Page 30 of A Rogue to Resist
“Forgive the interruption, my lord, Lady Katherine,” the steward said with a bow. “But the mason has sent his estimates for the bridge repairs, and there’s a matter regarding the timber order that requires immediate attention.”
Drake gestured for Thompson to join them at the table. “Perfect timing. We’ve just completed our review of the priority repairs.”
As Thompson settled himself and began explaining the new complications, Katherine took the opportunity to observe Drake more carefully.
There was no denying his physical appeal—his broad shoulders and strong features were classically handsome—but itwas his focused intelligence that she found herself most drawn to. He listened to Thompson with complete attention, asking pointed questions that revealed a quick mind and genuine concern for the estate’s welfare.
It was a disconcerting realization. For years, Katherine had associated the Halston name with indifference at best and cruelty at worst. To find herself admiring any quality in Edmund’s successor was unsettling.
“Lady Katherine? Your thoughts?”
She started slightly, realizing that both men were looking at her expectantly. “I beg your pardon. My mind wandered for a moment.”
“Understandable, after such a lengthy work session,” Drake said, his tone surprisingly gentle. “Thompson was asking about the quarry at Thornfield. He believes their prices for stone have increased significantly since your last dealings with them.”
“They always attempt to raise prices in spring,” Katherine replied, gathering her thoughts. “But Mr. Wilson, the quarry master, is amenable to negotiation, particularly if you commit to a larger order paid in advance.”
Thompson nodded. “As you say, my lady. Though Lord Greythorne may prefer to explore alternatives.”
“I trust Lady Katherine’s judgment in this matter,” Drake said, surprising her again. “She knows the local suppliers far better than I do. Proceed with the negotiation as she suggests.”
Katherine tried to conceal her astonishment at this easy capitulation on a financial matter. Edmund would never have delegated such a decision, particularly not to her.
“If you’re certain, my lord,” Thompson replied, looking equally surprised.
“I am.” Drake’s tone brooked no argument. “Lady Katherine’s management of estate resources has provenexemplary. We would be foolish not to benefit from her experience.”
The unexpected praise brought warmth to Katherine’s cheeks. “Thank you, but I’m sure Lord Greythorne is perfectly capable of—”
“Of recognizing valuable expertise when I encounter it,” Drake finished for her. “False modesty doesn’t suit you, Katherine.”
The casual use of her given name in Thompson’s presence sent a jolt through her. They had agreed such informality would be reserved for private conversations.
The steward’s eyes widened slightly, but he maintained his professional composure. “Very good, my lord. I shall proceed as Lady Katherine suggests.”
Drake stared at the ledger before him, certain he must be misreading the entries. “Thompson, what is this expenditure for ‘London property acquisition’ dated three months before Edmund’s death? Twenty thousand pounds?”
Thompson shifted uncomfortably. “I believe that was... a personal investment of the late earl’s, my lord.”
“Personal investment?” Drake’s voice grew dangerously quiet. “This amount could have repaired every tenant cottage on the estate.”
Katherine, who had been reviewing planting schedules at the other end of the table, stiffened but said nothing.
Drake continued scanning the entries, his expression darkening with each line. “And these monthly payments to a ‘Mrs. Fairweather’ in London? Five hundred pounds monthly for... consultancy services?”
“My lord, perhaps—” Thompson began.
“She was his mistress, wasn’t she?” Drake said flatly. “And the townhouse was for her.”
The silence in the room was deafening. Katherine rose abruptly. “If you’ll excuse me—”
“Stay.” The word came out more forcefully than Drake intended. He softened his tone. “Please. You lived with this. You knew where the money went while your tenants suffered.”
Katherine’s jaw tightened. “What would you have had me do? Confront him about his paramours? Challenge his spending? I had no authority, no recourse—”
“You had to watch him squander everything while you scrambled to help the tenants with whatever scraps you could manage,” Drake said, understanding dawning in his eyes. “Those ‘creative solutions’ Thompson mentioned—you were redirecting funds wherever possible, weren’t you?”
Katherine lifted her chin defiantly. “The account books are quite clear, my lord. Everything is documented.”
