The Dowager Countess (The Saga of Wolfbridge Manor Book 2), Sahara Kelly [best thriller novels to read txt] 📗

“What does my relationship with Gwyneth have to do with it?”

Giles pursed his lips. “There are matters pertaining to my position here that remain private. As they will if you take over after I leave. One of the most important is that we remain isolated from physical penetration of the Lady of Wolfbridge.” He rubbed his forehead. “It has to do with the chances of creating a child. You cannot begin to imagine the complexities involved should that happen. And it also tries to deal with the risks incurred by deeper emotional involvements. It wouldn’t do to fall head over heels in love with the Lady, if she leaves and another one takes her place.”

“But…” Royce stood and began to pace, his face creased in thought. “What if she ends up with child from one of the others?”

“That is a situation that is to be dealt with if and when it occurs.” Giles shrugged. “Nobody knows why, but such a thing has never happened.”

Royce stopped dead. “Never? Not one of the ladies ever got pregnant?”

“It’s possible that a couple of the ladies who left to wed the gentleman they loved might have been with child. Lady Adalyn left to wed Daniel. Was she expecting a child? I don’t believe so, because she would have told me had she known, I think. But now, ’tis of no matter. The rules apply to the current Lady, and that’s Gwyneth.”

“So if she gets with child…and doesn’t know who the father is…”

Giles held up his hand. “You’re going down a complicated path, Royce. As I said, there are dictates that help manage a variety of situations, and when you assume my role, you will be able to read all of them. I would suggest doing so when you have an entire day to yourself. And possibly a bottle of brandy.” He grinned wryly. “There are a lot of dictates.”

Royce returned to his chair and sank down, running his hands through his hair distractedly. “Giles, I’m not sure about any of this. I care very much for Gwyneth, without a doubt. Am I head over heels in love with her? Probably not. But I’ve been here less than a year. I’m only just getting my balance with the entire estate financial situation…I’m not sure if I’m the right man for the job.” He looked up. “Jeremy’s been here a much longer time and knows Wolfbridge like the back of his hand. Wouldn’t he be the best and most logical choice?”

Giles folded his hands over his chest and leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. “Jeremy is undoubtedly the most familiar with the Manor. He’s also the most lighthearted and good-natured lad. He’s been part of the medicine Wolfbridge has administered to the Ladies who have arrived here, most at their wits’ end, or—in Gwyneth’s case—very ill as well.” He shrugged. “But Jeremy is not the right person for my job.”

“He’s too softhearted?”

“In many ways, yes. This position requires an ability to command. Four gentlemen and a confused Lady need a firm hand to guide them along their proscribed paths. Jeremy’s hand is too gentle. Yours, however…”

Royce nodded. “I’ve commanded men in the field. Sent too many to their deaths. Yes, I know the responsibilities of authority, and when you put it like that then, no, Jeremy is not your man.” He took a breath. “I’m just not convinced that I am.”

“I can understand that,” agreed Giles. “But consider this as well. Times will change—they are changing as we speak. It’s inevitable. Socially, we’ll be facing a new king before long. We both know that His Majesty is failing, which will put the Prince on the throne. That will alter things considerably. Wolfbridge has to adjust, even though we’re buried quietly away in our own little corner of the land. It needs someone who can evaluate the changes that must be made and choose the ones that work for us here.” He gazed out the window into the darkness. “We’re unique, Royce.”

“You don’t have to tell me that,” he answered.

“That uniqueness, our individuality and what many would see as flaunting every single convention there is…could easily be threatened by the progress of civilisation. It will be up to the man who takes over my chair here to see that such advances are managed acceptably. We cannot avoid it, but we can adjust it to fit into our particular way of life.”

“That will not be an easy task,” said Royce thoughtfully. “As you note, Wolfbridge is tucked into its own corner. If that corner should become more of a crossroads…”

“Exactly. It will be up to whoever holds the reins to make the adjustments necessary to continue our original Lady’s terms of entail.”

“I have so many questions…”

“Understandable. And to answer the basics…there is a small stipend allotted to this position. I’ve not used much of it, since we dress relatively simply here. I bought a horse a few years ago. Personal expenses are minimal. And of course you have a permanent home here at Wolfbridge.” He rose and stretched. “My quarters are quite nice, and sufficient for pretty much anyone’s needs.”

Royce rose as well, and the two men walked together to the window. The moon had risen and the trees were drenched in soft silver light.

“The process of selecting the Ladies is a complex one. That involves quite a bit of time, and also an extensive network of contacts all over the country. These matters will be passed to you. It sounds overwhelming, but it actually isn’t, once you get the hang of it.”

“In about five years,” remarked Royce. “I haven’t said I’ll take it yet, you know.”

Giles smiled, and lifted his arm, resting it on the other man’s firm shoulder in an unusual gesture of affection. “Yes you have, Royce. You haven’t walked