Page 9 of A Provincial Peer

“She didn’t tell you what ailed Caroline?”

“No, m’lord.”

Benedict had sensed a weariness in Caroline when she’d arrived at the yard in search of Meg. It seemed he’d not been mistaken. Perhaps her sojourn at the vicarage would last only as long as it took her to feel well again.

“Where was she living before?”

“Portsmouth, I’m thinkin’,” Giles said. “Married a naval officer, she did. Seems like that’s where ’e was stationed fer a while.”

“And now?”

Giles shrugged. “Couldn’t tell ya, m’lord. I ain’t seen ’im nor ’eard about ’im, come t’ that, fer a long time.”

“Of course.” It was time he stopped quizzing his cowman about a woman he knew so slightly. Caroline’s life was none of Benedict’s concern. He started toward the door, avoiding the dirtiest patches of straw on the ground. His valet would be grateful if Benedict escaped the barn without soiling his best boots too badly. “Send word if you need my assistance this evening; otherwise, plan on our visitors arriving at about eleven o’clock.”

“Very good, m’lord.”

Chapter 4

As a child, Caroline had visited the Farwell Farm more times than she could count. She knew her way around all the outbuildings and had always loved spending time with the animals. Additionally, not only would the barn’s lighting be dim enough to conceal her appearance from any farm laborers who might be there, but she would also not need to remove her bonnet. There was no reason whatsoever that she should feel anxious about taking Meg there this morning. Unfortunately, reason was not communicating loudly enough to overcome her clamoring nerves.

“Come, Mama.” Meg had skipped ahead and was standing beside the gate that led into the farmyard. “I see the barn.”

Caroline took an unsteady breath. This would not be hard. It was simply the barn, some animals, and—if she was very fortunate—Giles. Nora had told her that the cowman still worked at Farwell Farm. Lord Benning surely would have informed someone that they were coming, but their presence would take far less explaining if it were Giles who greeted them.

Increasing her pace slightly, she walked the last few yards down the lane to join Meg at the gate. After a week of overcast days, the sun had come out. The sky was blue, the fields and trees a vivid green, and the last of the daffodils waved their bright-yellow heads above the clusters of dandelions in the hedgerows. Caroline checked Meg’s hands. The little girl had been so intent on her destination, she’d not stopped to pick a single flower.

“Can we go in now?” Meg asked, hopping with excitement.

“Yes, but I should like you to stay by my side once we are through the gate.”

“Yes, Mama.” Meg took her hand. The gesture was remarkably comforting.

Closing the gate behind them, Caroline walked with Meg across the yard to the barn. The old redbrick building looked much as it had years ago, although it was possible that the wooden door had received a new coat of black paint since she’d last been there. The door was split in half horizontally, and the upper portion was open. Caroline stepped closer and peered inside. Dark shadows marked the stalls within. The air smelled of straw and animals and echoed with rustling movement.

“It’s Shep!” Meg cried.

Caroline swung around in time to see a black-and-white dog lope toward them. He barked, but the sound conveyed recognition rather than warning and was followed by a short whistle. The dog instantly stopped, his ears twitching as Lord Benning appeared around the corner of the building.

“My apologies,” he said, looking from Meg to Caroline. “Did my dog frighten you?”

“Not at all.” It was true. Caroline’s sudden and instinctive grasp of the lower portion of the door had nothing whatsoever to do with the dog and everything to do with the gentleman’s unexpected arrival. What was Lord Benning doing here? Once again, he was dressed in the clothing of a laborer—although now that she looked more carefully, she could tell that his garments were well-made, albeit well-worn.

“Good day, Lord Benting,” Meg said.

Lord Benning’s lips twitched at Meg’s new rendition of his name, but he maintained a polite expression. “Good day, Meg.” He inclined his head. “Mrs. Granger.”

“We are here to see the baby cows,” Meg informed him.

“Then we are well met,” he said. “I am here to do the very same.”

Meg smiled warmly. “Would you like to come with us?”

Caroline was not sure whether to be grateful for her daughter’s ease with Lord Benning or mortified by her guileless invitation.

“I’m sure Lord Benning has many other things he must see to, Meg,” she said.

“Unfortunately, that is true,” he said. “But none so important as checking on the calves.” He gestured toward the barn door. “May I introduce you to the newest members of the farm?”