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“I would rather be wed to Lord Martindale and experience various ups and downs than be with another man, Judson. Mr. Hollis kissed me last night,” she revealed.

“He is a very nice gentleman, and yet his kiss left me cold. I believe the earl has ruined me for any other man. Either I wed him—or I become a spinster and doting aunt.”

“I respect your feelings, Dru. You are still young, however. If things are not settled between you and Lord Martindale, will you consider attending the Season and making your come-out?”

She thought of all the glittering balls, which held absolutely no appeal to her, and how hard it would be to attend them and see Perry dancing with someone else. It would eat away at her, seeing him move from woman to woman, trying to find his countess.

“I cannot look that far ahead. I will make no promises regarding the Season at this time.”

“Guard your heart, Dru,” he advised. “Feel free to come to me anytime if you wish to talk about Lord Martindale. While I know you and Lucy are close and discuss everything, she is seeing the world through her own optimism these days. She is happy with me. We are in love. She is expecting our child. Naturally, she wants the same kind of life and happiness for you.”

“Lucy would worry if I shared how traumatized Lord Martindale is. She would want better for me. I will keep your words in mind, Judson, and if I wish to speak about these matters again, I know I have a friend in you. Thank you for letting me unburden myself.”

“Are you still riding to Beauville?”

“Yes. I promised Lord Martindale that I would deliver the list to his cook, and I intend to keep my word. He will be out in the fields for harvest, so I will not have the occasion to see him.”

“Then let me ride to Beauville with you,” he said. “I can use the excuse that I wish to see how his harvest is coming along. It will keep him occupied while you are speaking with his cook.”

She smiled. “I feel I have inherited another brother to care for me. It is the very thing Con would do for me. Yes, you may ride to Beauville with me. I will not be long with the cook, so I will make my way back to Huntsworth alone.”

They continued to the stables, where their horses were saddled for them and they rode directly to Beauville, parting ways. Dru headed toward the main house, while Judson rode in the direction of the workers in the field.

She stopped at the stables, handing off her reins to a groom, telling him that she would return shortly.

As she approached the house, she saw two maids beating a carpet. They greeted her, and she explained that she wished to speak to the cook regarding the feast Lord Martindale would hold tomorrow evening.

“If you would like, my lady, I will take you straight to the kitchens,” one of the maids offered.

“Thank you,” she replied, following the servant to the back door and entering.

The maid took her to the cook, and she introduced herself.

“I am Lady Drusilla Alington. I have brought a list of the dishes our cook prepared last night for our harvest feast at Beauville, my brother-in-law’s estate.”

She handed the paper to the older woman, and Cook accepted it, a smile on her face.

“His lordship told me at breakfast this morning that you would be dropping off this list. He also shared with me the numerous dishes prepared by your tenants, as well.”

“At... breakfast?” she echoed, thinking Lord Martindale most unique for even bothering to have a conversation with his cook.

“Yes, my lady. Lord Martindale and I ate together yesterday morning and again today, as well. He told me in detail about the feast at Huntsworth.”

Cook’s eyes skimmed the list. “So, this is everything your kitchen staff prepared?”

“It is.”

“This will help me and my scullery maids in readying for tomorrow night. His lordship has also asked the tenants’ wives to bring food of their own to the celebration, much as was done at Huntsworth.

” Cook set the list on the table nearby.

“His lordship was very complimentary of you, my lady. He asked that when you stopped by, that I invite you to Beauville’s celebration tomorrow evening. Lord and Lady Huntsberry, too.”

So, Perry had had enough faith that she would bring the list this morning. She wished she could ask what he had told this servant about her, but she refused to stoop to gossiping.

“If you do not have any questions of me, Cook, I will return to Beauville.”

“This gives me a good idea of what needs to be prepared, my lady. Thank you again for bringing this to me, and please thank your own cook for sharing.”

“I will do so. Good day.”

Dru left the kitchens and returned to the stables, claiming her horse.

She rode back the way she and Judson had come, seeing the Beauville workers in the distance as they toiled in the fields.

She wasn’t ready to see Perry yet. In fact, she did not know if she would come to Beauville tomorrow night.

Just because an invitation had been extended did not mean she must accept it.

After all, she had told him he would be the one who needed to reach out to her when he was ready to declare his love for her.

She wondered if he did love her. If he would be willing to tell her so. And if he could gather his strength and try to recover from the memories which tortured him. Dru was willing to meet him.

But only halfway.