The Gentleman's Deception by Tuft Karen

Author:Tuft, Karen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency;romance;love;LDS;hidden;truth;change
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2017-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

The following morning, Lucas set out on horseback for Primrose Farm, accompanied by Isaac and Thomas and Finch. Lucas had borrowed one of his father’s horses so Hector could enjoy a full day of rest and grazing after so many days of travel.

The day was overcast, and Lucas suspected it might rain that afternoon. Hopefully they would be back at Alderwood long before that happened. He’d truly had his fill of rain and mud while in Spain. Rain and mud were rife with bad memories.

He located the ramshackle sign that pointed the way to Primrose Farm and led the others down the lane until they reached the farmhouse.

“Oh, dear me,” Finch said from atop his mount.

“That’s putting it lightly,” Thomas added. “You certainly aren’t marrying her for her inheritance, if that wasn’t obvious already.”

“Thomas, a little decorum, please,” Isaac cautioned before Lucas could say anything himself—which was just as well, for he wouldn’t have been as circumspect as Isaac had been.

Thomas smirked as he dismounted.

“Well, let’s see what we’re about here, then,” Isaac said after he and Finch dismounted as well.

“There’s a fellow not far from here, Allard, by name, who used to be the foreman,” Lucas said. “I’m going to go find him. I expect he can shed some light on the situation for us.”

“Excellent idea,” Finch said. “Folks living nearby likely built their livelihood around this farm and would have been affected by its failure. Knowing how many people remain who could possibly be lured back would be critical information to have.”

Lucas needed no more encouragement. He turned his mount and headed back to the main road and then followed the directions Allard have given them the day before, finding the cottage with no trouble at all.

“Mr. Jennings, it’s an honor, sir,” Mrs. Allard said once Lucas had explained who he was and why he was there. “Come in, come in.” She ushered him into the cottage like she was rounding up a sheep that had strayed from the flock. She was plump and pretty in a round-faced sort of way, with an equally round-faced but wiggly toddler balanced on her hip. She seemed the type who would keep the more reserved Allard on his toes.

“Allard told me all about it yesterday. Such great news! I can’t help saying how very thrilled everyone will be that something’s to be done to make things as they was.” She wiped some drool off the toddler’s chin with the corner of her apron. “He’s out back tending to the chickens. Have a seat, and I’ll inform him he has company.” She curtsied, nearly tipping off-balance due to the uncooperative toddler, and exited the room.

Lucas propped himself on the edge of a fairly worn chair, unsure if it would fully support his weight. The room was shabby but still felt homey and welcoming, with a braided rug Mrs. Allard had undoubtedly made herself covering the floor and freshly cut flowers sitting cheerily in an earthenware pot on the table.

Allard arrived shortly thereafter, drying his hands on a towel before reaching out to shake Lucas’s hand.

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