Page 21 of Snowdrops and Winterberry
But, for now, he was a child, one adults were required to bow to but none were required to love.
Adam watched Mr. Simpkin with obvious displeasure. Robbie had not yet sorted the reason for that. Her opinion of him was improving, not deteriorating. Why, then, was Adam not having the same experience? No sooner had the thought entered her mind than she realized the difficulty: he’d not spent time with Mr. Simpkin.
“What brings you to the village, Miss MacGregor?” Mr. Simpkin asked.
“His Grace wished to show me around.”
Mr. Simpkin dipped his head to Adam once more. “Very thoughtful of you, Your Grace.”
Adam didn’t answer but watched Mr. Simpkin with an unwavering gaze. There was a hardness to it that spoke not of petulance but of fierceness. His was an expression that told the recipient that his respect was not easily earned but was worth obtaining. How, in heaven’s name, had he learned the trick of that in the short time he’d been away at school? He was eight years old; he ought not be hardened yet.
“What has broughtyouto the village?” Robbie asked Mr. Simpkin.
“I came to see if word had arrived about the stone I’m waiting for.”
“It’s nae yet arrived?”
He shook his head. “It’ll be another couple of days yet. I’ll do all I can to work while I’m waiting. I’d not wish to waste Lord Jonquil’s time.”
Adam spoke for the first time since Mr. Simpkin’s arrival. “Nurse Robbie helped you for two hours yesterday. I hope you did not waste her time either.” Again, he managed not to sound like a little boy having a temper tantrum but very much like his late father had when issuing a directive. His was the same tone of authority, the same unwavering competence.
“Nurse Robbie was enormously helpful,” Mr. Simpkin responded. “It seems she has learned a great deal from the gardener at Falstone Castle.”
Adam’s chin tipped at a proud angle. “We have a very good groundskeeper at the castle. My father chose him himself.”
Mr. Simpkin nodded. “Your father was clearly a very wise man and a good steward of his estate.”
Some of Adam’s animosity slipped away. But only some. “Have you any other business in the village?” he asked.
“I do not,” Mr. Simpkin said. “I do not wish to keep you from yours.”
Were Adam anyone other than who he was, Robbie would have immediately invited Mr. Simpkin to stay. But, if one were being quite technical, shehadto defer to Adam publicly. Child or not, he was a duke.
To Adam she said, “Would you mind if Mr. Simpkin joins us? If he remains, he can ride back with us in the pony cart. This will save some time and allow him to return to his work more quickly, which Lord and Lady Jonquil would nae doubt appreciate.”
His mouth tightened in a tense line. She thought for a moment that he meant to refuse. He didn’t, but neither did he offer any false declarations of pleasure. He simply gave one tiny nod and looked away.
She met Mr. Simpkin’s eye and tried to offer a silent apology. He simply smiled and motioned for her to continue on her way.
Adam once more took up their tour of the village. He wasmore formal now. How quickly he had learned the expectations of a person of rank. He maintained his personable and deeper connections with her and Lord and Lady Jonquil. But what if he continued to keep everyone else at a distance? He would be very lonely indeed.
Mr. Simpkin leaned a touch closer to her as they walked and whispered, “You look pensive. Is something the matter?”
“I worry about the wee boy,” she said. “Always.”
“You needn’t worry right this moment. He is happy and looked after and is having an adventure and a pleasant excursion. Let your mind rest a bit.”
She appreciated the sentiment behind his words. There would be time enough for worrying. For now, she could breathe.
“What else did Lord Jonquil show you when you were here?” she asked Adam.
He led them about, indicating shops and things of interest. He didn’t fully warm up to Mr. Simpkin, but he did relax a bit. All in all, they spent a very lovely time in the village.
They met the coachman at the previously decided upon place. He’d spent his time in the pub but wasn’t in his cups.
The pony cart was not large enough for Mr. Simpkin, Adam, and Robbie to all ride in the back without Adam sitting on her lap. She suspected he didn’t appreciate the babyish arrangement, but he acquiesced. The road back was bumpy and at times unforgiving. She wrapped one arm around Adam, worrying he’d be bumped clear out.
At first, he was stiff and didn’t seem to appreciate her protective gesture. But after a moment he set his arms around hers and leaned back against her as he used to do. His eyes were on the mountain, the one he had climbed with Lord Jonquil. She suspected his thoughts were even further afield. The times she caught him with this particular pensive expression, she knew he was thinking of his father. She held him tighter, wishing shecould take away his heartache.
