Chapter 11

Ambrose

They were all assembled in the library for the reading of the late Earl of Stanton's will. Just yesterday, the earl had been laid to rest. Now the family and faithful servants waited for Mr Ridley, the earl's solicitor, to begin. Ambrose sat to one side next to his friend, Benedict Sedgwick. From across the room, he watched Daniel as discreetly as he could.

They had spoken little since that day they had got drunk on sherry in his study. The family had been kept busy with visitors wanting to pay their respects and with the arrangements for a suitable funeral for a man of such stature as the late earl. It seemed to have taken its toll on Daniel. He looked weary. There were shadows under his eyes and a pallid tinge to his skin. His mouth was set in a straight line, a stern expression on his handsome countenance. Long lost was the mischievous and playful Daniel of their first meeting a month ago. That playfulness had preyed on Ambrose's nerves but now conversely, Ambrose missed it. What he would give to see those eyes light up with wicked humour again and for those mesmerising dimples to grace Daniel's face.

His attention was brought back to Mr Ridley as the solicitor cleared his throat and began to read the will. It began with legal preambles then a list of the earl's bequests to his servants. Ambrose should not have been surprised to be included in that list given the late earl's generosity and their close relationship. Still, it was with a curious jolt that he heard the solicitor intone, "To my estate manager, Ambrose Cranshaw, I bequeath a sum of ￡250, in appreciation of his loyal and excellent service. I also take this opportunity to express my desire that Mr Cranshaw be kept on as estate manager following my demise."

Ambrose felt his face heat with pleased surprise, not only at the words of the will but at the reappearance, finally, of Daniel's dimples as the latter looked across at him and smiled with his first show of genuine warmth that day. Ambrose could not help but smile back. The two of them exchanged a long look, their gazes fixed on the other. Ambrose lost track of what Mr Ridley was saying as he got caught in Daniel's riveting regard.

"Finally, to Daniel, the new Viscount Stanton, I bequeath Stanton Hall..." The import of Mr Ridley's words broke into Ambrose's reverie. Along with everyone else in the room, he listened in astonishment as the solicitor explained how the late earl had decided to leave nothing to his two sons. Instead, his vast estate would be split between four of his grandchildren, with the lion's share going to Daniel.

The solicitor went on to read the late earl's words, explaining that this decision was not taken out of anger at his sons but in acknowledgement of the reality of their vast landholdings in America. Ambrose listened, much moved, as Mr Ridley read the final section of the will, in which the earl addressed his sons with words of apology for the past and assured them of his love.

There was hardly a dry eye left in the room as Mr Ridley concluded the reading, Ambrose included. He blinked repeatedly, trying to keep his tears at bay. As he had long known, his former employer had hidden a generous and proud heart beneath his cantankerous exterior. And now, if Ambrose was to understand the terms of this will, he was to have four new employers—chief of them being Daniel Stanton.

Ambrose had known that Daniel planned to stay on in England, the only difference was that now, he would be representing himself, not his father. For the foreseeable future, Ambrose would be working closely with the man. This knowledge caused a mixture of pleasure and fear to arise in his heart. He would see that devilishly handsome face nearly each day, feel the force of that man's charm, enjoy verbal sparring with him. Ambrose could not suppress a thrill of pleasure at the thought even if at the same time, he reminded himself to stay on guard. Never, by a word or even the smallest gesture, could he betray his true feelings. It would be his end.

He stood, readying himself to leave. Across the room, Daniel caught his gaze once more. They nodded to each other in acknowledgement. Soon, they would need to discuss the business of the estate, but not right now in this moment of grief. With one final glance at his new employer, Ambrose departed and headed back to Ivy Cottage.