“That is a shame,” Elinor said. “For it is more than a horse farm, it is my place of refuge. I wish you could see it the same way.”
“I don’t need a refuge,” Alden responded.
“Doesn’t everyone need a refuge, at least for a little while?” Elinor asked.
Alden looked heavenward. “No, I need a wife, not a useless horse farm.”
Turning her head towards the window, Elinor knew there was no point in continuing this argument with Alden. He wasn’t being reasonable. He just saw the horse farm as a means to an end, and not for what it truly was worth. She couldn’t let him get married and sell it. She was responsible for the horse farm, and she took that role very seriously.
Chapter Ten
Alden’s eyes flew open as he lay in bed, the peace of early morning shattered by an obnoxious, blaring sound. He groaned, throwing off his blankets and walking over to the window to see what had disturbed his slumber.
Pulling aside the heavy drapes, he peered outside and saw Mrs. Hardy standing a short distance away, playing the bagpipes. Good gads! What was she thinking playing the bagpipes at such an early hour and so close to his cottage?
A brisk knock came at the door before it was opened, revealing his valet. “I see that you are awake,” Hastings said, stepping inside.
“How could I not be with that infernal racket?” Alden asked as he turned to face his valet. “I suppose I should get ready for the day.”
Hastings walked over to the wardrobe and retrieved his clothing. As he laid the clothing onto the bed, he asked, “Dare I ask if you have convinced Miss Sidney to marry you?”
“No, not yet,” Alden admitted, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “She is adamant that she will only marry for love.”
“And you can’t give her that?”
Alden looked at Hastings like he was a simpleton. “Of course not! Everyone knows that there is no place for love in a marriage.”
“I love my wife,” Hastings said simply.
“But for how long?” Alden questioned. “Eventually, you will tire of her.”
Hastings grinned. “Considering I have been married for ten years now, I think it is going well for us.”
Alden walked over to the bed and began dressing. “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I cannot risk it.”
“May I speak freely, sir?” Hastings asked, his tone respectful yet insistent.
Pulling his shirt over his head, Alden said, “I would prefer it.”
“I think you should open your heart to Miss Sidney and see what happens,” Hastings remarked.
“Why would I do that?”
“Because you smile every time you say her name,” Hastings pointed out.
Alden reached for the cravat, finding his valet’s observations utterly ridiculous. He didn’t smile when he said Elinor’s name. Did he? “Regardless, that doesn’t mean I love her.”
“I never said you did, but I think she means more to you than you are letting on,” Hastings said.
“But she wants nothing to do with me,” Alden remarked as he walked over to the mirror to adjust his cravat.
“Then change her mind.”
Alden’s hands paused as he met Hastings’ gaze in the mirror. “And how, pray tell, do I do that?”
Hastings smiled. “Convince her that you are worth taking a chance on,” he said.
“Don’t you think I have been trying to do just that?”
