Page 41 of A Rogue to Resist
But of one thing she was suddenly, unexpectedly certain: whatever existed between them, it was far from the simple adversarial relationship she had initially anticipated. And that realization was perhaps the most unsettling development of all.
Chapter Ten
Katherine hesitated outside the study, arrested by the sound of raised voices within.
She hadn’t intended to make a special trip—she had simply come to Greythorne Manor to deliver the revised planting schedules for the western fields. After their productive collaboration at the market three days earlier, she found herself looking forward to their next working session with an enthusiasm that probably wasn’t entirely professional.
When Thompson informed her that Lord Greythorne was meeting with his solicitor, she had planned to leave the documents and depart without disturbing them.
She certainly hadn’t intended to eavesdrop. But the sound of her own name being mentioned within made her pause.
“Lady Katherine’s management has been exemplary,” Mr. Winters was saying, his tone measured and diplomatic. “The estate records show significant improvements during her oversight of the western fields, and the tenants speak of her with genuine respect.”
“Then why do I sense reservations in your tone?” Drake’s response carried that familiar note of sharp perception.
Katherine knew she should continue walking. Whatever estate business they were discussing was hardly her concern,and Drake would certainly not appreciate her listening to private matters. Yet hearing herself discussed made her freeze in place.
“It’s not reservations about her capabilities, my lord,” Mr. Winters replied carefully. “Rather... concerns about the impression of your continued collaboration.”
“What sort of impression?” Drake’s voice had taken on a dangerous edge.
“With your marriage deadline approaching, some might view your close working relationship with the previous countess as... unorthodox. There have already been whispers among the staff, and such talk has a way of reaching London Society.”
Katherine’s cheeks warmed with embarrassment. She hadn’t considered how their partnership might appear to others—two people spending long hours together discussing estate matters, often without proper chaperonage, their conversations growing increasingly informal and familiar.
It hadn’t occurred to her that the gossip had reached the manor’s staff and potentially London Society. The thought that their collaboration was being discussed not just among tenants but in drawing rooms, that it might affect Drake’s marriage prospects, filled her with a mixture of embarrassment and indignation.
She had worked so hard to maintain her respectability as a widow, her reputation for propriety and independence.
“Are you suggesting I dismiss her assistance?” Drake asked, his tone now unmistakably threatening. “Because I can assure you, Winters, that would be remarkably foolish given her invaluable knowledge of estate operations.”
“Not dismiss, my lord,” Mr. Winters backtracked hastily. “But perhaps... maintain more formal boundaries? Particularly as you begin your search for a suitable bride. Young ladiesof marriageable age—and their parents—might find such an arrangement... concerning.”
There was a long pause, during which Katherine could practically feel Drake’s tension radiating through the heavy oak door.
“I see,” he said finally, his voice carefully controlled. “And what exactly are people saying about Lady Katherine and myself?”
“Nothing specific, my lord. Merely... observations about the frequency of your meetings, the informal nature of your discussions, the way you defer to her judgment on estate matters.” Mr. Winters’s voice grew increasingly uncomfortable. “Some have noted that you seem to value her opinion above that of your steward, your solicitor, even visiting experts.”
“Because her opinions are invariably correct,” Drake replied flatly.
“Of course, my lord. But perception often matters more than reality in these situations. A future countess might question why the previous countess maintains such... influence over estate affairs.”
The silence that followed was profound, and Katherine could almost hear Drake processing the implications.
“I see your point,” Drake said finally, though his voice remained tense. “You’re suggesting that my... collaboration with Lady Katherine could complicate my matrimonial prospects.”
“Precisely, my lord. Young ladies of suitable breeding might find it difficult to accept such an arrangement. And given your... timeline requirements...” Mr. Winters let the implication hang in the air.
“The marriage clause,” Drake said grimly. “Yes, I’m well aware that time is not on my side. But I won’tsacrifice Greythorne’s immediate needs for hypothetical future concerns.”
“Of course not, my lord. I merely thought you should be aware of how the situation appears to outside observers.”
“How convenient,” he said finally, his voice like ice. “And a long-lost cousin, Captain Halston stands ready to inherit should I fail to meet the entail’s requirements.”
“My lord, I don’t think there’s any reason to suspect—”
“Do you not?” Drake’s response was sharp. “Captain Halston stands to benefit considerably should I fail to meet the entail’s requirements. One wonders if certain... influences might be working to ensure such an outcome.”
