Page 48 of The Ice Queen
“Good morning. Though from the weather that is settling in, I cannot say it will be a fine day,” replied Julian.
His steward nodded. “Yes, and we have had a spot of bother with the straw that was laid over the gardens just after your arrival. It would appear that it is not deep enough and some of the plants have been burnt by the rain as it froze. I shall have to send the wagon over to Ashby to buy some more,” he said.
Julian would have preferred to stay with Caroline, but he had been an absent lord for too long. His steward had done a fine job in managing the castle and grounds while Julian was in France, but the task was ultimately his to undertake.
“Would you please excuse me, Caroline? I should go and examine the garden. It was my decision not to lay the straw too deep; it would appear, I was wrong. I shan’t be long.”
“Of course,” she replied.
Caroline found it encouraging to know that Julian was comfortable in owning up to his mistakes, because she still found it hard to admit when she was at fault. Her stubborn streak ran deep, and it would take a determined man to help her overcome it.
She could only pray that he was strong enough for the both of them.
