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“What was it?”
Mr. Huxley gave her a weak smile. “She made me promise that I would do good in this world.”
“That doesn’t surprise me,” Daphne said. “Your sister was always helping other people.”
“That she was.” He stopped on the gravel and turned to face her. “I have been so busy living my life that I forgot to fulfill that promise. And that changes now.”
“That pleases me immensely to hear.”
“Repairing the buildings is just the beginning,” he said. “I want to do so much more for the people in this town, and I want you to help me.”
“What would you have me do?”
“Being selfless is a new thing for me, and I’m hoping you can teach me how.”
Daphne gave him a baffled look. “How can I help you be more selfless?”
“Allow me to accompany you when you deliver that basket,” he suggested. “I can see if there are any more needs that I can assist with.”
“You would do that?” she asked hesitantly.
“I would, because I’m learning that the right thing to do isn’t always the easiest.”
“No, it is not.”
He placed a hand on her sleeve. “Please help me live up to the promise I made to Diana on her deathbed.”
As she stared into his pleading eyes, she knew she couldn’t refuse him. “I would be honored to help you.”
“Thank you.”
“But I should warn you that I also invited a maid to come along.”
Mr. Huxley’s hand dropped to the side. “You could always inform her that her presence is no longer required, since I am escorting you.”
“I wouldn’t dare dream of doing that.”
Mr. Huxley gave her a curious look. “Then I look forward to having this maid accompany us.”
Daphne glanced back at the manor. “Shall we see if the basket is prepared?”
“I think that is a fine idea.”
They started walking back towards the manor in silence. She found herself pleasantly surprised by Mr. Huxley’s visit today. Not only did he intend to have those buildings repaired, but he wanted to start thinking beyond himself.
Mr. Huxley arrived at the door first, opened it, and stood to the side to grant her entry. After she stepped inside, she turned towards him and said, “I think I may have underestimated you.”
He smiled. “You wouldn’t be the first person to do so.”
“I have no doubt that Diana would be proud of you right now.”
His expression turned sad at the mention of his sister’s name. “I do hope you are right about that.”
“I am.”
Mr. Huxley cleared his throat. “Enough of that,” he declared in a hoarse voice. “We have a basket that needs to be delivered.”
Chapter Thirteen
