AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She did not.” The earl frowned.
“How can you side with this stranger over your own family?” the countess asked Kenver.
“Sarah is my family now.”
“She rather than me?” She gestured at her husband. “Us?”
“Not ‘rather than.’”
Sarah admired the way Kenver was staying calm and measured. She wasn’t sure how he was managing it. She was trembling.
“But additionally and providentially, I must say. Sarah has shown me what love is.”
A tremor of emotion crossed Lady Trestan’s face. “I am to be nothing then. Rejected, reviled…”
“No, Mama. Nothing of the kind. We are simply making some changes in our…arrangements. I have made a list.” He offered her a sheet of paper.
Sarah knew the list included a rise in Kenver’s allowance, gestures of reconciliation with Tamara, the return of Gwen and Elys to their old positions, and assurance that Sarah would be treated with public respect at the least.
Lady Trestan took the page, glanced at it, tore it in pieces, and scattered them on the carpet. Then she glared like a defiant child.
“I have a copy,” Kenver said dryly. “And Papa has already agreed. Perhaps I will just tell you…”
“Don’t bother,” she replied. “As I no longer matter.” She half turned as if to leave. But she didn’t actually go.
“This is not all or nothing,” Kenver said. “Things are almost never a case of all or nothing, Mama.”
She stood still. It seemed she had finally run out of words.
“You know more about managing Poldene than anyone,” Kenver continued. “We cannot give that up.”
“No, indeed,” said the earl.
Lady Trestan grew alert. Sarah was reminded of Fingal when he scented a rabbit.
“I will learn at your side,” Kenver said. “You will show me all the ins and outs of estate business.”
“I’m to be your tutor?”
Kenver made a face. “I prefer to say colleague.”
“I wouldn’t spare you work.”
“I would not wish you to.”
Her expression grew speculative. “You will tire of it in a month.”
“I don’t think I will, Mama.”
She was already plotting new stratagems, Sarah saw. She underestimated Kenver’s determination, as well as the efforts he had already made. And more importantly, the earl’s readiness to support him. That would make the difference. Would he be steadfast? Sarah looked down at the older man, leaning back in his chair.
“A grandson, eh?” he murmured. “I should like more of those. Granddaughters too.”
Sarah blushed.
It was agreed that Kenver and the countess would meet each morning to review the tasks of the day. The estate agent, solicitor, and others were to be notified of his new position. Consulted about details, Lady Trestan gradually seemed to accept, if not embrace, the new system.
“You are a hero,” Sarah said as she and Kenver returned to their suite later that morning.
