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

be advising her to love her gentlemen. Fully and without reservations. That much was quite clear from Aphrodite’s words.

She was not to choose one too soon, but take her time and allow familiarity with all of them to grow; if she wished to wed she could, and it was not specified whether the men were off-limits or not. She would take this to imply that wedding a Wolfbridge gentleman was permitted. Although at this point, Adalyn herself wasn’t sure of anything other than marriage was the farthest thing from her mind.

How long she sat in deep contemplation, allowing her thoughts to turn this way and that, coming to terms with what being Lady of Wolfbridge really meant—she had no idea.

But it was full dark when Giles tapped on the door and peered around it. “Dinner, my Lady? A sherry first, perhaps?”

She rose and stretched, realising she’d become stiff during her long sojourn at her desk. “Dinner, Giles. In ten minutes if you please? I need to refresh myself.” She walked toward him. “Then perhaps a brandy after dinner. I think I might need it.”

Giles nodded. “That is probably true, my Lady.”

“Giles…” She spoke quietly as he stood by the door. “Would you be so kind as to ask Daniel to attend me tonight?”

“Of course,” he bowed. “You are making wise decisions, my Lady. I am cheered by this, and my decision to give you the Wolfbridge letter was obviously well-timed.”

She glanced at him wondering if it was worth asking him why he never mentioned the stipulation about selling any of the Wolfbridge property, especially given Baxter Fairhurst’s offer. Was it a test?

If so, she’d passed, but at what cost? “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Perhaps some things were better left unasked and unanswered.

They were all assembled when she returned to the dining room. Jeremy and Daniel standing behind their seats, Evan carving the main course and Giles waiting to hold her chair for her.

She nodded and allowed him to seat her. “Thank you,” she said.

“My Lady,” he nodded, moving to his place.

“Evan, that smells wonderful. Cloves, if I’m not mistaken.” She licked her lips. “Another culinary masterpiece?”

“A spring ham, my Lady. I trust you’ll enjoy it.”

“I’m sure I will.”

And she did, since Evan was without peer when it came to cooking simple but delicious country dishes. Those were, in fact, the ones Adalyn enjoyed most. Rich sauces were all well and good, but she was learning that her preferences were for fresh food well prepared.

Evan provided those on a regular basis.

She kept the conversation general—a few comments on the spring planting plans began a lively discussion on when to make sure each field had the correct crop, and also whether the berry fields looked like they might produce well this year.

If the weather held, of course. There was no guarantee on that at all, and Adalyn discovered some of the perturbations that must frustrate farmers everywhere. How many people were dining at their own tables this night without thought for the months, if not years, of preparation had gone into the food on their plates?

It was a short meal; the sweet a light and tasty cake served with rich cream and cinnamon, and before long Adalyn rose from her chair.

“If you would all be kind enough to join me in the Rose room when you are done with your evening chores?” She saw the handsome faces, the bold eyes watching her, and her heart moved. They were ready to obey her every whim. And for the first time a little shiver of recognition skipped up her spine. She saw her power over them reflected in their gazes.

It was a heady moment, and she gripped the table for support.

“We must speak of several things. I would do so with all of you around me.”

“It shall be as you wish, my Lady,” Giles smiled. “Brandy, I think.”

She sighed and relaxed. “Indeed.”

The half hour it took for everyone to join her gave her a little time to think through matters of import and how best to present them.

Giles entered, followed by Jeremy, and the latter stoked the fire while the former pulled out the small cart holding the brandy decanter. He passed the first glass to Adalyn, and then poured more for the rest of them.

Jeremy took his and raised it to her in a little toast. “This is most welcome, my Lady.”

She tipped her head in acknowledgement. “I’ll agree with that, Jeremy.” She sipped, liking the warmth of the liquor and the beautiful rich colour within the crystal. She held it between her and the flames. “It is very comforting. As if someone had put a log or two on one’s internal fire.”

“Then I need a log,” grinned Daniel, walking in. “’Tis chilly out there tonight.”

“You checked on the stables?” Adalyn turned to him as he took his brandy from the cart and sat near her.

“I did. All is in good heart.”

“I’m glad. We must talk about them as well.” She put her hand to her forehead briefly. “I am afraid I will forget something important,” she admitted.

“You are most unlikely to,” responded Daniel. “You have us to remind you.”

“That’s very true. And if each of you recall a different topic, then even if I forget four things, you will be able to provide me the information I’ve lost.”

“Exactly.” Jeremy grinned.

“Exactly what?” Evan hurried in. “I apologise for keeping you all waiting. Food has to be carefully stored.”

“Never apologise for that, Evan. You are master of the Wolfbridge kitchen. And what you do takes time.” Adalyn gave him a warm smile.

“Thank you, my Lady.” He too raised his glass in a silent toast.

“Right then.” She looked around. “I must say something first, to all of you. As regards our news about Trick and his situation, I came to a decision this afternoon, which I relayed to Giles.” She took a breath. “I am devoted to all of you, and this includes Trick. You have been the most wonderful companions I