Page 28 of A Rogue to Resist
It was also, however, somewhat haphazard. Which was why Katherine had taken it upon herself to create a systematic approach to addressing the estate’s many needs.
“The western tenant cottages should be addressed first,” she insisted, tapping her finger on the relevant page of her notes. “They’re in the most dire condition, and the families there have endured neglect the longest.”
Drake ran a hand through his hair, a gesture she’d noticed he made when particularly frustrated. “The roofing materials ordered for the manor could be diverted to the cottages, but that would delay the main house repairs until new materials arrive.”
“Exactly,” Katherine said, sensing a potential compromise. “The manor repairs would be delayed by what, three weeks? Four at most? Meanwhile, the cottage repairs could begin immediately.”
He studied her for a moment, and Katherine had the distinct impression he was weighing not just her suggestion but her motives as well.
“This matters a great deal to you,” he observed.
“Of course, it matters,” she replied, caught off guard by the shift in conversation. “These are people’s lives, not merely entries in a ledger.”
“That’s not what I meant.” Drake leaned back in his chair, his grey eyes intent on her face. “You could have simply provided your lists and recommendations, then returned to Willow Park or London. Instead, you’re here, arguing over every detail as if... as if you still considered yourself responsible for Greythorne.”
Katherine felt a flush rise to her cheeks. “As I told you before, I consider myself responsible for people who relied on me for years. There’s a difference.”
“Is there?” He tilted his head slightly. “Most widows in your position would retire gracefully to their dower properties and leave their successors to manage as they see fit.”
“I am not ‘most widows,’” Katherine replied stiffly. “And if you had any real understanding of estate management, I wouldn’t need to be here at all.”
She regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. Drake’s expression hardened.
“I managed substantial business interests in America quite successfully,” he said, his voice deceptively mild. “But I concede that English estate management has its... peculiarities.”
Katherine sighed, suddenly weary of the conversation “I didn’t mean to imply you’re incapable. Merely that you’re new to Greythorne, while I’ve worked with these people for years.”
“Worked with them, or for them?” he asked, his tone genuinely curious rather than confrontational.
The question gave her pause. “Both, I suppose. Edmund viewed the estate as nothing more than a source of income to fund his pursuits in London. Someone had to ensure it functioned properly in his absence.”
“And that someone was you.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes,” Katherine admitted. “Though always within the severe constraints Edmund imposed. Every improvement, every repair required extensive justification and often outright deception to secure necessary funds.”
Drake’s brow furrowed. “Deception?”
Katherine hesitated, then decided honesty was the most expedient path. “I occasionally represented certain expenses as more urgent or severe than they were to ensure appropriate resources were allocated. Edmund was... selective in what he considered worthy of investment.”
To her surprise, Drake’s mouth curved in what might have been admiration. “You falsified reports to your husband?”
“I prioritized the estate’s needs over Edmund’s preferences,” Katherine corrected, though there was little real difference. “Had I not, conditions would be even worse than what you’ve inherited.”
Drake studied her with renewed interest. “Thompson mentioned something similar—that you found ‘creative solutions’ to estate problems. I hadn’t realized the extent of your creativity.”
Katherine couldn’t tell if he was amused or scandalized by her confession. “Do you disapprove?”
“On the contrary,” he replied, surprising her again. “I admire resourcefulness, particularly when applied to worthy causes. Though I would prefer you didn’t feel the need for such tactics in our current... collaboration.”
“Collaboration,” Katherine repeated, testing the word.
It wasn’t how she would have described their relationship, yet there was truth in it. They were, in fact, working toward a common goal.
“Would you prefer a different term?” Drake asked, a hint of challenge in his voice.
“No,” she decided. “Collaboration is accurate enough, provided you actually consider my recommendations rather than simply arguing with each one.”
“I consider all your recommendations,” he countered. “I simply don’t agree with all of them.”
