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Adel smiled. “I do.”
The girls nodded approvingly and darted between the various shaped trees, a becoming mixture of animals and plants, chattering as to their favorites and why. Sarah and Rosa scampered off in the distance, and Adel kept a watchful eye on them as they ran across the lawn.
Her father would love Rosette Park’s grounds. So would Helena and Beatrix. Adel resolved to write to them in Bath, and invite them to spend a few days at Rosette Park. Though it had only been a little over three weeks since she had wed the duke, she missed her stepsisters and her father. She wriggled her nose before admitting to maybe slightly missing Lady Margaret. The sound of hoof beats had her glancing up. Edmond! She straightened as he slowed to a canter, then slipped from his horse. He allowed the reins to dangle freely and walked toward her in graceful strides.
Once again he appeared disheveled and very casual in dark breeches, riding boots, and an opened neck linen shirt.
“Good morning, Adeline,” he greeted, with a warm smile.
“Edmond.”
He fell into step beside her.
“I’ve hardly seen you this week,” she said softly.
He grunted, and she glanced at him.
“I have been visiting the tenants and overseeing a few repairs, after the visit I received from Squire Wentworth last week.”
The Squire had called upon her yesterday, and he was a handsome and pleasant man in his early fifties who seemed to have a fascination with the dowager duchess. Whenever Lady Harriet entered the room, he became flustered and had been hardly able to remove his gaze from her. Adel smiled at the memory; the dowager duchess had seemed equally attracted.
“There were a number of tenants living in tiny cottages and their families had expanded significantly. They could not afford higher rents, and Mr. Thompson, the estate’s steward, had not brought the matter to my attention,” Edmond clipped.
It occurred to her he was angry, and a pleasant feeling unfurled inside.
“And what did you do?” Though she had a fair idea.
“All families with several children living in those tiny cottages have been moved to some larger ones that were recently refurbished.”
“For the same rent?”
“Of course.”
“You are generous, Edmond, not many would be so understanding.”
“Many of the families lost their men in the war, and those who returned wounded are not able to take care of their families as they ought to be able to. They are England’s veterans, and she is not taking care of them as is due.”
“Yes, I’ve read a few of your articles championing better rights and the setting up of pensions for our soldiers. They were exceptionally eloquent and well argued. We must do more, and I would like to support the local causes who provides for them.”
He jerked to a halt and stared down at her.
“Have I said something?”
He cleared his throat. “No…but I find I am pleased you show an interest in my activities.”
“You are my husband. Everything you do is of interest to me,” she said. “And I would like to walk with you when you visit the local villages sometimes.”
A gorgeous smile curved his lips, and the flutter in her stomach actually worsened.
“Then I shall ensure I extend an invitation. I will also inform our solicitors of the charities you wish to support and whatever monies you need will be made available.”
“Thank you.”
They walked in silence and Adel badly wanted to demand why he sought her presence.
“I visited the girls in the school room yesterday,” he said gruffly.
“The girls spoke of little else for hours. It was a momentous occasion, as it was your very first visit in…” She bit her lips.
