Page 56 of One Night with an Earl

“I was thinking about Penelope,” she said.

“Is she well? I understand she was distraught last night.”

“She will be fine, but not up to riding today.”

“Good to hear she is feeling better.”

She changed the subject and asked what was on his mind. “You said you came here to sort out problems. What concerns you today, my lord?”

He looked away, and she had the sense he was pondering something before he turned back to her. “Ride with me and I’ll show you.”

“Where?”

“You’ll see.”

Curiosity arose. Where would he lead her? Once back on their own horses, they rode side by side. Her gaze was drawn to the thick saddle muscles in his thighs. He certainly had the power to control a spirited stallion. She swallowed hard. She was never one to lust, to want a man until every cell in her body ached.

Together, they traveled past several fields until she spotted the thatched roofs of the tenants’ cottages.

“We are headed there?” she asked.

“Conflict brews among the tenants,” Oliver said. “A man slept with another man’s betrothed.”

“That sounds serious. How will you solve the trouble?”

“I want what is best for my tenants in all my estates. Without the farmers, I would not be able to keep the estates running and pay my servants. It is my duty to look after them.”

She was surprised by the vehemence in his voice. He cared, truly cared. Many landowners were only concerned with the income from their estates and spent it gambling, on their tailors, their mistresses, or holding lavish parties.

Not Oliver.

He was different from his father, his brother. Even the baron.

“But the truth is that this is troubling,” he said. “This dispute is something I’ve never had to resolve.”

“Why bring me with you?”

“I thought you might have a different perspective. I’ve spoken with both of the men involved, but I’ve been unsuccessful in resolving the problem. I fear violence will erupt.”

She was taken aback at the seriousness of his request. He sought her opinion? “Have you spoken with the woman?”

“No.”

“Don’t you think her opinion is important?”

He hesitated, his eyebrows drawing together before nodding. “I do, but I admit to being uncomfortable speaking with her about her betrothed and her lover.”

“I’d like to.”

He was quick to nod. “I have no objection.”

They came to a clearing, and cottages came into view. Children played outside with a hoop. A brown dog with floppy ears barked. Men and women dressed in coarse corduroy and serviceable dresses came outside.

Two men came forward. One was a burly, barrel-chested man with red hair and a beard. The other lean, but tall, with tawny hair. They stayed apart, but they glowered at each other. Even across the clearing, Ana could see the simmering hatred between them.

“Those are the two men. Aidan is the lean one. Benjamin is the red-haired, bearded man. Aidan deflowered Benjamin’s betrothed.”

“Is that the woman?” Ana spotted a petite blonde standing on a porch watching the two men. Her brown eyes were full of apprehension, and she visibly flinched when the men glanced her way.