CHAPTER 8
THE NEXT MORNING, AFTERtheir ride over the estate, Abigail was ascending the stairs to go to the countess when he surprised her with a request.
“Could you ask the countess when it would be convenient for her to receive me? I want to speak with her.”
“Of course. I will ask her now and let you know.”
He just inclined his head and turned to walk a little stiffly towards his study.
She watched him go with a little frown. He looked to be in pain. From the ride? They had ridden farther than the previous days. Had walked a great deal too. Even climbed a few fences, and he had insisted on lifting her up and down every time. Maybe he had overtaxed himself. Why hadn’t he said something? She huffed. Stubborn male pride.
The countess did not receive the request with equanimity.
“He wants to talk to me? And he has requested an audience with such formality? This must be something important if he can’t just tell me over dinner. Oh, what could he possibly want?”
“Whatever it is, Esther, I’m sure it is nothing bad. I’ve come to know him, and he is a good man. And he means you no harm.”
“No, of course not. I’m sorry. The earl has been very kind and accommodating. It is just... I feel so helpless. And awkward around him.”
“Well, no sense in getting all worked up for no reason.” She said while pushing the wheelchair towards the window so that the countess would get some sunlight. “Do you want me to invite him over for tea this afternoon?”
“That would be agreeable, yes. Do that. Thank you, Abby, for interceding with him.”
She smiled, shaking her head. “No need to thank me, my lady. I have done nothing.”
She relayed the message to the earl and at three in the afternoon; he appeared at the door of the parlor where they took their tea. She stood up at his appearance, noticing he had changed into a sober suit of superb quality that would have been elegant if the jacket had not been so loose on his already big frame.
“My lord, I’m glad you could join us. Would you have a seat, please?”
Abigail poured a cup of tea for him. Two teaspoons of sugar, just a splash of milk, just the way he liked it. He observed her while she prepared his tea. She could feel his gaze on her and it almost made her spill the tea.
When she handed him the cup, she was proud that her hands were steady, and she had caused no embarrassing incidents. His gaze lingered on her for a second longer than it took to say thank you before he turned to the countess.
“My lady, forgive me for imposing on your tea, but I rather wanted to talk about your situation.”
“My lord?” the countess replied.
He cleared his throat. “While reviewing the estate papers, it came to my attention the matter of your dowager portion and the arrangements made for you on your marriage settlement.”
Esther wilted and looked down. Abigail knew why. The countess’s portion, according to the marriage settlement, was not generous. She only had a small allowance, and the only property bequeathed to her was the dower house, which was in a state of disrepair. The old earl had not seen fit, or had not had the foresight to repair it for his wife. Did Colin intend to make his stepmother abide by the terms of the settlement? Is that what this meeting was about?
She had thought him kind, but maybe she was wrong. Or maybe, since the estate was in dire straits... His next words cut through her fruitless thoughts.
“I just wanted to say that I find your dower settlement inadequate, and with your permission, I would like to amend it. I came to ask you if you need anything. If you are comfortable here, or would like different arrangements.”
“Oh! I don’t... I mean. Yes, I am comfortable here.” The countess fluttered. “But this is your home now. I don’t want to intrude. And when you marry, of course I would have to leave–”
