had joined us. “And you will follow my wishes?”
“To the letter, my lord. Your wife and child will never want for a thing.” He shook his head. “Not that this is necessary.”
“No,” I agreed. “But I feel at ease knowing all is well.”
“It is,” Higgins repeated. “Is there anything else, my lord?”
“No. Thank you for your speedy arrival.”
He bowed. “My time is yours, my lord.”
He departed and Edward sat.
“Any news?”
“Leigh was asking about Lady Wheaton. Your life. The villagers refused to talk about you or her. The tavern owner and his wife felt as if he were trying to find out how loyal they are to you.” He smirked. “He wasn’t pleased to see how deeply it ran. The villagers are aware of how good you are to them. To your tenants. The prosperity you bring to their village. Much more than other estates here.”
“The village has always been good to me,” I replied.
“They adore her ladyship.”
I felt a grin pull on my lips. “As do I.”
He returned my smile. “I am aware. She has brought your smile back, my friend. She fills this house with sunshine.” He paused as he took a sip of brandy. “Your heart as well, if I might be so bold.”
I sat back, observing him. “And what of Lydia?” I asked. “Or, should I say, Liddy?”
He remained calm, although his cheeks flushed. “What of her? She is very good to Lady Wheaton. They are close.”
“As you appeared to be with her, Edward. You looked ready to murder Barnett for his accusations.”
“He is a bastard,” he spat. “The world would be better off without his kind.”
“I agree, but you are changing the subject.”
“Leave it be, my lord.”
“You are enamored with her?”
He looked away. “It is complicated.”
“Only if you choose for it to be. Neither of you is titled, and even if you were, it is your choice.”
“She feels she is my inferior.”
“How do you feel?”
“I am unsure at this moment. I did not expect to feel anything for the young lady. Especially, ah, tender feelings.”
“I see.”
“She is kind and gentle. Loving. Her life has been one of difficulty and loneliness.”
“And you wish to change that?”
He scrubbed his hand on his face. “I do not know.”
A knock at the door ended our conversation. Edward rose and opened the door, revealing Geraldine. She looked worried, clutching a small bundle of linen in her hands. I rose to my feet.
“Is her ladyship well? Is something amiss?”
“She is fine, my lord. Sleeping finally. Lydia is watching over her.”
“Good. Is there another concern?”
She hesitated, and I indicated that she come inside. “Please sit. Be at ease.”
She sat in the chair Edward had vacated. He withdrew, leaving us alone.