A Season for Love by Cynthia Breeding

Author:Cynthia Breeding [Breeding, Cynthia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Highland Press Publishing
Published: 2012-09-04T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

By mid-morning, wagons began to arrive carrying freshly cut lumber from the forest between Stafford and Newberry. From the burnt-out wall of the dining hall, Elizabeth watched as Darian swung down from the magnificent Andalusian he’d purchased from her uncle. His thigh muscles rippled beneath snug breeches and the simple linen shirt he wore detailed his broad, strong shoulders, making him look every bit as powerful as the full-chested stallion beside him. The horse’s sleek, blue-black coat reflected the raven color of Darian’s hair in the sunlight. Edward joined him and her uncle met them in the yard, Andy by his side. The young man was determined the earl would find no slack with him in repairing the kitchen.

Anna, too, had put in extra effort, whitewashing the sooted walls of the dining hall until almost all hint of smoke was gone. Elizabeth smiled at the maid vigorously polishing the brass kettles and moved to help her.

“The fireplace is still standing, since it was made of stone,” the earl said as he, Darian, and Edward came closer to inspect what was left.

“The cupboard seems to have been saved.” Darian opened the iron door to the small area fitted into the side of the hearth meant for keeping things warm. “We should be able to have the wall built around the hearth by the end of the day.” He motioned for the men to start bringing in the lumber.

Elizabeth watched in fascination as Darian lifted planks with apparent ease and swung the hammer with agility and strength enough to drive a nail through the lumber with one powerful stroke. The slight sweat that glistened on his brow also dampened his shirt and caused it to cling to biceps nearly as large as a smith’s. She should find something to do. It was better not to watch Darian. Isabella had no such compunction, Elizabeth noticed, but then why should she? It was her intended out there working. Isabella had every right to watch his strong, masculine body move. Edward, working beside Darian, was equally well-formed. Elizabeth squinted. Isabella seemed to be enjoying watching both of them.

Edward looked up just then and grinned, flexing his muscles and giving his hammer an extra-powerful swing. Isabella smiled. Elizabeth decided to retreat into the deeper recesses of the house. It wouldn’t do to have Darian see her gawking at him like a street strumpet.

As she passed Anna setting the last of the kettles down, the maid dipped a curtsey and looked hesitant.

“Did you wish to ask something?” Elizabeth asked.

“We have lost most of our food stores,” Anna replied, “but there be some lemons that was left in the cellar. Do you suppose his lordship would mind if I made some lemonade a little later for the men?”

“I do not think he would mind at all. That is a wonderful idea.”

“And could I use some ice too? There be a bit left.”

“Of course.” Elizabeth smiled as she turned away. No doubt, Anna wanted to make herself useful,

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