Page 94 of Brave New Earl (The Way to a Lord's Heart 1)

“Lily stepped in to help when no one else would,” Jean replied. “She’s eager and hardworking. I shall tell Miss Warren so and ask her to train Lily for larger opportunities.”

Benjamin stopped and looked at her. He stood on a lower stair, so their eyes were on a level.

“What?” Her expression was quizzical.

“I suddenly saw that future we spoke of, opening up like a panorama before me. And I felt such…surprise and delight.”

She nodded, throat suddenly tight with emotion.

He laughed and embraced her, lifting her to her toes on the step. “Let’s get on with it,” he said, taking her hand and pulling her along.

In the stables, they found Geoffrey talking to Fergus while Tom groomed Molly nearby. Any carrots, stolen or otherwise, had already been consumed. “Come and take a walk with us,” Benjamin said to his son.

Geoffrey gazed up at him. “I didn’t do anything.”

“Unlikely. But this isn’t about you.”

“It’s about all of us,” Jean said.

The boy looked from one of them to the other. “Can Fergus come?”

“Not this time.” Benjamin held out his hand. Geoffrey slowly took it and allowed himself to be led outside. They crossed the cobbled yard and entered the garden.

“They were old carrots,” said Geoffrey. “From the back of the root cellar. Wi-zened. Tom said they were wi-zened and only fit for horses.”

“I expect Fergus enjoyed them,” said Jean.

“We gave Molly some, too.”

“Good.”

Benjamin stopped at a stone bench. He sat and drew Geoffrey to him. “We have some news to tell you,” he said. “Miss Saunders and I are getting married.”

Jean sat as well. It was better not to loom over a child.

Geoffrey looked at her, then back at his father.

“That means she’ll stay here and live with us,” Benjamin added.

“She’ll be your wife,” said the boy. “Like when Wright got married.”

“And Jemina came to live in the gamekeeper’s cottage,” Benjamin agreed.

“Will there be a baby like Tess?”

Jean’s cheeks heated, but Benjamin took the question in stride. “There might be, after a while,” he said. “We hope there will be. A sister or brother for you. Perhaps more than one.”

“But you will always be the eldest and very much attended to and loved,” said Jean. “We want you to be happy, Geoffrey.”

He considered this. “I’d rather have a brother.”

Benjamin smiled. “We’ll do our best, but we can’t make any guarantee. A sister is a distinct possibility.”

The boy’s nod was resigned, as if he’d expected no more. Then he brightened. “Can I have the kitten then?”

And with this, it seemed the hurdle was passed. Geoffrey’s expression was calculating but untroubled.

“We’ll share Tab,” said Jean.

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