Page 11 of Honeythorn
“That would be wonderful. Thank you.” Milan grinned at him. “Also, I must confess that it was also pleasant to see how your people are so well taken care of. You are obviously a good lord,” Milan complimented.
Raphael looked awkward at the praise, but he nodded his thanks. “It’s my duty.”
“Well, yes, but not all people do their duty with a kind hand. Do you enjoy the work?”
“Some parts more than others. Overall, yes.”
“That’s good. I’m glad.”
Raphael fell silent then, but Milan picked up the slack by sharing his impressions and the differences between the North and the South. Raphael didn’t say much, but he seemed to be listening.
By the time dinner had been finished, Milan was almost weightless. He felthappy.It didn’t even dampen his mood that Raphael did not ask to continue their conversation over a drink. The dinner had been a success.
They walked together in comfortable silence to the second floor. Milan was about to wish him good night when Raphael spoke hesitantly.
“I am seeing the accountant tomorrow at noon. He will be talking about some of the machinery we have installed lately. You can join us if you wish.”
Milan almost clapped his hands with glee but managed to restrain himself. “I would love to, My Lord. Thank you.”
Raphael nodded, a small smile on his lips. “Good night,” he bade Milan.
“Good night.”
Sleep claimed him quickly when Milan slipped into bed, the loneliness kept at bay.
CHAPTER FOUR
When morning dawned, Milan did not have to drag himself out of bed, instead throwing the sheets off eagerly, more than ready to face the day.
He was slightly disappointed to see Raphael was not in the dining room for breakfast, but excused it easily, knowing they were on different schedules. He took a brisk walk around the grounds before going to visit Saturnus, brushing her down as he waited for noon to arrive.
When the clock struck twelve, Milan was guided to the study, where the accountant had already arrived.
“Hello. Milan Pryor, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he greeted. The Alpha, introduced as Richard Gale, was a portly man with a thick moustache and thinning hair.
“Likewise,” Mister Gale replied before they all settled at a table.
Milan’s intention of listening silently did not last long. It was obvious by the way Raphael tried to steer the conversation that he had only intended Milan to be there for the discussion of machinery, but Milan couldn’t help but ask questions about the running of the estate. It was endlessly interesting to listen to how the profits from the farming were divided between Raphael and the workers, how funds were used to help the nearby town, how some were invested again in the agricultural business.
The more questions Milan asked, however, the darker Raphael’s mood turned. He began scoffing at Milan’s inquiries, and the more irritated Milan became with his behaviour, the more insistent he was in his queries, until the poor accountant was caught in the middle of their feud.
Gone was the man of the previous day. Raphael did not indulge Milan’s curiosity, going as far as to snap, “That’s none of your business,” as Milan asked another question.
“And why not? Aren’t we to be married? Will my children not inherit this responsibility? Why on earth would this not be my business?”
“Because it’snot.”
“Well, I beg to differ, Lord Alpha Raphael Ledford,” Milan sneered. They glared at each other until Mister Gale cleared his throat.
“Perhaps we should leave any further discussion for another day?” he suggested.
Raphael looked at him, his expression clearing from his scowl. “Yes, that’s a good idea. Thank you for your patience today.”
Milan clenched his jaw.That condescending bastard.“Yes. Thank you,” Milan said instead of voicing his thoughts.
Milan and Raphael stood stiffly as Mister Gale gathered his things and made a hasty retreat. As soon as the door was closed, both men turned towards each other. Raphael pointed at Milan, an accusation.
“Would you like to count the coins in my pocket, too?” he growled.
