Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

Miles stood by his bedchamber door, fidgeting with the sleeves of his jacket as he waited for the dinner bell to ring. He was hoping to escort Edwina down to dinner. Ever since Winston had returned home, he hadn't been able to spend much time with her, and he missed her.

Botheration.

He shouldn't be so excited to see Edwina. But they were friends. That should count for something. Even though that line was starting to blur as his feelings grew deeper for her.

Bailey's voice broke through his thoughts. "May I ask what you are waiting for?"

Miles turned towards Bailey and explained, "The dinner bell to be rung."

"I assure you that there is nothing wrong with being first to dinner, my lord," Bailey responded with amusement in his voice.

Miles chuckled. "I am aware of that, but I am hoping to escort Lady Edwina down to dinner."

As if on cue, the distant sound of the dinner bell echoed throughout the manor, signaling the start of their evening meal .

"I do hope you have an enjoyable evening," Bailey remarked.

Miles eagerly went to open the door, his heart fluttering with the anticipation of seeing Edwina. But his excitement was short-lived as he saw Winston and Bennett leaning against the wall, waiting for him in the corridor.

Stepping out of his bedchamber, Miles asked, "What is this?"

Bennett straightened from the wall, a smile playing on his lips. "We have come to escort you to dinner."

"Why?" Miles questioned.

Placing a hand over his heart in mock sincerity, Bennett replied, "It is a time that I have grown to cherish."

"Spare me the theatrics," Miles grumbled.

Winston took a step towards him and replied, "We just want a moment of your time. That is all."

"Well, you have it," Miles said curtly, crossing his arms over his chest. "What is it that you want?"

With a knowing smirk, Winston remarked, "You are much less agreeable with Edwina not around."

Bennett nodded in agreement. "I told you as much."

"That you did," Winston agreed. "Which makes me wonder why that is.

Miles frowned, feeling like he was being interrogated by his friends. "You are reading too much into this."

"Am I?" Winston asked.

"Yes, Lady Edwina and I are just friends," Miles asserted firmly.

With a curious glint in his eyes, Winston studied Miles intently. "Is that what you truly want? Or Edwina?"

Miles held his friend's gaze and responded, "It is what we both want."

"Have you discussed this with her?" Winston pressed.

"There is no need," Miles said. "We have an understanding of friendship. "

Winston exchanged a glance with Bennett before asking, "You clearly hold my cousin in high regard, why do you not wish to pursue her?"

Miles felt his back grow rigid, growing more frustrated with each passing moment. "I do not know what you speak of. Again, we are just friends."

Bennett let out a sigh. "You are in denial, I see."

"No, I am simply living in reality," Miles said. "In a week or so, I will go my way and Lady Edwina will go hers."

"And yet you offered to help her during the Season," Winston pointed out.

Miles pressed his lips together before saying, "This conversation is over. I have told you what you wanted to know, and now I am going down to dinner."

As Miles started down the dimly lit corridor, he hoped that his friends would drop it and they could move on from this.

Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Winston matched his stride and his voice was gentle yet persistent. "Is this about Arabella? Because she would want you to find happiness again."

Miles came to an abrupt halt and turned to face his friend, annoyance growing inside of him. "You do not get to presume what my wife would want," he said firmly.

"You seem to forget that I was friends with Arabella long before you came along," Winston responded.

"I would proceed very cautiously," Miles warned.

Winston's eyes held compassion. "There is no shame in moving on, Miles."

"I love my wife," Miles declared.

"I know, but she is no longer with us," Winston said. "You can't live in the past and expect a brighter future."

Miles narrowed his eyes. "You do not get to preach to me about my past. You have no idea what I have gone through. What depths of pain I have had to endure."

Winston bobbed his head. "You are right, I don't. But I want you to be happy and I think that path begins with my cousin."

"You are wrong," Miles stated. "I love Arabella, and I always will."

"Arabella is gone, and you deserve to find love again," Winston insisted.

Miles scoffed. "Love?" he asked. "No, I am too broken to ever hope to find love again."

Bennett interjected, "You are not broken."

"I am," Miles declared, tossing up his hands. "And you two do not get to stand here and preach to me about how I should be feeling."

"That was not our intention," Winston assured him, his words calm and measured.

"Then what was?" Miles demanded, his voice rising with each word. "To remind me of everything that I have lost? But why stop there? Why not mention John, as well?"

Winston offered him a weak smile. "We are just trying to help."

"Help?" Miles repeated incredulously. "There is no helping me. I am incapable of moving on and marrying another. That would not be fair to them, or to me."

Winston's expression softened, turning into something akin to pity. Miles refused to stand here and be pitied by his friends. In one swift motion, he turned and headed towards the drawing room. There was only one person in the manor that could help him, and it was Edwina. She offered hope when he felt like all was lost.

As he entered the drawing room, he saw Edwina was standing by Lord and Lady Dallington. Her eyes met his as he entered the room, and he could see the questions in her eyes.

She moved closer to him and asked in a hushed tone, "What is troubling you?"

He could lie to her. Tell her everything was all right. But he didn't want to do that. He wanted to be honest with her. She deserved that much.

Matching her tone, he replied, "Winston and Bennett are impossible."

A small smile tugged at her lips. "Yes, they can be quite insufferable at times. What did they do this time?"

"They are trying to convince me to move on and get remarried." Miles huffed in frustration. "As if I could do such a thing."

Edwina grew quiet. "I don't entirely disagree with them."

"Pardon?" he asked, taking a step back.

In a reassuring voice, she said, "You are a good man, and you deserve to be happy."

"I am happy," he lied.

Edwina didn't look convinced. "We both know that you are struggling, as am I," she replied. "Everyone struggles with their own battles, but that doesn't mean we give up on finding happiness."

Miles shook his head. "I don't think I am capable of loving another, not after I loved Arabella so deeply."

"The right woman will understand that your love for your first wife will never diminish," Edwina said. "But you must first open your heart before that can ever happen."

"What you are asking of me is impossible," he murmured.

Edwina held his gaze, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Nothing is impossible if you follow your heart."

As soon as the words left her lips, Lady Dallington appeared by their side. "I do hope I am not intruding but dinner has been announced."

Miles cleared his throat, grateful for the reprieve. "Thank you," he said.

Lady Dallington studied him for a moment before asking, "Is everything all right, Miles?" The concern in her voice was palpable, touching him deeply.

He forced a smile on his lips. "Yes, everything is fine. "

Lady Dallington didn't quite look convinced, but thankfully she let it drop. "Shall we adjourn to the dining room?" she suggested.

"Yes, let us," Miles replied, offering his arm to Edwina.

While they followed the group out of the drawing room, Edwina leaned in and whispered, "My uncle only just returned from the village."

"Did he say what he was doing there?" Miles asked.

"Just that he had some meetings," Edwina replied. "But I do not trust him farther than I could throw him."

A burst of laughter unexpectedly escaped Miles' lips, echoing through the marble floors of the entry hall. "You couldn't even pick your uncle up, much less throw him."

"It is an expression," Edwina defended.

"In your case, it is a terrible one," Miles joked.

Edwina rolled her eyes. "I had not taken you for being so literal."

"At least I don't make up words," Miles retorted with a playful grin.

"Careful," Edwina said with mirth in her eyes. "I might take back all the nice things I have said about you."

"You wouldn't do that," Miles responded.

"And why not?"

Miles smiled. "You are too kindhearted to do such a thing."

They entered the dining room and Miles pulled out a chair for Edwina. Once she was situated, all the men in the room sat down. Bennett and Winston sat across from them and Lord and Lady Dallington were on either end of the long table.

The footmen promptly placed bowls of soup in front of them and Miles reached for his spoon to begin eating.

Lord Dallington spoke up, drawing everyone's attention. "It is wonderful to have Winston back home where he belongs," he said proudly .

Winston raised his glass in acknowledgement. "Thank you, Father."

Turning towards him with a hopeful expression, Lord Dallington asked, "Have you considered my offer?"

"Yes, Father, I have, and I must decline it… again," Winston replied. "I am content working as a barrister in London."

Lord Dallington's face fell into a frown. "But this village could use a barrister such as you."

"I would be of no use here," Winston insisted. "Besides, this will all be Bennett's one day. I need to forge my own path."

Lady Dallington suggested, "Perhaps you two could discuss this later over a glass of port?"

"Very well," Lord Dallington reluctantly agreed.

After she smoothed her napkin over her lap, Lady Dallington asked, "May I inquire as to who emerged victorious in the pall-mall match?"

A low groan escaped Bennett's lips. "Why must you bring that up?"

"I am simply curious," Lady Dallington replied.

Miles took the opportunity to proudly announce, "Lady Edwina and I won the match. We soundly defeated Bennett and Miss Bawden."

"You only beat us by one point," Bennett argued.

Miles shrugged off his comment with a smug smile. "A win is a win, regardless of the margin."

Lady Dallington let out a soft chuckle. "Well, I must admit that I am not surprised that Miles won."

Miles shifted in his seat to face Lady Dallington. "Why is that?"

"Oh, no reason," Lady Dallington responded with a warm smile. "Now, let us eat."

The sun was low in the sky as Edwina made her way towards the Warrens' cottage. She was smiling, something she was doing far more often now. It had taken her some time to find her way here, but she was finally happy, a feeling she thought she would never experience again after the passing of her father.

Despite all of this, she still had important matters that needed to be resolved. Her uncle had deceived her by withholding her inheritance, and he had a whole other family in the village.

As she approached the cottage, Edwina noticed Mrs. Warren crouched down on her knees, tending to her garden. Mr. Warren stood dutifully by her side, holding a set of gardening tools, engaged in conversation with his wife without noticing Edwina's arrival.

With a friendly greeting called out from a short distance away, Edwina announced her presence. "Good morning."

"Good morning," came the harmonious reply from both Mr. and Mrs. Warren.

Mrs. Warren rose from her kneeling position and removed the gloves from her hand. "What a lovely surprise. How are you faring this morning?"

Coming to a stop next to the couple, Edwina responded with equal cheerfulness. "I am well. And you?"

Mr. Warren slipped his hand over his wife's shoulders. "We have survived another day so that must count for something."

"I came to see how your ankle is healing," Edwina said.

With a weary sigh, Mr. Warren replied, "It is healing rather slowly."

Mrs. Warren gave her husband a chiding look. "That is because you are doing too much too soon. You need to rest more. "

"I will rest when I die," Mr. Warren joked.

Edwina laughed. "You should listen to your wife more."

"I should have known that you womenfolk would stick together," Mr. Warren said lightly.

Mrs. Warren tucked her gloves into the pocket of her apron. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "We were just about to sit down for breakfast. You are more than welcome to join us."

"You are most kind, but I should have breakfast with my family," Edwina said. "Afterwards, I intend to go to the village with Lord Hilgrove and Winston."

"Is that so?" Mrs. Warren asked.

"Yes, when Lord Hilgrove proposed the idea of a carriage ride into the village, Winston was adamant that he should join us," Edwina shared.

Mrs. Warren's expression became worried, and she exchanged a glance with her husband.

Edwina noticed the unease between them and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"We should tell her," Mrs. Warren said to her husband, pursing her lips.

Now Edwina felt a twinge of worry, too. "Tell me what?" she asked, turning her gaze from Mrs. Warren to Mr. Warren.

Mr. Warren frowned as he removed his hand from his wife's shoulder. "I suppose it is time." He paused. "The villagers are not happy with your uncle's actions," he said slowly.

"What do you mean?" Edwina asked.

"Lord Dallington has withdrawn most of his funding for the village, causing suffering amongst the people," Mr. Warren explained.

Edwina couldn't understand it. "But why would he do such a thing? If people are suffering, shouldn't he be helping them?"

"Your father was generous to a fault, but your uncle appears to have a different approach when it comes to assisting the village," Mr. Warren said.

Edwina furrowed her brow. "But it sounds like he is not helping them at all."

"There are some funds that are coming in, but it is minimal compared to what your father contributed," Mr. Warren clarified. "Furthermore, many tenants have complained about necessary repairs that are being ignored by Mr. Stanley."

"That doesn't sound like Mr. Stanley," Edwina said.

"Yes, but there are rumors that your uncle is driving his estate into bankruptcy, which will greatly impact the village," Mr. Warren remarked.

Edwina was taken aback. She didn't know much about the financial state of her father's estate, but she knew it had always prospered under his care. The thought of her uncle's actions causing harm to the villagers and the estate itself made her heart ache with worry.

Mrs. Warren stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Edwina's sleeve. "I just worry that the villagers won't be as kind to you as they should be," she said, her voice filled with concern.

Not wanting to believe that to be true, Edwina remarked, "They have always shown me such kindness."

Mr. Warren grimaced. "Times are changing, and Lord Dallington doesn't seem to care what repairs the village needs."

Edwina's heart sank at those words. She didn't think her opinion of her uncle could get any worse. But she was determined not to stand by while the villagers suffered. "That is awful. There must be something that I can do to help them."

Mr. Warren's face softened slightly, but his answer was disheartening. "I don't know what you can do."

She tilted her chin, refusing to believe there was no hope. " I could speak to Mr. Stanley," she suggested. "He is a good man and I am sure he will listen to what I have to say."

Mr. Warren nodded, but added a note of caution. "He will, but he still answers to Lord Dallington."

Undeterred, Edwina squared her shoulders and prepared herself for the challenge ahead. She wasn't about to give up on the villagers, not when they needed her the most. "I will find a way to help the villagers."

"I know you want to help, but I would be cautious around Lord Dallington," Mr. Warren advised. "He is nothing like the great man your father was."

"No, he isn't," Edwina agreed.

Mrs. Warren offered her a warm smile. "Enough of this serious talk, you should head back and join your family for breakfast."

Edwina bobbed her head. "Perhaps that would be for the best. I wouldn't wish to have my uncle chide me for being late... again."

"Maybe next time you come visit you can bring your Lord Hilgrove," Mrs. Warren proposed.

With a shake of her head, Edwina corrected, "Lord Hilgrove is not mine."

"My apologies, it was just a slip of the tongue," Mrs. Warren said, her smile broadening.

Mr. Warren chuckled. "You should leave before Mrs. Warren starts planning your wedding," he teased.

With a heavy heart, Edwina murmured her goodbyes before she headed back towards the manor. She racked her brain for a solution to help the struggling villagers, but she couldn't think of any real options. The cook could only make so many baskets of food for them.

The sound of her boots echoed through the opulent entry hall as she made her way inside. The polished marble floor shone under the warm light streaming in from the windows. A lesson from her father came to her mind- what was the point of acquiring wealth if it couldn't be used to better others' lives? Her father had always lived by that philosophy.

She sighed as she headed towards the dining room. She felt helpless, and that was not a good feeling to have.

As she stepped into the dining room, she saw her uncle seated at the head of the table and he was reading the newssheets. Beside him sat Winston and Bennett, while Miles occupied the seat across from them with his back to her.

The gentlemen rose as soon as they caught sight of her, but she waved them back down and took a seat next to Miles. Her eyes fell on her napkin as she reached for it, trying to mask the turmoil brewing inside her.

"Good morning," Miles greeted.

She forced a smile onto her lips. "Good morning."

Miles studied her with concern. "Is everything all right?"

"It is," Edwina rushed to assure him, though it was far from true. But this was not the time or place to confide in Miles about her worries.

Her uncle spoke up. "You are late, Edwina," he chided. "Either strive to be on time or take your breakfast in your bedchamber, like your aunt."

"My apologies, Uncle. I went to visit the Warrens this morning," Edwina shared.

Her uncle huffed disapprovingly. "A colossal waste of time, in my opinion," he said, returning his attention to the newssheets.

Miles shifted in his seat to face her. "How are the Warrens?"

"They are well," she replied.

"And Mr. Warren's ankle? Is it healing properly?" Miles inquired with a genuineness to his words.

Edwina was touched by his concern. "Yes, it seems to be healing nicely."

"Good, good," Miles murmured as he resumed eating his breakfast .

A footman placed a plate in front of her with one egg and a slice of toast. She picked up her fork and knife and began to eat, savoring each bite.

After a long moment of silence, Winston said, "I am eager for our carriage ride so I may see the village."

"It hasn't changed much since you were last here," Edwina responded nonchalantly, taking another bite of her toast.

"Does that quaint little shop on the corner still sell sponge cake?" Winston inquired eagerly.

Edwina brushed the crumbs off her hands as she replied, "It does, but I am not quite feeling well. I think it would be best if I passed on the carriage ride."

Winston gave her a baffled look. "What ails you?"

Bringing a hand to her forehead, Edwina replied, "I feel a headache coming on and I think I might have a fever. Yes, a fever. And I don't dare go out and get other people sick. That wouldn't be fair of me." Why couldn't she stop rattling on?

"If you are sure…" Winston said, his words trailing off.

"I am," Edwina responded firmly, pushing her plate away.

Miles glanced over at her, his brow arched in question. "Should we send for a doctor?" he asked.

She waved her hand dismissively. "No need for a doctor. I am sure this will pass shortly and I do not wish to waste his time."

"All right, then I shall stay behind as well," Miles said. "Just in case you change your mind about the doctor. I could fetch one for you."

Bennett smirked from across the table. "Or we could simply ask one of our servants to fetch the doctor without any trouble."

Edwina pushed back her chair and rose, causing all the men to stand. "I think it would be best if I go lie down. I wouldn't wish to get any of you sick."

Without waiting for any of their responses, she hurried out the door and down the corridor. She had just reached the entry hall when she heard Miles calling her name.

She turned around and faced him. "I wouldn't get too close," she warned. "I am sick, after all."

Miles grinned in response, undeterred by her warning. "We both know you aren't sick. You always ramble when you lie. It is a trait that I find rather endearing."

With a quick glance over her shoulder to ensure they were alone, Edwina lowered her voice and shared, "The Warrens informed me that the villagers might not be very accommodating to my family since my uncle has reduced the funds given to them and is neglecting his tenants."

Miles nodded somberly. "Bennett and I have experienced that firsthand when he was confronted by one of your uncle's angry tenants."

"You didn't say anything to me," Edwina said.

"Quite frankly, I didn't think it was important. Bennett and I spoke to Mr. Stanley about it and assumed that it had been taken care of," Miles replied.

Edwina let out a sigh of frustration. "What do we do?" she asked. "If the rumors are to be believed, my uncle is bankrupting this estate."

"Perhaps that is why he never told you about your inheritance," Miles suggested. "There is no money to give."

"I don't understand how this could happen. When my father died, he passed a thriving estate on to my uncle," Edwina said.

Miles gave her a meaningful look. "Or perhaps your father protected you from the harsh realities of the state of his estate."

"My father wouldn't do that," Edwina insisted. "He always valued honesty above all else."

"Be that as it may, I think it might be best if we brought Bennett into our confidence," Miles suggested .

Edwina considered his words before asking, "Do you truly think that is wise?"

"It was only a matter of time before we did," Miles reminded her gently. "Why not now?"

Clasping her hands in front of her, Edwina held Miles' gaze and knew that he was right. She trusted him, more so than she had ever trusted anyone before. "All right, we can tell him."

Miles took a step closer to her, causing her to tilt her head back to meet his eyes. "I do believe it is the right call."

"I trust you," Edwina said.

As she said her words, Winston's booming voice came from behind them. "Miles!" he exclaimed, striding towards them. "There you are."

Miles jumped back, creating distance between them.

Winston came to stand beside them and addressed Miles. "Since our trip to the village has been delayed, I was hoping you would want to practice fencing on the back lawn with me."

Clearing his throat, Miles responded, "I would greatly enjoy that."

"Wonderful," Winston said with a satisfied nod. "Shall we go now?"

Miles hesitated, his gaze flickering towards Edwina with a look that she couldn't quite decipher. "Now?" he repeated, his tone uncertain.

Winston quirked an eyebrow, challenging him silently. "Unless there is a reason why you can't do it now?"

"No… no… I can do it now," Miles said. "I just wanted to ensure that Lady Edwina was well."

Turning towards Edwina, Winston remarked, "I think some rest would do Edwina some good."

Edwina took a small step back. "I agree," she said. "Enjoy your fencing, gentlemen. "

She spun on her heel and headed towards her bedchamber, her thoughts swirling with a growing realization about Miles. Before she knew it, before she was even aware of it, she had gotten her heart involved.