Page 12 of A Wife for the Beast (Scandals and Second Chances #6)

The remainder of their tour proceeded in relative silence, with Evangeline offering occasional observations about drainage improvements or structural repairs while Lucian provided terse responses that revealed his intimate knowledge of the estate's problems without suggesting any enthusiasm for addressing them.

By the time they returned to the Manor, the grey afternoon had given way to early evening, and both riders appeared thoroughly dampened by the persistent drizzle that seemed to characterize Yorkshire weather.

"I shall review the account books this evening," Evangeline informed him as they reached the stable yard, her manner businesslike despite the weariness that marked her features. "Tomorrow we might discuss specific measures for addressing the most urgent repairs."

"As you wish," Lucian replied with the same formal courtesy that had marked their entire interaction. "Mrs. Cromwell will provide you with whatever documentation you require."

Their first evening as married partners proved to be an exercise in elaborate politeness that somehow managed to be more exhausting than open hostility would have been.

Dinner was served in the smaller dining room, its atmosphere made oppressive by the careful distance they maintained despite sharing the same table and the same concerns about their mutual responsibilities.

"The tenant cottages require immediate attention before winter," Evangeline observed as she delicately navigated her way through courses that seemed designed more for show than sustenance. "Several families are living in conditions that are simply unacceptable."

"I am aware of the conditions," Lucian replied with barely concealed irritation. "The question is not what needs to be done, but rather how to finance the necessary improvements given the estate's current revenues."

"Perhaps if the drainage issues were addressed, agricultural productivity might improve sufficiently to fund other repairs."

"And who do you propose should oversee such improvements? I have found local contractors to be unreliable at best."

"Then perhaps we might bring in specialists from London, even if the initial expense is greater."

"Specialists who would charge London prices for Yorkshire work, no doubt."

Their conversation continued in this vein throughout the meal, a careful dance of suggestion and objection that revealed both their shared concern for the estate's welfare and their complete inability to discuss such matters without descending into subtle antagonism.

By the time the last course had been cleared away, both appeared thoroughly weary of maintaining civil discourse while navigating the complexities of their new relationship.

"I believe I shall retire early this evening," Evangeline announced as they rose from the table, her manner suggesting relief at the prospect of escaping to the solitude of her chambers. "The day has been rather illuminating."

"Indeed, it has," Lucian agreed, though his tone suggested he found such illumination less than entirely welcome. "Good evening, Evangeline."

"Good evening, Lucian."

After she departed for her chambers, Lucian made his way to the library with the intent of losing himself in correspondence that might distract him from the uncomfortable realities of sharing his domestic space with a woman whose presence seemed to highlight every deficiency in his character and circumstances.

Yet he found himself unable to concentrate on estate business or financial records, his thoughts returning repeatedly to the image of Evangeline's face when she had spotted the injured puppy.

The way she had leaned forward in her saddle, her entire body language betraying her desire to dismount and tend to the suffering creature, had struck him with unexpected force.

He had watched her fight against her charitable impulses, seen the visible struggle between compassion and propriety that played across her expressive features before duty prevailed over inclination.

The restraint she had imposed upon herself had been admirable, yet it had also revealed a kindness of character that seemed at odds with the careful formality that marked their interactions.

He was still contemplating this puzzle when he realized he had made a decision without conscious deliberation. Rising from his desk with sudden purpose, Lucian rang for Higgins with the sharp urgency of a man accustomed to having his commands obeyed immediately.

The elderly butler appeared with his usual promptness, though his expression suggested mild surprise at being summoned at such an hour. "Your Grace? How may I be of service?"

"Higgins, there was a stray animal near the ruins of the old wall at Thornfield cottage—a small dog, injured and in poor condition. I require you to make arrangements for its immediate care."

"A stray dog, Your Grace?" Higgins's weathered features revealed nothing of his thoughts, though Lucian detected a note of carefully concealed surprise in his tone. "Shall I have the stable lads dispose of the creature?"

"Certainly not," Lucian replied with sharp authority, his voice carrying the sort of command that brooked no argument. "The animal is to be brought to the stables immediately and provided with proper care. Food, warmth, medical attention, whatever is required for its recovery."

"Very good, Your Grace. And should the creature survive its current difficulties?"

"Then arrange for proper training. A dog of good character might prove useful about the estate, and I will not have it said that Ravenshollow Manor turns away creatures in need of assistance."

Higgins bowed with the precise deference that marked his years of faithful service. "I shall see to the arrangements immediately, Your Grace. The stable master will ensure the animal receives appropriate attention."

"See that he does. And Higgins?" Lucian's voice dropped to a tone that suggested the matter was of particular importance to him. "I expect regular reports on the creature's progress. If additional resources are required for its care, they are to be provided without question."

"Of course, Your Grace. I shall keep you informed of all developments."

After Higgins departed to carry out these unexpected instructions, Lucian sat alone in his library contemplating the curious impulse that had prompted his intervention on behalf of a creature he had never even noticed.

Perhaps it was the memory of Evangeline's carefully concealed compassion, her obvious struggle between inclination and propriety, that had influenced his decision to preserve what she had been forced by circumstances to abandon.

Or perhaps, he admitted to himself with characteristic honesty, he simply wished to demonstrate that he was not entirely without consideration for suffering, even if his own wounds had made him less capable of expressing such sentiments directly.

The puppy would receive care and training, would grow strong and useful, and would serve as a tangible reminder that even small acts of mercy could flourish under proper circumstances.

It was, he reflected, a pleasant change to exercise his authority in service of preservation rather than mere duty, and he found himself wondering what other opportunities for constructive action might present themselves if he could overcome his habitual withdrawal from active engagement with the world around him.

The puppy was a beginning, at least, a small life saved, a tiny gesture toward the sort of stewardship that his position demanded and his tenants deserved.

Whether such modest efforts might eventually extend to larger matters remained to be seen, but for the first time in years, Lucian felt a stirring of something that might, with careful nurturing, develop into hope.