The Spinster and The Earl (Book 1 Gentlemen of Honor) by Beverly Adam

Author:Beverly Adam [Adam, Beverly]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Lachesis Publishing Inc
Published: 2013-09-08T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

The day was crisp and clear. A little early morning fog rolled off the hills as a pair of thoroughbreds with their accomplished riders eagerly crested the highest point near Brightwood Manor’s estate. The small stone manor lay mapped out below in its Tudor gray stone glory. Its one wing lay snugly situated in a cot wood of swaying trees. A small flock of longhaired sheep baa’d to each other as their herder passed with his collie dogs. As prime Irish countryside went, one could not ask for more. The rolling green hills and sparkling lake below provided a worthy view. This was Ireland at its best, green, prosperous, and tranquilly beautiful to behold.

“Tell me about those trees over there?” he asked, pointing to a group of green parasol saplings planted in a sunny sheltered part of her estate, away from the rougher winds blowing from the North Sea.

“They’re our mulberry trees,” she said, not disguising the pride in her voice. “They’ll be used for feeding the silkworms I intend to import this summer from a Quaker farmer in England.”

“Another one of your projects?” asked the earl, impressed by her numerous ventures, which he’d had the occasion to note during their ride.

She nodded and laughed, feeling carefree and happy. Since early that morning they’d been in each other’s company, riding around the local parish together. A most welcome diversion for both of them, as neither had had much time for any form of solitude since their guests’ arrival.

They had both unexpectedly had the same idea to awaken before the morning’s breaking of the fast and take a quick ride before the others awoke. Upon meeting in the stables, they’d agreed to go out together.

Reluctant to part with his company, Beatrice proposed showing him her small local properties situated near his own vast estate. She warned him that the ride might uncomfortably jostle his injured leg. After calm reassurances that he was completely mended, they’d set off together.

“Most of the people in the village believe my aunt Mary left me a vast fortune,” she said, amusement etched on her face at that bit of myth. As if her poor maiden aunt, the daughter of small landed gentry, ever could have acquired such vast wealth. Her late aunt had lived comfortably at a modest, genteel level. It was certainly not on the scale befitting that of a queen.

“Indeed. So I’d heard.” The earl nodded. Davis had told him as much on one occasion. It had helped further spark his interest in her.

“Would you like to hear the truth of the matter?” she asked, a smile as warm as the sun above them lighting her face.

He nodded, bemused, enjoying the sight of her smiling.

“I’m the one who built my fortune. Aunt Mary’s inheritance, of which I’ve received only a small annuity, helped me in the beginning.” She paused, not certain she should be trusting him. The attentive way in which he listened brushed away her small hidden fears that he would ridicule her for entering into what was considered to be the exclusive domain of gentlemen.

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