Lady Adalyn (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 1), Sahara Kelly [the best e book reader .TXT] 📗

“An excellent notion, Daniel,” approved Giles. “In the interim, I suggest you and Adalyn sit down and discuss the whys and wherefores of purchasing Fivetrees. Just in case.”

“With today’s events, I’d forgotten about that,” smiled Adalyn. “But I still think it’s a good idea.”

Daniel looked nervous. “Er…well, I’m not too sure about that, but we certainly can review it…”

“Don’t worry,” she chuckled. “I’m not going to suggest we put in an offer at the end of the week.”

“We don’t even know if there’s an heir yet,” added Daniel.

“I should write Judith a note, too.” She glanced at Giles. “Would it be acceptable to invite her to tea if she’s feeling up to it?”

“By all means,” he replied. “It might do her good if, as you say, she feels up to it.”

Adalyn nodded. She wasn’t sure of the etiquette surrounding such a dramatic event, but her heart went out to Judith, who would now be alone at Fivetrees, with only the servants for company. At least until an heir, if there was one, appeared on the front doorstep. And even then, there was no guarantee Judith would be permitted to remain in residence.

With that rather perturbing thought in her mind, Adalyn went to pen her invitation.

Chapter Fifteen

Time passed in a strange and uneasy quiet, everyone going about their business, but with half an ear cocked for the slightest sound. Adalyn found herself doing exactly that; waiting for something, but not quite sure what.

Her invitation to Judith had occasioned a brief note from that lady thanking her for her consideration and patience. But she was not yet up to the task of receiving or visiting friends.

Adalyn accepted her excuse, knowing she had done the right thing in asking. Because the weather decided to acknowledge spring was on the way and generously offered the land some warm sunny days along with a shower or two, the household resolved to begin work on the new kitchen garden. Adalyn eagerly joined the men as they started to mark out and clear the area.

It was a busy time for the local folk, what with turning over old crops, preparing the fields, and planting afresh, with the hope that this year’s harvest might survive. But one or two lads offered a hand to the Wolfbridge workers, and so within a week or so the foundations emerged and Adalyn knew it would be exactly how she wanted it.

A large square was taking shape, already marked with rows of bricks about a foot or so high. One wall was in place…the rear kitchen wall, and that formed the basis for the square. But it was much larger than the originally allotted space, and Evan would soon be able to walk from the door into a spacious area filled with herbs and vegetables.

Although many such gardens featured glass roofs, Daniel had pointed out the expense of such a feature. Not just for the initial building, but also for any replacements, should a loose tile decide to smash through in a winter storm. Adalyn had seen the logic behind the argument and agreed. Thus the garden would be walled in, protected from the worst of the winds, and yet free to lap up the sunshine and the rain.

It was a good endeavour, she thought to herself as she weeded a small area that would soon hold a trellis and the vines of peas and beans. It had also brought the household out of doors—another good result.

Jeremy was relaxing, laughing more, returning to his cheerful self. Perhaps revealing his darkest secret had lifted a weight from his shoulders…Adalyn couldn’t know what went on in his mind.

But they’d heard nothing of Miss Brockford, so all hoped that her silence signalled the conclusion of the matter. Adalyn wasn’t convinced of that, but prayed it was so. Her other scheme, the notion of buying Fivetrees, was still being discussed, but only in abstract terms. There had been no word at all from Judith or anyone in the village about the current status of the property. All the Wolfbridge residents could do was wait.

Adalyn wasn’t good at waiting, being committed to the protection and support of  Wolfbridge Manor. Fresh peas would be lovely, but adding acreage would be even better.

She pulled more weeds, liking the warmth of the spring sunshine on her back, and heedless of the stains on the knees of her gown. It was one of her old ones; Jane had tugged it out of the rear of her wardrobe when Adalyn announced her plans for the morning.

The two women had settled quickly into a morning routine that suited them both, so Adalyn's mood was a happy one as she sat back on her heels and proudly surveyed the weed-free turned soil. Everything seemed to be moving ahead in a positive direction.

“You have a gift for the land, dear lady.”

Evan’s voice sounded from above her and she twisted around, realising he’d walked up behind while she’d been lost in her own thoughts. “Why thank you, sir.” She grinned. “Would you hire me? I could perhaps make my living weeding gardens…”

Evan knelt on one side and smiled, his eyes gleaming. “I would hire you in a heartbeat, Adalyn. But I’m not sure I’d allow you to simply weed my garden beds…”

Her body heated at his words, and she felt a flush rise in her cheeks as he leaned in and kissed the side of her neck. “There are other beds that need to be tended…”

“I…I…”

He moved away from her and rose. “Lunch in an hour, my dear.”

She nodded, being incapable of doing more than that little movement. Her mind whirled, filled with erotic images, visions of naked limbs and the heat, always the heat, lashing her with bolts of sensual flame. She trembled, closed her eyes and fought the swelling flood of desire.

How long could she keep it at bay? How much longer before she