Chapter Fifteen
With the morning sun streaming into the windows, Colin sat at his desk attempting to get some work done. His eyes may have been on the ledgers, but his mind was dwelling on Arabella.
He couldn’t believe how collected she had been when he’d had one of his episodes yesterday. She had remained by his side, offering encouragement in a soothing voice. How could he not love this woman? Arabella was the reason he smiled first thing in the morning, and the thought of her put him to sleep every night. He could see her softening towards him, and he hoped she would come to realize that they belonged together.
A knock came at the door, and his gamekeeper stepped into the room. “You wished to see me, milord?”
“I did,” Colin said, closing the ledger. “I do apologize for disturbing you on your day off, but something disturbing happened the other day.”
Burton walked further into the room. “Which was?”
“A gunshot in the woodlands yesterday morning,” Colin shared. “By chance, were you or your men hunting in the woods?”
“We were not,” Burton replied, looking displeased. “It must have been the poacher we are tracking.”
Colin leaned back in his chair. “That is rather upsetting.”
“My men and I are doing everything in our power to find this criminal, but your woodlands are quite extensive.”
“Perhaps I could help.”
Burton shook his head. “It is much too dangerous,” he argued. “Poachers can turn violent when confronted.”
“I understand the risks, but I am tired of someone stealing from me in such a brazen fashion,” Colin asserted.
“I assure you that we are doing all we can, and we will eventually catch this person,” Burton remarked. “The constable is still on the case, as well.”
“Does he have any leads?”
“Not at this time.”
Colin frowned. “How has this poacher managed to elude us for so long?”
“I know not, but I do not intend to rest until this man is in jail.”
“I do appreciate that.”
Burton tipped his head. “Will there be anything else?”
“Not at this time,” Colin replied.
After Burton left the room, Colin rose from his chair and walked over to the window. This poacher may be crafty, but he would find a way to catch him.
His brother’s voice came from the doorway. “I know that look,” John said. “You are plotting something.”
Colin turned towards his brother and replied, “I’m thinking about how I intend to stop the poacher who has continued to elude my men.”
“Most likely, he is just someone from the village trying to earn some money to feed his family,” John said.
“That may be true, but he is still stealing from me.” Colin’s words came out much harsher than he had intended.
“I agree,” John said, putting his hands up. “I was merely offering my thoughts on the matter.”
Colin sighed. “I do apologize. I had no reason to lash out at you.”
“Consider it forgotten.”
“Thank you.” Colin eyed his brother curiously. “May I ask why you are up so early?”
