The Dowager Countess (The Saga of Wolfbridge Manor Book 2) Sahara Kelly (book club recommendations TXT) 📖

sometimes even when it wasn’t. But he portrayed the happy and handsome young man with an eye for a lovely lady. And he did it very well indeed.

And Evan…Evan of the delicious kisses. Quiet, but she believed he was more than observant. His gaze catalogued people as if disassembling them down to their ingredients. There was great kindness there, but also a wall within, perhaps, guarding his private thoughts.

They were all different, all extremely pleasant to look at, and all—apparently—devoted to her well-being.

But although she wanted to, very much, she could not find the strength within herself yet to trust a single one.

*~~*~~*

Having ventured outdoors at last, and loved it, Gwyneth began to encourage the gentlemen to continue to take her out now and again so that she could become familiar with the rest of the Wolfbridge Manor estate. Aiding her in this goal was Royce, who said that her needs corresponded quite neatly with his own.

He too was learning about the estate and such visits or drives were of inestimable assistance.

Giles added his endorsement, knowing that Royce was an excellent whip and would handle the gig, and its valuable passenger, with great care.

They tooled the lanes two or three times a week, and Gwyneth enjoyed every moment.

Spring was now in full bloom, with the branches of fruit trees sagging beneath the weight of their blossoms, and the hedgerows alive with flowers, rabbits and bees. The sun had decided to bless the countryside, showing off the fields of Wolfbridge to their best advantage.

Gwyneth attempted to discuss the current plantings with Royce, but was somewhat irritated to have her words politely listened to, then casually dismissed.

“I should mention, Royce, that during my marriage to the late Earl, I did have occasion to become familiar with some of the Kilham estate business. Crops, rotations…the Norfolk four-field system…these are not things that are foreign to me.”

“An excellent education, Ma’am,” he responded politely.

“It was.” She gritted her teeth. “Therefore, when I make a suggestion, as—for example, rotating turnips with clover—it’s not from a desire to see the fields look pretty.”

“And yet they do, do they not?” He drew the horse to a halt and waved at the scene before them. “Such vibrant spring colours. A good harbinger for this year’s harvest, I’m thinking.” He glanced at her. “It’s good to see a vibrant colour returning to those lovely cheeks of yours, my Lady.”

She sighed. “Stop it.”

“Stop what?” He frowned at her.

“Stop treating me like a pea-brained ninnyhammer. I don’t want compliments on my cheeks, Royce. I want to be the mistress of Wolfbridge Manor, and to play a role in its ongoing success. I want you to listen when I speak of crops and fields, not look at me as if the only thing I should know about is fashion and flirting.”

“Do I not treat you with respect, Ma’am?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Yes you do,” she acknowledged.

“And you’d rather I didn’t?”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” she shot back. “Again, you’re not listening to me.”

“I am listening. I’m also watching the way your eyes light up when you’re angry.”

“Then they must be on fire right now, because you’re making me…bloody furious.”

“And that, sweet lady, was my goal.” He reached for her and pulled her into his side, a rough movement that made her gasp.

“There’s nothing better than a fiery woman in a temper.” He stared at her. “Irresistible.” His mouth came down on hers, hard and fast, demanding she part her lips and admit him.

The fury turned to lust, shocking Gwyneth. She sucked on his tongue as he delved within, clawing at his arms, angry at him for making her feel this way.

He groaned, shifting to get her body closer.

Then the horse moved, the gig rocked and their embrace was over.

“I knew it,” said Royce, bringing the horse to order. “I knew there was fire in you.”

She curled her lip, even though her heart was hammering at twice the speed within her chest. “That wasn’t fire, that was anger. I did not invite your kisses, Royce. I thought you were supposed to wait until I gave you permission.”

She raised her chin at him.

“I’d still be waiting, wouldn’t I? And I wouldn’t know how you taste, or how hard your nipples get when you’re aroused.”

She refused to blush or to take the bait she knew he dangled with his blunt words. Instead she glanced down at his breeches. “Well, at least I found out that you have the goods to back up your actions.” The hard length distended the fabric between his legs.

He looked down, looked at her—and laughed. “By God, you’re amazing.”

“And you’re far too clever,” she countered. “But don’t think your kisses have distracted me from my opinions. You need to see about rotating more crops and more fields, if you want a good yield this year.”

Royce’s response was interrupted as another gig approached from ahead, and the driver hailed them.

“Good morning…” It was Trick and his wife, Jane. “A lovely day. We were just coming to Wolfbridge to see Giles.”

“My Lady. It’s good to see you out and about.” Jane hailed her with a smile.

“Good day to you both,” Gwyneth answered. “We are just enjoying an argument about crop rotation.”

Trick laughed. “Remind me to instruct you on matters of how to talk to a lovely lady in the spring sunshine, Royce…”

Gwyneth couldn’t resist a chuckle. “It’s all right, Trick. I plan on bringing something hard and heavy with me next time so that he will be forced to listen to reason. I prefer sensible business conversation when I’m seeing Wolfbridge for the first time. Any attempts at polite or flirtatious social chit-chat will result in his ears being boxed. With a brick.”

Jane laughed aloud. “And that’s what makes you a perfect