“Gerald blew out a breath. “Unfortunately, since Selena’s arrival, I’m afraid I’ve fallen behind getting the house ready for the festivities. However, Mrs. Evans and Mrs. McDonald are planning baskets for each of the families. Dr. Baker has been a great resource—making sure we know those in need of additional help.”
“That’s good to hear. Your mother will be pleased. As for decorating the manor, we have an entire house full of intelligent and creative ladies who will no doubt step in and organize everything in a matter of days.”
They both chuckled.
“I noticed that you and Selena have grown very close,” his father said after a pause. “Five years ago, you’d have given everything to be free of this betrothal.”
Gerald felt his face flush. “Yes, I know. And I was wrong, Father. My behavior was abominable. I deliberately did things to sabotage the betrothal and embarrass the family. For that, I am truly sorry. Getting to know Selena…Well, she’s unlike any woman I’ve ever met. The betrothal I once hated has turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.”
His father smiled. “I can see you mean that.”
“I’ve changed, Father.”
“No son, you haven’t changed. You’ve become the man I always knew was inside you. I’m proud of you son,” his father said as he reached out to squeeze Gerald’s shoulder.
“Thank you, Father. Your praise means a great deal to me,” Gerald said swallowing the lump in his throat.”
~*~
Chapter Fourteen
Later that afternoon
“Mrs. McDonald, those apple tarts you served for lunch were delicious,” Fleur Bowles said.
“Oh, thank you so much milady. It’s a favorite around here,” the cook said, wiping her hands on her apron. “I enjoy making them.”
“I hope you don’t mind me popping into the kitchen, but I’d like to visit my daughter’s horse. Would you have a couple of apples to spare?” She hadn’t seen the horse in weeks and needed to see him and thank him for bringing her daughter safely to Lord Lawrence’s estate. A shiver coursed down her back as she realized how close she had been to losing her daughter. If not for that horse—who had surely been an angel in disguise, she might have lost her dear daughter. She could not even imagine having survived her near death from poisoning only to discover her precious daughter had either gone missing or had been killed. God forbid. She did not know if she could have gone on if something had happened to Selena.
“Of course, Lady Bowles.” She dried her hands on her apron. “I have a small basket you can use to carry them. Those horses love’m,” the cook said.”
“Is someone going to the stables?” Angus Connery asked as he walked into the kitchen.
“Yes, Mr. Connery. I thought I’d check on my daughter’s horse,” Fleur said, stepping forward and giving him a tentative smile.
“I’m heading that way, as well. May I accompany you?” Connery asked.
“I would appreciate that, Mr. Connery.”
He rubbed the back of his neck and looked around distractedly. “Ah, Mrs. McDonald have I missed out again? Are they gone?”
The plump little cook, Mrs. McDonald, gave a wide smile. She dried her hands and pulled a towel off a bowl. “I took a plate of them into the study for his lordship’s meeting, but I saved you two.” She handed him two tarts wrapped in a kitchen towel.
“Ah, Mrs. McDonald, you are the best.” Connery grinned, leaning down and bussing the older woman on the cheek. He tucked the apple tarts in his pocket, giving it a little pat.
Fleur couldn’t help but smile at the gleeful look on the man’s face at the treat. To see such a tall and rugged man smiling like a boy over apple tarts made her heart all aflutter. A feeling she hadn’t experienced since she was a young debutante at her first ball.
Angus Connery was certainly a most impressive man, almost as tall as Lord Lawrence and every bit as muscular, no doubt from a lifetime of managing estates.
Connery turned to her and smiled, making her forget herself. “My lady, there is a chill in the air, so you may want to wear your pelisse.”
She started to go back for her wrap when Anna walked in carrying it. “There ye are, Lady Bowles. I overheard you tell Mr. Wells that you’d be at the stables and saw your pelisse still hanging on the coat stand. So, I thought I’d bring it to ye.”
“Anna, you’re a fine lass. Thank you for thinking of that.” Connery held the cloak for Fleur as she slipped it on.
“Miss Selena is still sleeping?” Fleur asked the young maid.
“Yes, milady. Sleeping peacefully, last I checked on her.”
