Elinor rose from her seat, her heart heavy. “I wish I shared your optimism. All I feel is dread,” she said. “Lady Edith is dying, and with it, all my dreams.”
“You are being quite the pessimist.”
“Quite frankly, I don’t know what to feel,” Elinor responded, her voice tight with emotion. “I need a moment alone to think.”
Just then, Bryon stepped into the room and met Elinor’s gaze. “A Mr. Alden Dandridge has come to call and has requested a moment of your time.”
Cecilia shoved back her chair, her expression determined. “Go greet Mr. Dandridge and I will be down in a moment. I have an idea that might help our situation.”
Elinor looked at her aunt expectedly. “Which is?”
“Just trust me,” Cecilia replied before she departed from the room.
Turning towards the butler, Elinor asked, “Do you have any idea what my aunt is about?”
Bryon maintained a stoic expression, but his eyes crinkled around the edges in kindness. “If I were you, I would be worried,” he said lightly.
“My sentiments exactly,” Elinor sighed. Her aunt was many things, but being predictable was not one of those things.
Elinor picked up the letter and gently folded it, placing it into the folds of her gown. She knew she needed to go speak to Mr. Dandridge, but a part of her wanted to send him away. However, she couldn’t do that. He was Lady Edith’s great-nephew and should be treated with kindness.
But this was her home. She had lived here for two years, and this horse farm was important to her. She had to fight for it.
Surely this Mr. Dandridge would be reasonable and recognize that.
Chapter Two
Alden surveyed the drawing room with a sense of satisfaction. Despite the furniture and cream-colored papered walls being slightly outdated, he knew those were minor issues he could easily remedy when he decided to sell the horse farm. The manor exceeded his expectations for a small village in Scotland, with its grand architecture and well-maintained grounds.
He turned his attention towards the windows and watched the horses grazing in the distance. The scene was idyllic. It was a picturesque landscape that would undoubtedly increase the property’s value. Alden hoped the horse farm would fetch a substantial price, allowing him to reinvest in land in England, which was a far better place to live.
The long clock in the corner chimed and he sighed. What was taking this Miss Sidney so long, he thought. He didn’t have the time to wait around and be idle. He had much more important tasks to deal with, such as securing a bride in this god-forsaken village.
As he turned away from the window, a dark-haired young woman entered the room. His eyes widened in surprise. She was strikingly beautiful, with fair skin, expressive eyes and highcheekbones. She was dressed in a simple gown, which only seemed to add to her allure.
She smiled, and he fought the urge to return the gesture. It would do no good to show her that she had the advantage. “Good morning,” she greeted, dropping into a curtsy. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Miss Sidney.”
Alden allowed himself a small smile. “I am Mr. Alden Dandridge. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Gesturing towards the settees, Miss Sidney asked, “Would you care to sit, sir?”
“I would,” Alden said as he followed Miss Sidney to the settees. He waited for her to be situated before taking his own seat.
Miss Sidney’s smile faded slightly but remained polite. “How was your journey?”
“Long,” Alden responded. “I traveled all the way from London, and the roads were rather treacherous.” He didn’t want to waste his time with pleasantries, but he didn’t want to offend Miss Sidney either.
“I am sorry to hear that,” Miss Sidney said.
Alden settled back in his seat. “I came straightaway after I met with my Great-aunt Edith’s solicitor,” he shared. “Were you aware that her health is dire?”
Miss Sidney’s expression grew solemn. “I received word this morning, and I must admit that I am rather devastated by the news. Were you close with your great-aunt?”
“Not particularly,” Alden admitted, not wishing to dwell on such matters. “Did she inform you that I was to be arriving?”
“She did,” Miss Sidney confirmed.
“Good, then that should save us a considerable amount of time,” Alden said. “Great-aunt Edith informed me that you are running this horse farm.”
