Page 59 of The Earl and His Lady

His obvious delight made Virginia laugh, picturing him running about under the trees with Phillip and Edward, enacting grand battles.

“Lucas, you have proved something I have long wondered.”

He folded his arms on the rim of the crow’s nest and looked down at her, his head cocked to one side. “And what is that?”

“Inside every gentleman, there is still a little boy looking to turn pirate.”

He laughed, but he did not deny it. With his grin still in place, he ducked back down and a moment later he was coming down the ladder with a jar tucked under his arm.

“I can see why Edward would miss these. They are quite the treasure.”

She hesitated a moment, looking at the jar in his hands, before deciding to explain it to him. “His father collected those shells with him, last autumn, when we went to Aldringham to visit the seaside.”

“Then they are all the more precious.” He held the shells out to her and she exchanged them for his jacket. He shrugged back into his coat, buttoned it, then bowed and offered his arm to her again. “Might this pirate escort you to luncheon, my lady?”

Virginia put her hand on his arm and an unlooked-for tingle shot from her ungloved fingertips straight to her heart. Her eyes shot to his, wide and uncertain. Did he feel the curious sensation as well?

But Lucas was looking up the hill, the way they’d come. “A morning’s work of discovering treasure has given me quite the appetite.” He looked down just long enough to share his grin, then started up the hill.

Stop being foolish, Ginny, she chided herself. Lucas respects your situation as a widow. He feels nothing but responsibility for you.

That might’ve been so, but it seemed her body was not entirely certain of her status as a bereaved woman.

Chapter Twenty-one

Their third day at the estate, Lucas arose early and made his inspection of the stables. Horses had always held an interest for him, and he wanted to see if the stables had any mounts he might bring back with him to Annesbury Park, for the boys’ use.

Measuring his time between his own holdings and the barony would take consideration. He needed to be fair to his new family and the people of the estates. Annesbury Park was his principle home, but there was also the house in London and three other properties held by the title for him to consider.

Perhaps it was time to lease out one or two of the smaller holdings, allowing someone else to maintain the responsibilities of the local landowner. Lucas would discuss it with Virginia first, then consult his financial adviser in London when next in town.

He paused, midway through his admiration of a butter-colored stallion. When had it become a natural thing, to desire to speak to Virginia about his business practices?

“Do you fancy King Lud, my lord?” the stablemaster, Mr. Ritter, asked.

Lucas came back to himself and looked the beast over again. “I do. I imagine his lines are excellent?”

“Aye, my lord. And he was a favorite of Lord Heatherton’s. The baron always intended to breed him, too. He’s a fine hunter.”

Lucas nodded, examining the animal with a more critical eye. “I can understand that. His coloring is unusual.”

“His line goes to the continent, my lord. A Spanish Dorado is in his ancestry. It’s in his papers.”

“Palominos,” Lucas murmured, looking at the dazzling animal with greater appreciation. The honey-colored mane and light coat was striking. “And his name is King Lud?”

“Yes, my lord.” Mr. Ritter grinned, scratching his forehead beneath his cap. “The king part I agree with, but Lud I never could figure out.”

Lucas chuckled and stepped away from the stall. “When we leave, I’d like to take His Majesty with me. King Lud might sire a suitable mount for the Lord Phillip Macon.”

Mr. Ritter’s eyes took on a different quality, his face plainly showed his surprise. “Aye, my lord. I can’t think of a better thing to do for the lad. I’ll make certain King Lud is ready for travel.”

“Wonderful.” Lucas crossed his arms, taking in the stable. It was all in good repair and tidy. The staff knew their work.

“Will there be anything else, my lord?”

“Yes.” Lucas took his pocket watch from his jacket. “In an hour’s time, Lady Calvert and I would like to ride out and visit her tenants. Would you make ready a gig?”

“Yes, my lord.”