Her beautiful mouth twisted in an ironic half smile as she came into the room and sat in one of the chairs that fronted his desk.
“And yet so very few people bother to do the right thing. It’s been my experience that most are only out for themselves. Your gesture is even more extraordinary for its rarity.”
He shrugged, uncomfortable with the praise. “It’s really a small thing. And what my father should have done.”
“Not so small. Maybe your father didn’t do it because the estate could not afford it.Canthe estate afford it? I don’t know the intricacies of the accounts, but I know the estate is not producing as it should, and all the improvements and repairs you are planning will take a lot of money.”
“The estate? No. At least not yet. As you said, the works that are planned will take some capital, and I’d rather reinvest the profits from the estate back into itself. But I have money of my own. Remember how I told you my mother was an heiress who had her own fortune? I inherited it upon her passing.”
Her eyes widened at that. “You plan to use your mother’s money to help the woman who replaced her?”
“My mother would have approved. In fact, she would have been appalled had I not done what I did. Besides, it is not all her money. I have invested it and multiplied it. Very un-aristocratic of me, I know. I guess I inherited my mother’s family mercantile tendencies.”
“Thank goodness for that.” She said feelingly. “I don’t understand the reluctance of the aristocracy to engage in business. Rather stupid, if you ask me. And unsustainable.”
This was the most passionate he had ever seen her about any subject. She was usually so proper, circumspect, measured. It was rather fascinating to see her vehemence. He felt his eyes crinkle with amusement.
“Why, Abigail, I believe you are a rebel under all those proper trappings.”
She colored as she realized her outburst, but did not back down. He liked her all the more for it.
“Well, it is what I feel as a woman who has had to pay the price for men’s hypocritical notions about money.”
He opened his mouth to say he agreed, but she wasn’t done. Lifting her chin, she went on.
“I wish I had been in charge of my own funds, like your mother was. When you told me what she did, how she lived, I... well, I admired her. Before, I thought she had been the victim of cruel machinations and undeserved scandal. Now I understand that the actual victims are all the women who can’t leave, who are trapped in an impossible situation for lack of money and control over their own lives.”
“I agree. My mother’s situation was unusual, but it should be the norm. I believe women should have financial independence and the freedom to make their own choices.”
At her look of surprise, his mouth twisted. He was rather enjoying shocking her.
“You are the first man I have met who thinks so. Most are rather satisfied with holding all the power and controlling women’s choices.”
“Is that how you feel here? As if you lack control over your life? As if you don’t have choices? Do you wish you could be somewhere else?” His heart twisted at the thought that she might want to leave his estate and never come back. But if she was truly unhappy here, he would make that happen for her.
She looked up and met his gaze, and he could see the ardor calming a little.
“No. I’m content here. This place has been my refuge. Forgive me, I didn't mean to imply... I’m very grateful to the countess and you for allowing me to stay here. I meant before. During my marriage.”
He studied her thoughtfully. He had seen signs of a troubled past. Her skittishness, her haunted eyes. He had thought it was because of her reduced circumstances. That she yearned for the life and status she lost when her husband passed. It had not occurred to him that she had not been happy in her marriage.
“Do you wish you could have escaped your marriage? Was it so terrible, then?” He spoke gently, but she startled all the same, looking suddenly like a frightened doe in front of a hunter. Shaking her head, she stood up.
“It doesn’t matter. It’s over now.”
And she fled, leaving him full of questions and a simmering anger.
He looked back down at his ledgers, seeing nothing. He wouldn’t be able to make sense of any numbers today. What he needed was to be outdoors, exercising. A way to release this pent up frustration.
A childhood memory came to mind. Of him swimming in the waterfall stream. He had not visited the place since returning to the estate. He was out the door before thinking about it twice. This was exactly what he needed. To swim in the cool waters, to bask in the solitude and peace of the place.
Looking up at the sky, he calculated he still had a couple of hours of sunlight. The sun set late in England this time of year. Perfect. He strode towards the stables with purpose.
Half an hour later, Colin was dismounting in the clearing by the stream. His heart quickened as he beheld a sight that awakened dormant memories within him. The place was exactly as he remembered.
The dense canopy above filtered sunlight, casting an ethereal glow on the forest floor. The pristine stream, crystal-clear and alive, flowed gracefully through moss-covered stones. Its tranquil melody filled the air, harmonizing with the gentle rustling of leaves.
The majestic waterfall's roaring descent created a misty spray that caressed Colin's face, transporting him back to the carefree days of his youth. The emerald pool at the base of the waterfall beckoned him. With a mix of reverence and excitement, Colin approached the familiar waters, removed his clothes, and dove from his favorite rock into the welcoming waters of the pool.
