Page 68 of His Spirited Lady
It was good that he could recognize her if she showed up in the middle of the night. “Yes.”
“You two are marrying, correct?” Latimer dropped to his haunches to scratch Caspar behind the ears. “I was in church on Sunday.”
Richard had known the announcement was coming, but hearing his name connected to Amelia’s in such a public way, then receiving congratulations from the Chitesters’ tenants and other villagers, had done something unexpected to him. He had walked away feeling connected to the community in a different way.
Hiring a guard wouldn’t just ease Richard’s mind about Amelia. He’d be helping a respected member of the village with a job and a home, and Latimer would be well-suited to watch over the children when they were here. Even Amelia’s drunkard cat liked him.
“We are.” The conviction landed soundly in his chest, giving Richard a moment’s pause. “Lady Amelia and Mr. Brewer have a close relationship. She’s taken a special interest in the distillery.”
An interest? She’s willing to give up everything to make a go of this.
“Will that concern you?” he asked Latimer.
“For a pound a week and a roof over my head?” The other man looked up at him, squinting in the late morning sunshine. A smile creased his face. “Lady Amelia can come and go as she pleases.”
He stood and stretched out his hand. Richard took it. “You can move in whenever you’d like.”
A horse approached, and Richard turned to greet Amelia with a smile. The one she returned was thin, at best. “Good morning, gentlemen.”
Latimer took Molly’s reins. “It’s a pleasure to see you, Lady Amelia.” If he was surprised to see her in a split skirt, it didn’t show.
“It’s good to see you home, Mr. Latimer. I didn’t have a chance to speak to you at church on Sunday.”
“You were busy, my lady. Congratulations on your betrothal.”
“Thank you.” Her gaze flicked between them, but she ended staring at Richard. “What brings both of you here without Mr. Brewer or Mr. Fletcher?”
Though her voice was light and cheerful, Richard recognized the challenge in her eyes. “I’ve hired Mr. Latimer on Mr. Brewer’s behalf. As security and manual labor since Mr. Fletcher has been called to London.” She’d see reason, he was certain of it.
“Youhave.” Her face was frozen in the pleasant mask she’d worn during the house party. She focused on Latimer, and Richard was immediately warmer. “I’m certain you’ll be good at your job, Mr. Latimer.”
“Thank you. If you’d like, I can see to your mare before I go into town for my things.”
“For your things? Are you going to live here?”
“Security isn’t useful if it isn’t available, Amelia.” Richard had dealt with it for years as he and Oliver had begun mill operations in other parts of the province. She was new to the idea. It would get easier to accept. “I’ve offered him the room behind the stable.”
“I see.” She stayed focused on the other man. “Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Latimer, but I wouldn’t want to delay your errand. I can see to Molly.”
Latimer shot a quick glance to Richard before he nodded. His friendly expression had faded into a frown and then into military coldness as their exchange with Amelia had evolved. “Certainly, my lady.”
His cart rattled across the path and disappeared around the corner of the distillery. As the sound faded, Amelia walked her horse to the stable.
“You were rude, Amelia.” Richard walked beside her. Despite being almost twice her height, he had to quicken his pace to keep up.
“Iwas rude?” She stepped in front of him to loop Molly’s bridle over the post nearest the trough. “You two were in my place of business uninvited.”
“I wasn’t aware I needed an invitation.” He reached for the feed bucket and winced when her elbow struck his ribs. “Ow.”
“My apologies.” Her flat tone belied her words. “I’m used to doing this myself.”
Which was his point. She didn’t need to struggle alone. “But I am right here.”
“Mm-hmm.” Amelia gave Molly a solid pat before she walked away toward the distillery.
“You’re angry with me.” Richard waited at the door while she unlocked it.
“I am.”
