“By the way, Wright should be here in a week. I invited both him and Victor Thomas to come for the holiday. Wright’s family is out of the country, and he’s coming. Thomas won’t be able to make it, but sends you warm regards for the holidays,” Gerald said, finishing his brush down of Aphrodite.
“I look forward to seeing him again,” Connery said in an amused tone.
“Yes, my friends have changed,” Gerald chuckled.
“Not as much as you’ve changed,” Connery noted.
“Maybe. But their fathers didn’t strip them of their financial resources, send them away, and make them rebuild a derelict estate.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve become a positive influence on your friends,” Connery countered. “They turn to you for advice about horses and estate management. I’ve seen the respect they have for you. And Bellwood is no longer derelict. It’s one of the most beautiful estates in Derbyshire and is becoming known for its prized horse flesh.”
“Thank you for your faith in me,” Gerald said reaching out and shaking his friend’s hand.
“You’re welcome, my boy. Believe it or not, I’ve learned a few things from you as well, and it’s made me proud. I’ve managed many estates, but never ‘ave I taught someone else. And I believe ye might’ve surpassed my skills in horse breeding.”
“You humble me, Connery,” Gerald said. “I hope I will always live up to your faith in me.”
“Ach, now dinnae go makin’ an old Scot weep,” Connery said, clearing his throat, “Or you’ll ruin my reputation for being a cantankerous old bastard.
Gerald threw back his head and laughed, knowing full well that beneath his gruff exterior, Connery had a heart of gold. But he was truly thankful for the older man’s advice. Connery had helped him realize what had been missing from his life: purpose. Bellwood and his horses had given him that purpose—and sparked his determination and drive.
Gerald’s lips twitched, realizing he would have done the same thing as his father, had he been in his father’s shoes. Gerald had been on a path to ruin. Had his family not intervened, who knows what his life would be like today? Over time, Gerald realized he loved estate management—the responsibilities suited him perfectly. It was something he had never imagined doing but he’d taken to it like a duck to water.
He was at ease now, having completed much of the work he had set out to do. The manor house, which he intended to rename Bellwood Manor, required a few last-minute touches, which he hoped to accomplish over the next few days.
“And with the holidays and yer family’s forthcoming visit, the house is abuzz with excitement,” Connery said. “I found the cook and housekeeper in the kitchen with their heads together, drafting a list of duties that took up the entire table. With those two planning things, it portends to be special. Prepare yourself,” Connery said, grinning. “I’m looking forward to a merry holiday celebration.”
“I second you in that,” Gerald chuckled. He was glad his family was coming to Bellwood instead of him traveling to Sussex. Hewas looking forward to showing them all the improvements.
According to his mother’s recent letter, Selena and her mother would be joining them as well. His mother had written that they wanted to host a small birthday celebration for Selena at Bellwood given that she would soon turn twenty-one.
Gerald didn’t quite know what to think about that bit of news.
Nor did he know what to think about Selena. Although they were essentially strangers, he’d been betrothed to her since he was seven years old.
“We signed a betrothal agreement for you to marry Selena,” his father had explained. “There are things parents do for their children that are for the best. You may not fully understand that now, but eventually you will…”
But as Gerald came of age, resentment sparked and grew. He’d pushed the boundaries of his father’s patience with his drinking, carousing, gambling, and taking part in outrageous dares with his friends.
The night of the debacle, the family was in London for the season. The Bowles were there as well for their daughter’s come out. After discovering Gerald with Lady Adamson in a shocking embrace, Lord and Lady Bowles had been as incensed over Gerald’s flagrant rakish behavior as his parents had been and had threatened to break the engagement. Gerald would never forget the wide-eyed astonishment on Selena’s fragile features, nor how painfully young and naïve she was.
Somehow, his father had managed to salvage the betrothal. Although Gerald would have preferred to have left it broken, he hadn’t fought it at the time given how angry his father had been. Since then, Gerald had been so preoccupied renovating Bellwood that he hadn’t given the girl or the betrothal much thought.
Although he was looking forward to his family’s visit, he hoped his parents would not press him about Selena. While the past few years had taught him the importance of duty and hard work, he still had goals to accomplish before he could even contemplate marriage.
Yes, that was it. If his parents brought up the topic, he would simply explain that the timing was not right.
~*~
Chapter Two
Rose Point Chateau
Nottingham, England
Two weeks later
Selena Bowles held her mother’s head in her lap, barely resisting the impulse to pull her to her heart and will her to be better. Lady Fleur Bowles looked so pale and thin, with damp hair around her face. Only a week ago she was hale and hearty. Selena had never seen her mother so ill, and it had only taken a matter of days.
