Page 20 of The Earl's Heiress
Neither of them spoke as he waited for his heart to stop racing. He held her against his chest. His feelings, this lust, were getting the better of him. He was becoming consumed with the need to touch and taste her, and it felt damned good. How the hell was he going to live up to his word and control himself until they were wed?
CHAPTER 9
Arabella was exhilarated by Temple’s kiss. Wanton was not a word that she would use to describe herself, not until she met Temple. Whenever he touched her, all rational thoughts faded. She should really try to control herself, even if this meant putting some distance between herself and Temple. It was the sensible, level-headed thing to do. She must save herself for her wedding night and dampen these feelings. How was this going to be possible when she couldn’t stop herself from thinking about him? She sat up to straighten her clothing.
“Let me,” he said. His eyes were searching and probing. It was enough to make her shiver.
Now that she wasn’t hearing the roaring in her head, the gentle sound of the stream soothed her. “It is peaceful here.”
“It is, and there are several such places on the estate. You will soon discover them as we will explore them together.”
“I would like that.”
“We should be on our way again.” Temple stood and held out his hand to her, which she clasped. Even that simple touch caused her heart to flutter.
Temple retrieved the horses, and they mounted and headed back to the path. His taste lingered in her mouth, and she was aware of his nearness. She needed to think about something, anything, other than his lips.
“I suppose you have been to Parliament this season.”
“Not since Father passed away. I’m not keen on the overly long and boring speeches, but I realize that the best way for me to be a part of any change is for me to be there to propose and debate it.”
“You could use it to further your cause. What is it that you wish to do?”
“I would see the Poor Law Amendment Act repealed. The workhouse should be a shelter for poverty-stricken people who had no means to support themselves, but it has become a frightful institution of terrible conditions and neglect.”
“I have heard of such places, but I have never seen one.”
“And you do not wish to. I cannot in good conscience sit idly by while there is forced child labor, long hours, malnutrition, and even beatings. These people are not idle, and they deserve more than our scorn.”
“I couldn’t agree more, but it will not be easy for you.”
“I know. It will also take time, but I’m prepared to do whatever it takes no matter how long it takes.”
Temple spoke with such passion, sympathy, and concern for others that only endeared him to her. He had been attentive to her feelings, but now she realized that it was not just hers. He had compassion for others and was willing to help even when it would not be convenient. He would be in for a battle in Parliament because there was sure to be resistance to reforming the workhouse. Perhaps he was sympathetic because he could imagine what it was like for these poor souls. He put himself in someone else’s shoes, and he felt their sadness.
Arabella was getting to know Temple, and in the short time they had been together, she could tell he was a good man. She didn’t know how anyone could possibly believe that he had killed his father. Temple interrupted her thoughts, and they came around a bend, and the first farm came into view.
“This is one of our tenant farms.” He gestured to the fields and a house in the distance. As they drew closer she could make out several figures in the field.
“Most men and boys work in the field, thus ensuring that the whole family has access to some form of work.”
“And the women?” Arabella had never been interested in farming, but this would soon be her estate.
“They tend to lighter duties such as leading the horse, weeding, spreading manure and harvesting.”
“That hardly sounds like lighter duties. I would wager they are just as tired as men at the end of a long day in the fields. What about when they have children?”
“There are other tasks like being a dairy maid. We will stop here because there’s a matter I wish to discuss with the farmer, and you could learn more from his wife.”
As they approached the field, one of the men hurried to greet them. “This is Bernard and his six sons. His family has lived on the estate for generations.” Bernard raised a hand in greeting as they approached. He was a lean man, but Arabella could tell he was strong. When Bernard removed his hat, his hair was greying at the temple.
“Good morning, my lord.” Bernard greeted them before Temple made the introductions. “Are you here about the harvest?”
A plump, tall woman approached from the house, wiping her hands on her apron. Bernard introduced his wife, Milly. Shortly thereafter, Bernard started to discuss the harvest as he andTemple walked further into the field. Arabella didn’t mistake the pride in Bernard’s voice when he spoke of it.
“Would you like to see the orchard?”
“I would like that, thank you.”
