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P erry appreciated Lord Huntsberry stopping by to check on him and the Beauville harvest. The marquess even tossed off his coat and rolled up his sleeves, helping out for several hours.

Although they worked side by side, he refrained from mentioning Dru, not wanting to involve Huntsberry in his problems.

When Rankin called a halt to work and men began moving to the tables set with food and drink, Huntsberry said, “It is time for me to return home. My own steward will be wondering what happened to me.”

“Was yours a productive harvest, my lord?” he asked.

“Very much so. I am pleased with Wayling. This is the first estate he has been in charge of, after spending many years under his father’s tutelage. I could not ask for a better, more creative steward.”

“Rankin mentioned how he is impressed with Wayling, as well. I believe they will become fast friends and consult one another when they run into problems or seek an opinion different from their own.” He paused.

“I am beginning your tradition of feasting and dancing tomorrow evening. I would be most appreciative if you and Lady Huntsberry might join in our celebration. Lady Dru, as well,” he added, wanting the invitation extended but doubting she would accept it.

“I must check with my wife to see if we are available,” the marquess said.

“I gave her strict orders to remain in bed and rest this morning since we were up so late last night. Since she is with child, I do not want her to overtax herself.” He paused.

“As far as my sister-in-law is concerned, I will pass along your invitation. She actually is at Beauville today.”

His heart slammed against his ribs. “Did she come to speak with my cook?”

“Yes. We rode over together. She will be long gone by now.”

That had to be the case because Huntsberry had been here all morning. Still, he regretted not seeing her, which was absurd. She had made her wishes clear to him last night. That she had no interest in seeing him.

Unless he came to see her—with a declaration of love.

How could he do so, knowing what he did about himself?

He might look the picture of health to any outsider, but he was emotionally scarred.

Dru deserved much better than he could ever give her.

Yet the thought of her belonging to another man caused anger to bubble within him.

How could he attend next Season and see her blithely dancing the night away in another man’s arms?

Or hear word of her betrothal? It had been hard enough overhearing that Mr. Hollis had kissed her.

That image had been one which had danced in his head all night, preventing him from sleep, as had Dru’s ultimatum to him.

Collecting himself, he said, “I hope to see you and Lady Huntsberry, my lord. Lady Dru, as well.”

The marquess gazed intently at him. “You know she has given no other leave to call her by that name. Not even Mr. Hollis.”

It was true. From the beginning, he had felt a strong connection to her, and she had asked him to address her more informally as Lady Dru instead of Drusilla.

“We are friendly, my lord. Or should I say I hope that we are friends.”

“Friends who kiss?”

Perry was taken aback and sputtered, “What did you say?”

“You heard me, Martindale. I know the two of you have kissed. That Dru has deep feelings for you.” Huntsberry paused. “And that you have yet to share your feelings with her.”

Thankful that the other workers around them had already retreated to eat and no one heard their conversation, he said, “I am a bit surprised Lady Dru shared this information with you.”

“She is on the verge of a broken heart, Martindale,” the marquess chided.

“Either tell her how you feel—or let her go. No more of being wishy-washy. That is simply spineless. Either be a man and tell her the depth of your feelings, or let her know she is free to seek the company of other gentlemen. You cannot play with her affections any longer.” Huntsberry paused. “Or you will deal with me.”

He swallowed. “I do love her, you know,” he confided.

“I think I did from the first time we spoke. She is unlike any other woman. Unique. Vivacious. Spirited.” He frowned.

“But it is wrong of me to wish to pursue her. There is... something wrong with me, my lord. I returned from the war not quite myself. Some call it blue-deviled. Others refer to it as used-up or worn-out.”

Huntsberry eyed him with sympathy. “I have heard of this. How does it affect you?”

“Not as badly as it does other fellows, thank goodness,” he shared.

“Sometimes, those bothered drink far too much, or they behave recklessly. My only problem is with sleep. I have a hard time falling asleep and when I do, I am plagued by terrible nightmares. Each night, it is as if I am at war again, reliving the worse parts of every battle I fought in. I awaken frightened. Covered in sweat. Crying. Screaming.” He shook his head.

“How could I push my problems upon Lady Dru? She deserves far better.”

“What my sister-in-law deserves is an honorable man. From everything I have seen, you are one, Martindale. Dru needs someone who is kind. Someone who would be respectful toward her. Who would honor her and the marriage. Most importantly, she warrants a man who will love her unconditionally. She is not a woman who loves indiscriminately, my lord. She is a remarkable woman—and she would make you a better man.”

“But I—”

“Yes, you have problems. They seem unsurmountable to you now, but I have learned that sharing a burden, especially with someone you love, is a way to lighten that burden. A marriage is never evenly divided. At any given time, one spouse gives more than the other. I believe Dru could help you conquer your demons, Martindale. And once she has helped you, I know that you would be the best husband possible to her.” Huntsberry sighed.

“But it is up to you. Not me. You must believe enough in yourself and Dru, as well. If you do, I think you both would be very happy together.”

Perry’s mind raced with what the marquess had said.

“Dru confided in me,” the marquess continued. “Lucy knows none of this. We should keep this between ourselves. I only hope you will do the right thing and tell her that you love her. Give her the power to decide her future. And yours.”

He swallowed hard. “I will take your words under consideration, my lord.”

“I do not offer them lightly. I only know that I did not believe myself good enough for Lucy. That I would dim her light. Instead, she has taught me how to shine beside her.”

Tears stung his eyes. “Thank you for being frank with me.”

“No matter the outcome, I offer you my friendship, Martindale. I only hope that you will come to the conclusion that your future would be better with Dru in it than without. Good day.”

Lord Huntsberry left him, rolling his sleeves down as he walked away, retrieving his coat. He even accepted a tankard of cider from a farmer’s wife and downed it in one, long gulp, causing those nearby to cheer.

The marquess’ final words stayed with Perry.

Would his future be better with Dru?

*

Perry left the house, going down to where the tables were being set up.

Cook barked orders at various maids and footmen, telling them where things should be placed, and then she rearranged several.

Foster and Mrs. Foster were also bustling about, instructing where tables and chairs should be placed.

He gazed about, satisfied with the productive harvest and how hardworking his tenants had been.

Rankin had gone over the early numbers with Perry, declaring this to be a record harvest at Beauville.

Pride swelled within him as he thought back to where he was this time last year.

While he had given his all to the army and would have laid down his life for his men, being back at Beauville was infinitely better than being on the battlefield.

The nightmares had come again last night, as usual, but this time, Perry seemed to fight them. When he awoke, he was not nearly as depleted as he normally was. In fact, he had fallen asleep quickly again and slept until past dawn, which was unusual for him.

He had spent several hours in his study today, thinking on Lord Huntsberry’s words. Anyone could see how happy the marquess was with his marchioness. It was something Perry wanted for himself.

With Dru.

Despite his many misgivings about bringing her fully into his life—and into his bed—he knew his life would be bleak without her in it. Because he had finally admitted this to himself, he was ready to ride to Huntsworth tonight if she did not arrive as a guest.

Lord and Lady Aldridge made an appearance, minus Penelope this time. For a moment, that brought Perry a moment of sadness, which surprised him. He had enjoyed holding the babe, which had made him eager for ones of his own. He let the couple know how much he appreciated them coming tonight.

Lady Aldridge thanked him for the invitation saying, “As you see, my lord, we have no babe with us tonight. My husband will need to dance at least thrice with me.” Her eyes gleamed with mischief.

For his part, Lord Aldridge took his wife’s hand and kissed it. “You know I adore dancing with you, love. We will dance as many numbers as you wish this evening—and then dance a bit more at home.”

Perry had a good idea just what kind of dancing would occur once the couple returned to Aldridge Manor.

Lord Tilsbury and Mr. Hollis arrived next, and he was thrilled his friend had come.

Perry also greeted Mr. Hollis graciously, knowing he would one day take his uncle’s place.

He wanted to shout to Hollis that Dru would never be his, but he kept his head and behaved graciously, knowing they would be neighbors for years to come, hoping they would enjoy a friendly relationship.