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Chapter 14
Contrary to Isabel’s threats, she did not join Rhys and Millicent on their outing the next morning. Instead, during breakfast, she mentioned that a crisis in the kitchen required her attention.
Rhys was not surprised by that turn of events. He’d actually expected it.
He also doubted there was any crisis. Abigail, his late wife, had often used poor excuses to spend less time with her daughter and even less time with him. Perhaps it was not fair to keep comparing Lady Isabel to his former wife, but Rhys could not help it. So far, he had not seen much difference between them. Although she was a far more apt mistress, he had to admit.
But as far as their personal relationship went and her earlier scandalous behavior, he had no reason to believe she was, in fact, different from his late wife. And seeing how limited his interactions with women were, he had no other point of comparison.
Either way, he had work to do.
This day started gloomy and promising rain, but eventually, the sky cleared up, and now Millie had shed her coat and was collecting rocks by the side of the carriage. Button was running up and down the road chasing butterflies.
Vane was helping the farmer fix his fence while conversing with the man and discussing ways to make the next year’s harvest better.
As a marquess, Vane had a few estates, but his country seat was the biggest and the most profitable, hence where he had spent most of his time. He ventured to his other estates twice a year, and Millie was always by his side.
It wasn’t easy having the girl under his wing all this time. But the few times he had left her with somebody else had been a disaster, so he could not risk it happening again. But then, he had never had enough time to find a proper governess for his child.
Vane hoped that with Lady Isabel’s help, he would have a better chance of finding someone who would be a perfect fit.
Vane looked at the sun high above the sky and then checked his pocket watch. It was an hour past noon. He wiped the sweat out of his eyes and glanced toward his daughter, who was still collecting rocks and occasionally throwing them and watching Button hunt for them in the grass. She was so innocent, so young, and so oblivious to the turmoil of this life. He had hoped to forever keep her this way.
And that brought up another worry of his. What if he failed to conceive an heir? What if he died and Millie was left with no one in this world to look after her?
The lands and her home would be seized by his cousins, and she would be forced to rely on their generosity. He hoped with his entire soul that Lady Isabel was false in her denials of being with child. Because that would almost guarantee him an heir without even having to bed his wife. However, if she was not lying, that opened the road to far more worries than Rhys was ready to face.
Just then, Vane noticed a lone rider moving in their direction. He wiped his forehead once more and tipped his head toward the farmer.
“Millie, move away from the road, please. There’s someone approaching.”
Millie raised her head and stared at the rider ahead. Button, noticing the rider too, barked and took off in that direction. Rhys sighed. That dog was too enthusiastic and easily excitable.
It was not an issue when they barely left the country and had no plans to have visitors. But if he wanted to return to London life and to Parliament, he’d need to train him better.
The problem was not truly in Button as he was a disciplined dog around Rhys. It was more Millie who got the dog all riled up.
Another item on his to-do list for this summer.
The rider came closer, and Rhys recognized his wife as she sat straight in her saddle. Button jumped around her, and she pulled on the reins in fright, almost making the horse rear.
“Button!” Rhys let out a short whistle, and the dog galloped back toward him. Luckily, Lady Isabel proved to be an expert horsewoman, managing to calm her horse and avoid an unfortunate incident. “Sit.” Rhys raised his hand, and the dog whimpered as he sat down.
Millie moved closer to Button and stroked behind his ears, her eyes on the marchioness.
“Stay here,” Rhys said and walked toward his wife.
Lady Isabel sat atop the horse, straight and composed. She was wearing a beautiful, dark blue riding habit that complemented her eyes. Her bonnet framed her face perfectly, and a couple of ringlets of hair lay against her cheek.
Rhys came closer to her and tipped his hat. “Did not expect to see you here.”
Lady Isabel put on a radiant smile, and Rhys caught his breath. On a bright, sunny afternoon, smiling like that, she was absolutely gorgeous. It reminded him of the days past. He tried to squash the thought.
“I did say I was going to accompany you today, did I not?”
“That you did.” Rhys cocked his head toward the horse. “Do you need help getting down?”
“Yes. I would appreciate the assistance.”
