My Lady Faire by Emily Hendrickson

Author:Emily Hendrickson [Hendrickson, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 2005-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

He would have to apologize. Quite how to best accomplish the deed without making an utter ass of himself or seeming too eager to ingratiate himself with the widow he wasn’t certain. Perhaps he would talk to her bailiff first just to ascertain the chap had actually studied the matter of the bottomland and knew what he was talking about. No point in doing penance unless it was necessary.

Pace and Lodge consumed a hearty breakfast while he and Elliot lingered over their coffee, having polished off their meal earlier. Hawke stared into his cup, trying to decide the most effective approach.

“What did you learn about the problem that reared its head?” Elliot said quietly, casting a speculative look at Hawke.

“Logan said it was not a bad idea for her to drain her bottomland. Not only that, but it might actually benefit my property,” Hawke concluded dryly.

“Draining bottomland?” Pace queried. “I read something on that not long ago. So your pretty neighbor plots to drain a bit of land?” Pace helped himself to another scone and strawberry preserves, sharing the pot with Lodge.

“Plot being the significant word there.” Hawke grimaced, wondering what else lurked in the lovely widow’s mind.

“Didn’t you once tell me that there is a strip of land now part of that estate that once was yours?” Elliot idly crumbled the remainder of his scone while he watched Hawke.

“Right.” Hawke took a deep breath. “My grandfather lost it in a game of cards to little Edward’s great-grandfather. It now is in the possession of Lady Fairfax, given to her as part of her jointure.” Hawke stared at his empty cup as though it might provide advice.

“Would she sell?” Elliot wondered. “I mean, what would or could she possibly do with the land?” He sipped his cooling coffee while watching Hawke. Pace and Lodge also watched but didn’t join in the discussion, intent upon finishing their meal.

Hawke grinned. Not wishing his friends to know the depth of his interest in the delicious Lady Fairfax he joked, “Well, I could marry the lady and it would save me the price.”

Elliot frowned. “She seems rather nice.”

“Indeed, she is,” Hawke agreed with alacrity.

Slade entered the breakfast room. As usual, the butler’s manner was firmly in place. “Master Edward is here, my lord. He rode his pony over, I believe in the understanding you would wish to see him?” Slade still referred to the young Lord Fairfax by his previous style.

“Show him in here, please.” To Elliot he added, “I am not quite ready to take on his instruction at this hour.”

The lad shyly entered the room, gazing with respect at the four tonnish gentlemen at the table. His eyes were wide with admiration. Obviously these gentlemen were far and away above the vicar. Two now perused newspapers, the others obviously chatted. He focused on Lord Hawke.

“I am doing ever so much better today. Humbug is a very good sort of pony and I am ever so thankful you found him for me.” He sidled up to where Hawke sat at the far end of the oval table.

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