“Daniel did mention some of this. How many cottages are occupied at the moment?”
“I believe ten out of the dozen available, but I will have to ask him for the actual figures.”
Adalyn nodded. “I see I have much to learn, Giles. And instead of lazing away the days with books, which I confess has been a wonderful interlude, I should be finding my way around Wolfbridge and meeting more of the residents.”
“That would indeed be meritorious, my Lady. And yes, you are correct. Today would be a good day to begin your life as the true mistress of Wolfbridge Manor.”
His eyes creased into a warm smile and Adalyn experienced the comfort of knowing she had such a man to do her bidding.
She was nervous, apprehensive about her new position, and terrified that those she met would know her for the timid woman she felt herself to be. But the magnitude of the gift the universe had seen fit to bestow upon her—Wolfbridge—warranted a reciprocal gesture on her part. So she would tuck her fears away into her pockets and do her best to be the Lady of Wolfbridge.
Seeing Daniel awaiting her in the hall helped her steel herself.
“You are ready to tour your estate, my Lady. I could not be more pleased.” He held out her warmest coat. “You will need a muffler and gloves, too, I’m thinking. The sun is bright, but it is certainly not spring yet.”
“I agree,” she answered, reaching into a small cabinet and retrieving her bonnet. “Will we take the carriage?”
“I think the gig will work better for this journey.”
“We have a gig as well as a carriage?”
“We do.” He assisted her, buttoning the soft leather around her wrists with care. “It only requires one horse and can handle the muddiest of lanes.”
“Here, my Lady,” Jeremy hurried down the grand staircase with what looked like a large white cat in his hands. “This will be of use, I believe.”
“Oh.” She took what turned out to be a muff and stroked the fur. “How lovely. Thank you, Jeremy.”
He smiled. “’Twas tucked away in a cupboard. I thought it a shame not to use it and today is just the day.”
“Indeed,” she smiled back. “I shall be delightfully warm with this.” She turned to Daniel. “I believe I’m ready…” The last was said with a slight quaver of nerves.
“Your tenants will be thrilled to meet you, my Lady,” reassured Jeremy. He glanced at Daniel. “Take care of her.”
“Of course,” replied Daniel. “No need to ask.”
“Do you think we’ll be back in time for lunch?”
Daniel thought for a moment as he buttoned his own gloves. “If the weather holds, I’d like to do the outlying areas as well, so probably not. I’m sure the tenants will have offerings; they enjoy visitors and usually welcome them with a cup of tea.”
Jeremy chuckled. “Make sure you visit Mrs. Barnsley, then. She makes a wonderful gooseberry pie. Evan has yet to charm the recipe out of her, but he’s working hard at it.”
“Very well,” Adalyn replied. “I would like to ask that everyone join me for dinner, in that case. I realise it is quite unconventional, but I will likely have questions about Wolfbridge, and it makes more sense to have you all in one place…”
“I’ll pass your request along to Giles, Ma’am,” bowed Jeremy. “We will see you later. Enjoy your tour.”
“Thank you,” she nodded, following Daniel out of the front door.
~~~~~
They walked together through the chill wind, Adalyn very happy her hands were tucked into the warmth of the fur muff, and Daniel seeming to enjoy the weak sunshine.
“It won’t be long before the gardens start to show their spring finery,” he commented as they strolled past the hedge running alongside the path to the stables.
“I look forward to it,” Adalyn nodded. “It seems a lifetime ago I saw snowdrops and primroses.”
“You shall have them in abundance,” he promised. Then extended his arm. “’Tis slippery here, have a care where you step…”
She took it, enjoying the way he folded it securely to his body. The simple gesture was a breath of pleasure to a woman starved of such attentions. When his hand came up to cover hers, her cup of happiness was filled to the brim.
Walking through her own property with a handsome man on her arm—how strange and wonderful such a thing could be.
“You are all spoiling me,” she sighed. “So kind and attentive.”
Daniel grinned at her. “And we are enjoying every moment, my Lady.”
She looked up at him. “Do you think…might it be possible for you to call me Adalyn when we are alone? It is improper, I know, but I cannot help feeling that the title is separating me in some way from the fullest measure of your friendship. And in many ways it’s a reminder of things I’d just as soon forget.”
Daniel’s gaze met hers, the sunlight turning his eyes to deepest amber. She caught her breath at the heat she glimpsed behind his glance.
“I would be honoured.” He squeezed her hand briefly. “Adalyn.”
Trick appeared at the door to the stables, in his shirt sleeves, but with a thick woollen vest as a sop to the chilly temperatures.
“Good morning, my Lady. Daniel,” he saluted them with a wave. “The gig is ready for you.”
“Giles is most efficient,” chuckled Daniel.
“Thank you, Trick,” Adalyn returned his wave. “We’re off to tour Wolfbridge.”
“And a fine morning it is for such a thing. You’ll see the land at its best. With the morning mists blowing away in a cold breeze.”
“That’s the best time?” she raised her eyebrows.
“If you want the true nature of the land, yes, my Lady. Crops are lovely and flowers are pretty. But they all need good fertile land. Without
