Page 77 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Everett buried himselfin work about the estate and three days later, he had never been more miserable in his life. He missed Addie dreadfully but would refrain from dashing back to her in London. Perhaps time apart might help her see things more clearly and give him a better chance at winning his wife’s heart.

Today would be a huge one at Cliffside. The herd of sheep he had purchased from the neighboring farmer would be delivered this morning and Everett and Mr. Painter would be supervising not only the delivery but discussing how to divide labor on the estate. Several of the farmers had expressed interest in tending to the flock, some permanently, while others would continue to farm and care for the herd part of the time.

Everett met up with his steward after breakfast and watched as the sheep were driven onto Cliffside land. Since they had been discussing this purchase previously, sheep pens had been built, which saved them time and had allowed the sale to go through more quickly than usual. Next month would begin shearing season and that is why Everett wanted to decide today which farmers would work with the sheep permanently and which ones would be utilized to help in the shearing process.

His steward presented him with a list of names and Everett skimmed it, trying to picture as many of the faces as he could based upon the names he read. Painter had assembled the small group interested in caring for the sheep full-time and Everett spoke with each one individually.

The last farmer that came through, a Mr. Haggert, seemed quite enthusiastic about the idea.

“My father raised sheep,” Haggert told Everett, “and I thought that would be the last thing I wanted to do. Don’t get me wrong, Your Grace, I have enjoyed my time on your land but I actually have missed being around sheep. They’re sweet creatures.”

“Tell me a little about your experience on your father’s station,” Everett encouraged.

Haggert did so and from all the man said, Everett knew this would be the man he would choose to place in charge of the herd. They had a lengthy discussion regarding the shearing process and Everett asked Haggert’s ideas on how to organize the process, impressed by everything the farmer said.

Painter had joined them and Everett caught his steward’s eye. Painter nodded his approval and Everett turned back to Mr. Haggert and said, “If you are serious about leaving farming, I would be happy to place you in charge of the livestock I have just purchased.”

He thrust out his hand and Haggert took it, pumping it enthusiastically.

“I would be happy to take on this responsibility, Your Grace.”

Everett turned the discussion over to his steward, who discussed a salary with Haggert, which would allow him a small percentage of the profits from the wool that would be sheared. The man agreed to their terms.

“I cannot wait to share this news with my wife, Your Grace.” Haggert smiled and added, “Please give our best to Her Grace if you would. My missus knows our babe is alive, thanks to Her Grace.”

He stared at the man. “What do you mean, Haggert?”

The farmer smiled broadly and said, “I suppose Her Grace did not take any credit when she should have.”

Confused, Everett asked, “Credit for what?”

“Why, Her Grace delivered our son four days ago.”

His words stunned Everett. That would have been the day before Addie left Cliffside. The day she had been too tired to come to dinner.

“I will certainly pass along your words to Her Grace,” he said, recovering his composure. “In the meantime, might I call at your cottage and convey my best wishes to your wife and see your new son?”

Haggert nodded. “Oh, Mrs. Haggert would be delighted for you to do so, Your Grace.”

“Then why don’t we go there together?” he asked. “We can also share your good news about transferring from farmer to shepherd.”

He turned to his steward. “Once Mr. Haggert has given his news to his wife, he can return here and begin his supervisory duties regarding the sheep.”

“Very well, Your Grace,” said Painter. “In the meantime, do you know which of the other men you would like to work with the sheep?”

“I suppose I should discuss that with Mr. Haggert now.”

Haggert said, “I have a couple of men in mind, Your Grace. I know you also spoke to them and a few others.”

They quickly decided without argument which men would be included in managing the sheep though it would take more once shearing began in June.

“I will leave those details up to you, Mr. Haggert. You can work closely with Mr. Painter regarding any of these issues and he will report to me directly.”

The pair left the steward in charge and he went to tell the other waiting men who would be handling the sheep now and in the future.

Haggert obviously didn’t have a horse and Everett did not want to ride his while the man walked alongside him. He collected his reins and then Haggert said, “If you don’t mind, Your Grace, I would rather remain here with Mr. Painter and the others. I want to set the proper tone among the men and see this operation through from its beginning. You are still welcome to visit my wife if you wish.”

“Thank you, Haggert. I will do so. However, I will save your good news and allow you to share with your wife what your future at Cliffside holds.”

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