His grip tightened as he separated her hands, raising the back of one to his lips. “You can rely upon my discretion, dear lady.” He pressed a kiss to her skin, then turned her hand over and pressed another to her wrist.
A tiny shiver danced over her flesh, tripping down her spine and warming places low in her body. She fought the urge to reach out with her free hand and run it through the thick black hair that showed an inclination to curl around his neck and face. It was cut short, probably to curtail that tendency to cherubic locks.
To her surprise, he rubbed his cheek against her hand, then rose. “I cannot countenance violence against women, my Lady. There are reasons why, and they will never lessen. I ask your forgiveness if I was too forward, but my emotions were aroused.”
“Not at all, Daniel.” She closed her eyes for a moment or two, gathering her muddled thoughts. “Your attentions were most comforting. And in truth, I have not been used to receiving such courtesies, either during my brief tenure as Lady Wilkerson, or before, as plain Adalyn Chichester.”
He smiled then, and it was as if the sun had come out right there in the study.
“You will receive many courtesies from now on, my Lady. Rest assured of that.”
She couldn’t help but return his smile. “I will look forward to each and every one.” She straightened. “But now, can you tell me more about this inheritance I have fortunately tumbled into?”
He nodded, and over the next hour he told her of the grounds, the working farms, and their place in the county as far as wool and livestock were concerned.
He also explained the scattering of small cottages not far away, which housed families who had also been in trouble for various reasons. Now many of them worked at the Manor, but did not live there.
She confessed her utter ignorance about such things, but since he promised to explain the details of the land and the estate ledgers to her at her earliest opportunity, they agreed to approach important matters slowly. There was plenty of time for her to absorb all she needed to know.
Adalyn learned she had a modest personal allowance, for gowns, and other items essential to a lady of the manor.
There were funds for the stables, and if she budgeted carefully, she might manage a holiday or a trip or two into London if she wanted.
At this time, she most definitely did not.
As to the house itself, there was one overriding question that trembled on Adalyn’s lips.
“Daniel, I must ask about the staff here at Wolfbridge. You are all wonderful, efficient and clearly devoted to the estate. But I do find myself wondering why there appear to be no women?”
He cleared his throat, and opened his mouth only to shut it as another voice spoke.
“My Lady, forgive the intrusion.” Giles nodded at her. “Daniel, perhaps this is an opportune moment for me to interrupt?”
Giles had entered with another man in tow, a tall and incredibly handsome young man in buckskins, boots and a dashing vest.
She recognised him immediately.
He bowed low, and then straightened, flashing a smile at Adalyn that could only be described as wickedly enticing. His green eyes glittered with mischief, full lips parted to reveal white teeth and his skin was lightly tanned.
“My Lady, permit me to introduce you to Trick. Your Master of the Horse.”
Dear Diary,
Oh my goodness, what a momentous day. It appears I now own not just a lovely house and estate, but one occupied by five of the handsomest men I could ever wish for.
Had I assumed that Giles and Jeremy were the epitome of masculine appeal, Evan’s arrival at breakfast would have persuaded me I was incorrect.
To then be presented with Daniel of the gentle eyes, and promptly thereafter to meet Trick…
I have never swooned in my life, but I confess to you, dear Diary, that today I came quite close to experiencing such a thing.
All these gentlemen seem so willing to answer my questions, to anticipate my every need and to treat me with such warm respect. I am overwhelmed at the thought of it, and yet it is so very pleasant to walk anywhere and know I will not have to avoid a beating for some transgression I was not aware of.
I believe life here at Wolfbridge Manor will help me understand that my childhood was not one of parental guidance and affection, a truth I dared not accept until now. It was one of servitude, interspersed with governesses and books. I remember those interludes with pleasure, since books offered an escape from my childhood. But all too often those governesses had a very short tenure.
The subject arose when Giles and Trick arrived in the parlour just after my unwise revelation to Daniel.
He had hidden his distress upon learning of my husband’s treatment, but slipped when speaking with Giles and briefly mentioned it.
I will admit to cringing in embarrassment, but the consequent discussion and their behavior toward me was both comforting and gratifying. For the first time I found myself speaking honestly of things I’d kept locked away for too long.
Giles cleverly led me to make my own decisions about how to view my parents, reminding me that just because they were my parents, I am under no obligation to view their behaviour as exemplary. Upon some reflection, I have decided he is correct.
A child should not be beaten for missing a spot on the floor. A child should not be scrubbing that floor. Asking questions should not be a punishable offense. All these things I experienced as a child, along with so many more, are wrong.
And admitting this truth to myself has helped lift a burden I never even knew I carried. It seems that Wolfbridge is going to offer not only a home, but a new way of thinking about things, most especially my life.
Trick—a delightful nickname he
