Both of them froze, having forgotten that the door was open to welcome the tenant.
Daniel Holcome stood dripping wet from the recent weather and stared between the two of them with wide eyes.
Immediately, Tristan and Lady Verity sprang apart. He glanced her way, but she wouldn’t meet his eyes. His heart pounded; he hadn’t been that close to another woman in ages.
It had been exhilarating.Improper.
And they could only hope that Daniel Holcome would say nothing of it. Even in the country, rumors could result in long-lasting consequences.
CHAPTER 4
Verity couldn’t have been more relieved when Mr. Holcome left, for the tension that had gripped her caused her body to ache.
She rubbed her jaw as she let the Duke lead her tenant out the door, needing a moment to herself. Or mostly to herself. Her aunt was still sitting in the corner with her embroidery.
“That could have been worse,” Eugenia remarked.
“It also could have been better,” Verity admitted. “I don’t know what came over me. And the Duke… he is rather good at this sort of business. Mr. Holcome is nearly whistling. Did you see that?”
Her aunt nodded. “I did. Such an obnoxious man.”
Lips twitching, Verity asked, “Mr. Holcome or the Duke?”
There was no answer to such an insolent question, as they both well knew. So no one answered.
The conversation shifted to more innocent subjects as the Duke returned and announced that he would be taking a walk around the grounds, needing to stretch his legs in the dreary weather.
Verity had the pleasure of enjoying the rest of her afternoon without him around.
Though she was willing to host the Duke, it was not necessarily a pleasure. The man was quiet and stern and unfriendly. He held his head high like he was better than them—which, of course, he would automatically assume seeing his rank.
The thought alone was enough to drive her mad.
The day passed uneventfully, and the following morning was dreary yet free of rain. She sent out their groom again, who explained that repairing the bridge would take time. But there was talk about building a rope bridge. Or perhaps the other bridge ten miles south had not been flooded. Ernest would confirm that on the morrow.
In the meantime, at least they had access to the tenants and their village.
Verity spent her morning in the garden collecting vegetables, before returning to find her aunt’s friend, Mrs. Pennyhen, who had stopped by for a visit.
Verity stopped in the doorway. She wondered if she still had time to hide. But just as she thought that, the two ladies looked up and beamed.
“Oh, there’s the lovely lady!” The vicar’s wife beamed up at her from her seat. “Do come and join us. Your aunt has the most entertaining stories.”
Smiling, Verity wiped her hands on her apron. “Good morning, Mrs. Pennyhen. What a pleasure it is to see you. Indeed, Aunt Eugenia is very clever.”
That coaxed a snort from her aunt. “Clever is a word meant for fools. Do be sensible, Verity. As for you, Jane, you’ve been squirming in your seat for an hour until you saw my niece. What are you hiding? You know I’ve never been patient with your dramatics.”
Her sharp tongue only made Mrs. Pennyhen titter like it was a jest.
Smiling, Verity cautiously took a seat on the nearby cushion. Her aunt’s shrewd eyes narrowed on their guest, clearly believing something was amiss. So Verity looked back at Mrs. Pennyhen.
“You must think me dreadful. Lady Wetherby, you can see everyone right to the bottom of their soul. The Lord above must be very proud of you.” Mrs. Pennyhen smiled, but it was then that Verity could finally see the shadow in her eyes. Her smile began to fade. “I have the most worrying news, my dears.”
Verity glanced at her aunt for a second. “Whatever could it be? Are your children well?”
Mrs. Pennyhen furrowed her brow. “My children? Oh, certainly, they are healthier than anyone else I know. No, I’m afraid it is a ghastly rumor that has started about the village. There’s a bee in everyone’s ears. Even the children speak of it. They say…” She hesitated, looking around worriedly before scooting to the edge of her seat. Then, she leaned forward and whispered, “They say that an eligible gentleman is currently residing under your roof.”
“You speak nonsense. Thereisa gentleman, but there is no confirmation of his eligibility,” Eugenia scoffed.
