Page 128 of He's the One

“Good morning, sir,” Col mumbled.

“My lord,” James whispered to Col.

Shit.Was that how Col was supposed to address him? “Sorry. My lord.”

“Thank you for bringing the rabbit up to the house.”

Col nodded.

“My wife is thrilled with it. She has it in the orangery. We assumed it had been stolen or broken into too many pieces for us to find.”

“I’m glad I was able to repair it.”

Col tried again to move away and James caught his arm.

“The hidden garden,” James said. “Col’s found the way in.”

The marquess nodded. “I thought he might.”

“Can we open it up again?” James asked.

“It can be worked on. I’ll decide later whether it should be reopened. I’ll come and look but I need a word with my son first.”

James nodded and he and Col walked down to the folly. Col was so tempted to take the risk and say something but if he was wrong, or even if he wasn’t, maybe letting the guy think he knew his secret would give him an excuse to get rid of him. And really, was it any of his business?

Theo was googling electricians when his father appeared in the doorway. “Good morning, Theo.”

“Morning.” Theo fidgeted as his father glanced around the room then stared up at the not-there-anymore ceiling. “I know you said no but…”

“You’re going ahead with renovations anyway.”

“Yes.”

“Good for you.”

Theo widened his eyes. “But…”

“Did I say no?”

“Well,youdidn’t, no, but… I assumed.”

“I’m amazed you’ve stuck it out here as long as you have. It won’t be pleasant in the winter. It probably wasn’t pleasant over the summer.” He gave a short laugh. “If this is how you choose to spend your money, then—ah…”

Oh God. Did my face give me away.“Col’s helping me,” Theo said quickly, hoping not to have to tell his father the truth.

“But he’s not given you the money for the materials, has he?” His father pinned him with his gaze. “James did.”

“Don’t be cross with him.”

“I’m not.”

“I helped with the boarding. Col showed me how. He can do everything but the electrics. I was looking up an electrician when you came in.”

“If this is becoming serious, you have to be sure you’ve chosen the right man.”

“You mean one who can’t be bought off? One who’ll watch me get married and have kids and still want to be there for me?”

His father said nothing.

---