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“He only had a few coins on him at the time,” Mr. Stewart shared. “My father fought back, and the man stabbed him.”
“I am truly sorry to hear that.”
“It is not something I normally speak about,” he said with a pained look. “I do not like to dwell on it.”
“I can imagine that to be the case.”
“But there is something about you that makes me want to open up to you,” Mr. Stewart said. “Why is that?”
“I am not sure, but I feel the same way,” Daphne admitted.
“It’s not a good thing, because I am a man with many secrets.”
“You are?”
Mr. Stewart nodded. “I’m afraid that I keep most people at arm’s length,” he replied. “It is much easier that way.”
“I would agree that it is easier, but it takes some of the joy out of your life.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t have the time or luxury to worry about joy.”
“Why is that?”
“I have to work to put food on the table and a roof over my family’s heads,” Mr. Stewart said. “The least of my worries is whether or not I am happy in my life.”
“But you care about your mother and sister’s happiness?”
“I do,” he replied. “I care greatly for that.”
She gave him a knowing look. “You are a good man, Mr. Stewart.”
He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “I am not worthy of your praise, Miss Locke. I can assure you of that.”
“Why not?”
His eyes grew guarded. “You know very little about me, and I fear that you are entirely too trusting.”
“I know enough.”
Before he could reply, her grandmother walked into the room with her cousin right behind her. “Phineas just told me what happened,” she exclaimed, her eyes not straying from Daphne’s. “Are you all right?”
“I am,” Daphne replied.
Her grandmother gave her a look that implied her concern. “We shall see what the doctor says, my dear.” She turned her attention towards Mr. Stewart, who had risen when she stepped into the room. “It was most fortunate that you were there to attend to her, Mr. Stewart.”
Mr. Stewart tipped his head. “It was my pleasure.”
Barrow stepped into the room. “The lead groom would like to speak to you, my lady.”
“Well, send him in,” her grandmother ordered sharply.
Thomas appeared at the doorway, wringing a brown hat in his hand. He gave Daphne a nervous look before saying, “I wanted to inform you that we found a burr under Miss Locke’s saddle.”
“A burr?” Phineas repeated.
“Yes,” Thomas replied. “I am not entirely sure what happened, but we always check for burrs before we put the saddle on.”
“Clearly, whoever put the saddle on Miss Locke’s horse failed in that regard,” Phineas said. “I want that person dismissed.”
