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Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

E dwin threw a stick, and Ruby bounded after it, his ears flapping in the wind as he ran. He caught the stick easily and trotted back, his tail wagging, his eyes alight with the joy of the chase.

“What a good boy you are,” Edwin murmured, leaning down to pet him. “Such a good boy. I’m sorry you have to stay locked up so often now,” he sighed, tossing the stick again.

Ruby cocked his head, his gaze fixed on the stick as he waited eagerly. When it landed with a thud, a little closer than Edwin had anticipated, the dog darted forward.

“Well, it seems I need to improve my aim,” Edwin mused, watching him trot back with the stick clenched between his teeth. “If we’re to make this a regular activity, we’ll have to work on my throwing skills.”

Over the last few days, Edwin had made it a habit to not only walk with Ruby but also take him on little adventures. They had wandered down to the lake, where Ruby had splashed in the water, and Edwin had entertained him by throwing sticks. Their previous walks had been just that—walks—but now Edwin felt compelled to do more for the dog. He didn’t like keeping him confined behind the gate all the time, but Mrs. Maple had been right—Hanna needed to feel comfortable in her new home.

Ruby had adjusted well to his new confinement, understanding that he wasn’t allowed to run through the halls near Hanna’s chambers. During the day, he followed Edwin into his study, sat quietly while he worked, or accompanied him on his walks when Hanna was absent.

But even so, Edwin longed for the day when his wife would grow more accustomed to the dog, and he would no longer have to keep Ruby behind closed doors.

As much as Ruby occupied his time, Edwin’s thoughts often wandered to Hanna. When he had married her, it had been with a clear purpose in mind—to further his ends and secure his family’s future. He hadn’t given much thought to what it would actually be like to have her living with him, sharing his home and his life. But now that she was more than just a name on a marriage contract, he found himself thinking about her far more than he had anticipated.

Fortunately, Hanna seemed to be improving. She had started eating again, and now that her maid, Viola, had arrived, she looked healthier, less pale and less fragile. Still, Edwin wasn’t certain what the future held for them. He knew he had to tread carefully, especially when it came to her father. Exposing the man’s true nature would inevitably hurt her, and Edwin didn’t want that.

Despite everything, he didn’t want to cause her unnecessary pain.

His reverie was interrupted by a sharp bark from Ruby.

Edwin looked up and saw Hanna walking down the path from the main house toward the garden. He clicked his tongue and brought Ruby to heel, attaching the leash he had recently purchased. As Hanna approached, she hesitated, her gaze lingering on the dog before she stepped forward.

“Good morning,” she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of warmth. “And good morning to you, Ruby,” she added, turning her attention to the dog.

To Edwin’s surprise, she extended her hand toward Ruby, allowing the dog to sniff it.

“Goodness, I didn’t know you had grown more comfortable with him,” Edwin remarked, a note of surprise in his voice.

Hanna straightened up, her gaze steady but slightly amused. “I wouldn’t say I’m entirely comfortable with him,” she replied, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “But perhaps less frightened. I’ve made a habit of sitting by the gate with him in the evenings and letting him sniff me. Sometimes I even scratch behind his ears.”

“He loves that,” Edwin said, his voice softening. “It was one of the first things that cheered him up when I took him in after Benjamin’s death. He was so quiet then, so lost. The only thing that seemed to bring him any comfort was when I scratched behind his ears. He’s rather fond of belly rubs as well.”

As if understanding his words, Ruby flopped onto his back, his legs crooked awkwardly, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. Edwin chuckled and bent down to rub his belly.

“Would you like to try?” he asked, looking up at Hanna.

She hesitated, biting her bottom lip, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her sleeve.

“I’m not sure I’m quite ready for that,” she said, though her voice lacked the usual edge of fear.

“I’ll hold him steady,” Edwin assured her, keeping a firm grip on the leash. “He won’t move.”

Hanna sighed softly, as though debating inwardly, but after a moment, she crouched down and extended her gloved hand tentatively. She petted Ruby’s belly gingerly, her touch so light it was as though she feared the dog might break beneath her fingers.

Ruby closed his eyes in contentment, his body relaxing completely.

“You see?” Edwin said, smiling. “He likes it very much. I’m glad you’re trying. He’s a good dog, truly. Very lovable. Sometimes I think he’s a bit lonely now that Benjamin is gone. He and Cecilia—my sister-in-law—spent a great deal of time with him.”

“He seems to be your constant companion,” Hanna noted, standing up and brushing a stray hair from her face. “Every time I see you, Ruby is never far behind.”

Edwin blinked, surprised that she had taken note of his movements. He wasn’t sure whether to feel pleased or concerned. Was she watching him out of fear? Or was it something else?

“I hadn’t realized you were observing me so closely,” he said carefully, his gaze searching hers.

Hanna’s lips twitched slightly, though she didn’t quite smile. “It’s hard not to notice,” she replied. “You move about the estate frequently. And Ruby makes his presence known.”

Edwin nodded, though the thought of being watched left him uneasy. He didn’t want Hanna to fear him. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking.

“I wanted to thank you again for your help the other day,” he said, changing the subject abruptly. “You saved me from quite a mess.”

Hanna inclined her head slightly, her expression calm. “It was nothing, truly. I only offered what seemed practical. My father rarely listens to me, so it was… refreshing to be heard.”

“Your father should listen to you more,” Edwin insisted, his voice sincere. “If he had, perhaps he wouldn’t have found himself in such dire straits.”

A shadow crossed Hanna’s face, and she pressed her lips together. “He had me believe it was your brother who led him to ruin.”

Edwin’s heart gave a painful thud, and for a moment, he almost let slip the truth. Almost. He had to be careful, too careful to allow his true feelings about her father to surface.

“Well, my brother was not without fault,” he said cautiously. “But had your father trusted you, perhaps he would have seen trouble sooner.”

Hanna shrugged, a faint flicker of resignation in her eyes. “I don’t blame your brother entirely. My father has been… troubled ever since my mother passed. Benjamin may have made mistakes, but my father… he brought much of it upon himself.”

Edwin nodded slowly, though his mind raced. He wanted to tell her—wanted to confess that it was her father, not Benjamin, who had misappropriated funds. But how could he? She might not be close to her father, but family ties were complicated. He didn’t want to wound her.

After a moment, he spoke again. “As you know, your father and I are now working together. We’re hoping to recover some of what was lost.”

Hanna’s expression tightened slightly. “The vineyard,” she said. “Father mentioned it.”

“Yes.” Edwin regarded her carefully. “I’m going to meet with him tomorrow to go over the details. I’m hoping to find some evidence that Benjamin did, in fact, invest in the vineyard. If I can prove it, perhaps we can begin to restore some of his reputation.”

Hanna raised an eyebrow, her gaze wary. “Father doesn’t like anyone examining his books too closely.”

“I gathered as much.” Edwin gave her a wry smile. “But I must try. My brother’s reputation is in tatters, and I can’t stand the thought of him being remembered as a cheat. If I can prove he made sound investments—such as in the vineyard—I might be able to clear his name.”

Hanna considered his words carefully, her eyes softening as they met his. “I understand,” she said quietly. “I only hope you don’t end up disappointed by what you find. Or by my father’s… unwillingness to cooperate.”

Edwin inclined his head, grateful for her understanding. “I appreciate that. More than you know.”

There was a brief silence between them, a moment where neither seemed to know what to say next. Then Ruby let out another playful yip, breaking the tension.

“Well,” Hanna said, stepping back. “I should return to my crochet. I’ve made some progress.”

“You’re crocheting again?” Edwin asked, surprised but pleased. “I’m glad to hear it. I look forward to seeing your work.”

Hanna gave him a small, genuine smile. “Thank you.”

She bowed her head and turned to leave.

Edwin watched her go, a strange ache settling in his stomach when he realized he could never tell her the full truth. For she might be his wife now, but she was also his enemy’s daughter.

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