Page 20 of The Earl Takes All
As though that explained it all. “I intend to ensure the next Earl of Greyling inherits well. I will do whatever necessary to secure his future.”
“Of course, m’lord.”
Edward closed the ledger and pushed it across the desk to where the other man sat. “I think we’re done here.”
“When will you be speaking with Rowntree?”
“This afternoon.”
Bocock smiled. “Not letting any grass grow beneath your feet.”
“I’ve learned of late that life is precarious. It’s best to see to matters straightaway.” Edward came to his feet.
Bocock shoved himself out of his chair, clutching and unclutching the brim of his hat. “Once again, m’lord, I’m sorry for your loss. Not easy losing a brother.”
“No, it’s not.” But he’d wallowed enough. Now he had to see to the future of his brother’s child. “We’ll meet again in a fortnight, see where things stand.”
“Very good, m’lord.” Turning to go, he tipped his head toward Julia. “Good day, Lady Greyling.”
She pushed herself out of the chair, an ungainly move that Edward should not have found endearing. “Give my best to your wife, Mr.Bocock.”
“I will indeed, m’lady.”
With that, he walked from the room. Edward should have been able to breathe a sigh of relief, but Julia approached, so he kept up the façade that he hoped to God mirrored his brother’s.
“I’ve never seen you quite so forceful,” she said, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
“I’m all for leniency until someone takes advantage. Then my assertive nature breaks through.”
She released a small laugh. “I rather liked it.”
He couldn’t deny that her words pleased him. “I can’t let the tenants think they’re in charge. However, I do want to handle this matter with Rowntree posthaste. Perhaps you should go to the village without me.”
“I’ll come with you to Rowntree’s. We can go from there.”
Every inch of him shouted that it was a bad idea. But he couldn’t continue to make excuses not to be in her company. “Splendid. I assume it’s unsafe for you to ride a horse in your condition.”
“Yes, I’ve not risked riding since I discovered I was with child. We’ll need a carriage.”
“I’ll have one readied. Will leaving in half an hour suit?”
“Perfectly.”
He waited until she left the room before walking over to the sideboard and pouring himself a finger of scotch. Just enough for fortification.
An afternoon spent with Julia. How could anything possibly go wrong?
He downed the amber liquid in one quick swallow, all the while thinking: Let me count the ways.
Juliafought to quell her disappointment that her husband had arranged for the cabriolet to be readied and for a groom to sit beside her, serving as driver, while Albert sat magnificently astride a horse and led the way. Why was he discarding her? Every time it seemed as though they were returning to the closeness they had once shared, he retreated. While she was certain it was quite ridiculous, she was beginning to wonder if Edward had disparaged her to such an extent on their sojourn that Albert had fallen out of love with her.
The hood of the carriage was raised, buffeting her from the winds, so she couldn’t blame them for the tears pricking her eyes. She’d had such hopes for the outing. Now she rather wished that she had simply gone by herself. On the other hand, she wasn’t certain that Albert had ever cut such a fine figure on a horse, and when she wasn’t being unreasonably hurt—for surely she was being unreasonable—she had to admit to taking great satisfaction in observing the confidence with which he rode.
She’d always enjoyed riding, but didn’t dare while she was with child. She wanted this child beyond all reasoning, but she was growing rather weary of all the pampering, especially when it was providing opportunity to put distance between her and her husband.
She wanted to scream. Perhaps she was simply going mad, imagining slights that didn’t truly exist.
He turned up a road, and they followed. She could see the small house in the distance, the sheep dotting the hill. She was familiar with Rowntree and his family. She brought baskets of food to all the tenants at Christmas.
