The Rightful Lord (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 3), Sahara Kelly [english novels for students .TXT] 📗

The scrolls had occasioned some curiosity, and she had pulled Mrs B aside, asking her to explain to anyone who didn’t quite understand what they meant.

Word had spread, and after everything had been distributed, she found herself strolling around with one of her gentlemen on her arm, chatting and explaining the new school project to those who asked about it.

Royce steered her toward several well-built lads, so she promptly invited them to be a part of the renovation project. Evan led her to several women who were keeping an eye on a number of little ones, and she encouraged them to talk to the children about the new school.

The enthusiasm was high, since most of the tenants knew full well the value of a good education.

Jeremy walked her to Joe Fillwell, who held his scroll like a precious sceptre in his arms.

“Time was, a man didn’t need t’ read to milk cows, or plough a field,” he said. “Time was, all a man needed was an eye t’ see the sunrise and a woman t’ ease his nights.” He stared at the bonfire. “Times be changin’, eh?”

“They are indeed, Mr Fillwell.” Gwyneth rested a hand on his arm. “And your grandchildren will be reading as well as milking cows, ploughing—maybe even teaching. They could be taking up a career in law…who’s to say?”

She had to laugh as the old man rolled his eyes.

It had been an evening of unalloyed pleasure for all, and she knew it would be the topic of conversation for quite some time.

She straightened, an effort to ease the ache at the bottom of her spine, and jumped when a warm hand touched the exact spot.

“You are probably tired, my Lady. And if my assumption is correct, there’s a weary spot growing right here.”

Even though her cloak lay beneath his hand, she could feel Harry’s warmth, and only barely managed to resist leaning against him.

“You are right,” she sighed. “But what a wonderful evening, and how well everything has gone.” She looked around to see tired children still sitting and laughing with their parents, and older children dancing to the lilting sound of a violin. Old Joe Fillwell was banging out the rhythm on an upturned bucket, and it looked like the party was far from over.

Evan came up to her. “Go inside now, my Lady. This will go on for a while. I promise we’ll make sure all’s well.” He glanced at Harry. “Will you see that she retires, Harry? She can be quite stubborn about taking care of herself.” His sweet smile robbed his words of any sting.

Gwyneth sighed. “You know me too well,” she said, shaking her head. “Harry…” She turned to him. “Shall we go back inside? We must put out some of those candles too.”

“A pleasure, my Lady.” Harry bowed, then looked at Evan. “I shall see she retires early. Jeremy tells me you’ll be finishing the mulled wine.”

Evan chuckled. “It is rather good mulled wine, even if I say so myself.”

Gwyneth laughed. “Then a late morning it shall be, Evan. Tell the others. I don’t foresee any reason to be up at the crack of dawn.”

“As you wish, my Lady. Sleep well.” Evan bowed and headed back to the festivities, leaving her alone with Harry.

“Come now, Gwyneth,” he used her name, making it a soft caress.

She shivered. “Yes. Yes, I confess I’m a little tired.” She gave a wry laugh. “Also, there will be plenty more partying once I’m gone.”

Harry walked her across the terrace and into the house, closing the French doors behind them. “Do you think your presence is prohibitive?” He slid her cloak from her shoulders.

“Yes, in some ways. It has to be.” She sighed as she picked up a candle snuffer and began to put out the branches of candles.

Harry matched her moves on the other side of the room. “You have to keep up appearances, don’t you, Gwyneth.”

“I believe so,” she answered. “I was a Countess for seven years, Harry. I learned then that kindness and friendliness is one thing, but there will always be a slight gap separating me from others.”

“Very true,” replied Harry, snuffing the last of his candles. “Should the time arise when some dire event requires you to take control, then you need to possess the authority to be accepted and obeyed.”

She paused, her side of the room finished, and one branch left for the gentlemen should they need it later on. “You understand.”

“I’ve served King and country. The best officers are those who treat their men with the respect they deserve. Friendship, camaraderie, whatever you wish to call it, helps build trust. But when the time comes, those men must obey their commanding officer in all things.” He took a breath. “Their very lives depend upon it.”

He walked to her side and looked at her, his blue eyes bright in the shadows, twinkling in the light of the few candles left near them. “I want you, you know.” His hand came up to cradle her cheek. “In many ways.”

She felt her heart race. “What ways, Harry?”

“Ways that satisfy some deep needs…” He was gazing at her lips.

“I think I might enjoy such wanting.” She waited to see what he did next, curious as to his meaning and his intentions.

“You will,” he promised.

Then he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, marching straight upstairs to her chamber, before she had a chance to catch her breath.

Chapter Ten

He had caught her completely off guard, she realised. Something that hadn’t happened too often, especially not of late. Here at Wolfbridge she had found a place where the few surprises had been mostly of the pleasant kind.

This…this was something else.

She wasn’t afraid of Harry. His hand strayed to her bottom and stroked it as he