The Heart of a Duke(27)

“Fine. Fine,” he muttered, tossing her a mulish look.

Bea looked to her father, who nodded his permission, and she scampered to the apple tree, Jonathan in close pursuit.

“Is there still an orchard on the southwest corner of the estate?” Daniel asked.

Mabry looked surprised. “Yes, sir, there is.”

“I remember climbing those trees as a boy,” he marveled. The memory lightened his mood. Some things don’t change.

“Mr. Mabry, you mentioned your wife was ill?” Julia said, her brow furrowed.

“Yes, my Izzy. She was laid low with a mean sickness. Fever broke, and she is recoverin’ her strength, but it’s been slow goin’.”

Julia stepped forward. “I am relieved to hear that. Mr. Mabry, one of the reasons we are here is to check up on the tenants in the duke’s absence. Determine if they have any needs with which we can assist. Why don’t you let Emily and me see to your wife? In that manner, you can take some time to catch Lord Bryant up on the years he has missed.”

“That’s a good idea.” Emily smiled at Julia.

Daniel agreed. Mabry might hesitate to voice his concerns to Edmund’s fiancée, let alone discuss working conditions with a woman, despite Julia’s accomplishments. Divide and conquer. Deftly done. His admiration for Julia grew.

Mabry scratched his head, a picture of indecision.

“Please, let us do this for your wife. It would mean so much to Lord Bryant to travel the grounds with someone who has knowledge of the land.”

“Well, I don’t know. With my Izzy sick, the house is upside down. I’m not too good a hand at—” A flush darkened his worn features.

“I understand.” Julia employed a soothing cadence. “I am sure you have done the best you can, but for now let us assist you. That is why we are here.”

Before Mabry could voice another protest, Julia and Emily smiled reassuringly. Julia gave Daniel a pointed look before they headed to Mabry’s front gate.

Mr. Mabry stared blankly at the women as they walked up the path to his closed door.

“She has a way about her once her mind is made up,” Daniel said ruefully.

Mr. Mabry rubbed a hand over his crown of dark hair, looking a bit lost. “Well, I . . . Well, then.” His wariness had returned. “Did you want to speak to His Grace’s bailiff, I’m sure he could—”

“I am sure he could, but as I am here now, why don’t I begin with you? I can speak with the bailiff in due course.” It was a half-truth. “Please, will you walk the immediate grounds with me?”

Mabry appeared torn but after a brief struggle, he gave a curt nod. “I can.”

“Good. Why don’t you lead the way. I understand my brother is bringing in Irish laborers?” He refrained from explaining where he had received his information, omitting its colorful delivery. “Are there not enough tenants to do the work? You mentioned vacant houses?”

As they walked, broken panes of glass, loose shutters, and other signs of disrepair on a few houses answered his question. What he did not understand was why they were left in such a state, not to mention vacant, rather than turned over to new tenants. Why hadn’t Edmund overseen their upkeep?

Mabry thrust his hands into his pockets. He studied the unoccupied houses, and then his focus settled on Daniel, his eyes narrowing. “Are you returned for good, sir? Or just visiting?”

He understood the underlying question. Did he hold a position of authority in regard to matters of the estate? The short and definitive answer was no. Daniel hadn’t inherited the estates, but he had inherited his father’s love of the land and a sense of responsibility to honor his family’s legacy. He refused to sit by and see Edmund squander it.

“I am not leaving for a while, and I do plan to speak to my brother about any concerns I have in regard to the estate. Any information you can share provides me with a better understanding of where things stand today and helps me to make a more informed decision.” He spoke the truth.

Perhaps Julia was right, and Edmund had changed, and he would listen to Daniel. Right. And soon Daniel would be jousting with windmills. He met Mabry’s hard look. “More importantly, I give you my word that anything you share with me will be kept in strict confidence between us. No names will be mentioned. I promise you, you can speak freely.”

Mabry gave Daniel the same keen scrutiny that he had earlier, and finally replied with a curt nod. He continued walking. “My family has been tenants on this land for nigh on five generations. I grew up here and remember you and your brother ridin’ with the late duke.” He glanced at Daniel and fell quiet for a few strides.