Page 16 of His Spirited Lady
“No. It’syou. You’re new and you’re rather overdressed for market day.” Laughter tinged her words.
Oliver had said the same thing over breakfast. “I wasn’t sure how to dress in the company of a duke with his tenants. But we had to get Simon to school, so there wasn’t time to change.”
Though Oliver had insisted Richard leave his hat in the cart they’d brought to town. Richard hoped it hadn’t become a toy for squirrels.
“Just be yourself,” she said. “They’ll not give you a second glance after a few weeks.” She looked up at him. “I’m assuming you’re staying for a long visit after all this time.”
He hadn’t really made a plan, but it made sense to stay close to France for a bit longer. Not to mention how much time he’d already missed with Simon, and Oliver wanted his opinion on the mill’s operation. As though he needed it. The two of them had perfected starting a new location three sites ago.
Plus, he was walking with one of the most intriguing women he’d met in years.
They’d reached the depot. A giant of man came out to greet them. “Hello…Mr. Hawkins.”
Oliver took his outstretched hand. “Thank you, Hamish. I’m sick to death of titles today. Meet my brother-in-law, Richard Ferrand.”
The young man greeted him with a hearty handshake. After Raymond’s curiosity, Richard hadn’t been sure what to expect in the village. But no one questioned how he and Oliver were related.
“How are things?” Oliver asked.
“Going well,” Hamish said. “The new hoist made short work of Brewer’s new stills. Wish we’d had it when your steam engine arrived.”
“Too right,” Oliver laughed. “Is Drake around?”
“In the office, looking over the books and staring into space like he does when he’s counting.” Hamish opened the door and nodded toward Amelia. “We have a few chairs if you ladies would like to wait.”
“Thank you so much,” Amelia said, but once they entered the building, only Miss Graves took a seat.
“Mr. Fletcher,” Amelia called as she walked down the hallway as though she were at home. “Are you available for visitors?”
“Of course. Come back.”
The deep rumble suggested a tall man, but there was no way to predict the well-dressed bean pole standing in the middle of the room waiting on them. “Miss Chitester. What a pleasure to see you this morning. And Oliver as well. How are things at the mill?”
His greeting was warm and easy. Familiar.
“We’re on our way there now to check the shipment before the men bring it over. Let me introduce my brother-in-law—”
“Mr. Ferrand.” He took Richard’s hand in a strong grip. “Drake Fletcher. Thea said you had arrived. I trust you’re enjoying your stay so far.”
When had he spoken with Thea? It would have been this morning when she’d gone for a walk. Richard looked to Oliver, who seemed to take everything in stride. “I am. Thank you.”
“And you, Miss Chitester.” Fletcher’s smile widened. “Out for a stroll in the sunshine?”
There was something about his tone, or maybe his arched brow, that gave the impression he was laughing. And, rather than being perturbed, Oliver and Amelia appeared comfortable. Perhaps they were in on the joke.
“I was checking with a few of Father’s tenants, since we couldn’t see them last week,” Amelia said. “Did you know Mr. Butler has an abundance of pears? I thought Mr. Brewer might be interested in acquiring them.”
Richard’s interest was piqued. “The distiller?”
Fletcher nodded once, a quick dip of his chin. “I manage the distillery’s accounts and keep a watchful eye when Eamon is traveling.”
“Which seems to be more frequent as of late,” Oliver said. “You’d do well to buy a house in the village rather than staying at The Goat.”
Richard had passed The Galloping Goat on his way to the village. The inn had a large front garden, a newly painted red door, and smoke curling out of the chimney.
“I like The Goat,” Fletcher said. “And I believe Jenny is finally growing accustomed to me.” He turned to Amelia. “I’ll check with Butler about the pears. Eamon has been searching for a good supply.”
“We won’t keep you,” Oliver said. “We need to get to the mill. Come for supper tonight so we can have a longer visit. Richard can tell you about his—”
