Page 70 of The Wise Daughter
“And John’s and Bodin’s. They were both here when the foal was born. And there’s the recovering mare–”
“As I was saying, it is your word against Mr. Gaines's. I see no point in wasting time by disrupting his work or his herd.”
“His herd ofcows?Since when did cows give birth to foals?”
Again, Nora snickered.
“The foal will stay where it currently is. I have authority in these matters. Every time we argue with Mr. Gaines, it costs him work, and it wastes my time. I have better things to do than track livestock. The duke is not lacking horses, so this matter is irrelevant. We shall leave it as settled.”
Ruthers sounded as if he spoke through clenched teeth. “The duke will hear about this.”
“He certainly will.”
Several seconds of silence passed. Nora pressed against the wall of the stables, wondering whether to flee before anyone saw her, when Mr. Carver stepped into the sunlight. She held very still, but it was useless. His eyes immediately landed on her.
With her heart in a gallop, Nora lifted the end of her shawl and pretended to be unraveling a tangle of fringes.
“Oh, good morning Mr. Carver.”
“Miss Lacy? What are you doing out here? You don’t appear to be dressed for riding.”
She dropped the end of her shawl when his eyes narrowed. “I’m not planning on riding.” She kept her voice light. “I only had the notion to visit my horse today.”
Mr. Carver looked like he was sifting through a stash of possible criticisms, but after a few breaths, he nodded, and his features softened into something almost pitying.
“Miss Lacy, I’m actually pleased to catch you like this. I’ve been hoping for an opportunity to speak with you. You see, I owe you an apology, and with the castle in such upheaval these days, there never seems to be a good moment to offer it.”
“Oh.” Nora tried to clear her thoughts and receive this unexpected olive leaf. “Thank you, Mr. Carver, but there is no need.”
“Of course, there is. It’s no secret I’ve been less than welcoming to you and your father. Please, don’t pretend you haven’t noticed. I see how unhelpful that was, not to mention meddlesome. So I ask you to forgive me.”
“Most willingly.” Nora had to instruct her lips to smile before they obeyed. Humiliation for having been caught listening still burned in her skin. After a quick curtsey, she stepped to the side. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Mr. Carver, however, blocked her way. “Thank you, Miss Lacy. Your generosity has lifted a burden from my shoulders. I’ve been trying to spare the duke from as much pain and heartache as I can while he hides his grief over his father. I can’t fault him for that, but these irrational decisions of his will eventually catch up with him. I’ve realized I must let the duke make his own mistakes.” Mr. Carver let the word linger between them.
Mistakes.
Me. He is talking about me.
His pointed look told her she did not misunderstand him.
“I can’t blame you, Miss Lacy, for having an interest in his money when he is marrying you for the exact same reason.”
Her insides jolted. She didn’t have to ask to understand what he meant. Aaron could only have full access to his inheritance once he reached the age of thirty or married. It wasn’t new information, but it was a cold reminder of why he had proposed to her to begin with.
“I heard him speaking of his inheritance just the other day. Forgive me if I have upset you, Miss Lacy. I assumed you knew.” His face was nothing but satisfaction.
She straightened her spine. “I did.” At least she had the satisfaction of being able to truthfully answer.
“Good. Since we understand one another, I hope you will come to me with your concerns.”
“My concerns?” Since when did Mr. Carver understand her at all?
“No doubt you are frightened by the recent fire.” He glanced over his shoulder toward the castle. “If you discover any information about who the culprits are, promise you will come to me at once.”
“Certainly.” Though the moment the word left her mouth, she knew she had perjured herself. She would never turn to Mr. Carver with her concerns.
“I can at least offer you this one comfort, Miss Lacy. I will assist you and your father when the duke realizes his mistake.” He gave a low bow and headed toward the castle.
