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P erry met with Rankin the entire morning and for the early part of the afternoon, receiving the current overview of his estate, as well as how things had progressed during his years away.

He felt blessed that Beauville had such an efficient steward.

Rankin explained which crops were currently grown by the tenants and why, as well as the rotation of those crops and how to get the most yield from the soil.

Perry was familiar with all the steward spoke about, having been involved with the estate for a year until he went off to war, but it was good to be refreshed on things.

“I had requested several times for Lord Martindale to consider raising livestock on a portion of Beauville,” Rankin explained.

“I recall that you were rebuffed each time,” he said, seeing the steward nod. “Give me your reasons why, and I will certainly consider doing so.”

The steward laid out a solid case, and Perry didn’t even need time to consider.

“I think your plan is solid. It will be an investment in Beauville’s future.”

That also meant an investment in his children’s future, which led him back to Lady Dru.

He had spent a good deal of time mulling over the young woman.

Yes, she was young, having yet to make her come-out, but she appeared quite sensible to him.

He wasn’t fool enough to offer for her right away.

Perry would bide his time during her visit with her sister.

See her whenever possible. Determine whether or not she would be a good fit for Beauville.

Of course, even if she agreed that they would suit, she might not be willing to give up a London Season.

From what he knew of Polite Society, a girl’s come-out year was the pinnacle of her life, attending parties and balls.

Even if Lady Dru wished to make her come-out, it didn’t mean she couldn’t do it as a betrothed woman.

Yes, the circumstances would be unusual, but he could see it occurring.

Thinking ahead, if she did accept his offer, would he then be required to go to town and escort her about as her fiancé, or could he let her have her bit of fun while he remained in the country?

He did not seek a love match. A marriage of convenience was the conventional choice of most couples.

Ladies received the name and protection of a husband and in turn, they provided an heir.

Husbands and wives usually led separate lives.

Would it be so unusual to begin this practice before a marriage took place?

Perry chastised himself, putting the cart before the horse.

He wasn’t even certain he wanted Lady Dru as his wife, much less whether she would have him.

He would let things play out between them and see if they had enough in common to agree to wed.

If not, he would return to his original plan and attend the Season next spring.

He did think she might look favorably upon a marriage with him because of the proximity she would have to her sister and cousin.

Watching the interaction between the three let him know they were close.

If the time came when he did offer for her, Perry would make certain to point out the advantage of Lady Dru having family in the area.

“We can pick up with this tomorrow, Rankin,” he said. “I am expected for tea at Lord Huntsberry’s soon.”

They arranged a time to meet again tomorrow, and he went to the stables to claim Zeus.

He saw no need to ready the carriage when Huntsworth was just the other side of Alderton.

He rode through the village and exited the other side, reveling in the freedom he now had.

For so long, the army had told him where to go and what to think, and he had parroted those orders to the men under him.

It was liberating to be able to come and go as he pleased.

He rode straight to the stables and handed his horse off to a groom before starting toward the house.

Though he planned to return to the front, he heard someone call his name and looked up, seeing Lady Dru waving to him from the terrace.

She wore a gown of pale yellow, which complimented her tawny hair.

Making his way to her, he found his pulse sped up. It shouldn’t surprise him. She was attractive, with flawless skin and those incredible amethyst eyes. She was taller than most women, her frame thin, with small breasts and an even smaller waist.

“I am glad I caught you before you made your way to the front of the house, my lord,” she said as he came up the stone steps. “We are having tea on the terrace this afternoon since the weather is so pleasant.”

“It is an excellent idea, Lady Dru,” he agreed. “I have never partaken of tea outdoors.”

“Would you like to have a seat? Lucy and Judson should be here shortly.”

“Thank you.”

He accompanied her to the table already set for tea and pulled out her chair, catching a whiff of orange blossoms wafting from her. Then he took hold of the chair next to her, but when he slid it back, he caught sight of a gray tabby sitting on it.

“Toby, what are you doing there?” she asked.

“It is all right,” Perry said, lifting the cat in his arms and seating himself, placing the cat in his lap. He stroked the silky fur.

His companion’s jaw dropped, and he asked, “Is something wrong, my lady?”

She didn’t speak for a moment, and then she burst out in a rich laugh which washed over him.

“Not at all, my lord. I am most astonished. Toby cannot abide anyone other than myself. The fact he is not hissing at you and scrambling away is nothing short of a miracle.”

He petted the cat, who looked quite content where he sat, the sun warming its coat.

“I have always liked animals. They are sensitive creatures. I used to play with the cats in our stables. I never had a pet, though. How long have you had Toby? He must be special to you if you brought him all the way from Somerset.”

Her eyes lit up. “Oh, I absolutely adore animals. Toby is two years old. He came from a litter of one of our cats in the stables.” She smiled fondly at the cat. “He was the runt. You would never guess so now.”

Lady Dru reached over and scratched the tabby between his ears. A blissful look appeared on its face, and a loud purr rumbled from the pet.

“I oftentimes like animals more than people,” she confided. “People can disappoint you. Animals never do.”

He wondered from her tone who in her life had let her down.

“If I had my way, I would have more than one cat, plus a few dogs. Not necessarily hunting dogs, though I do like ours. Just a couple to keep me company. I have a horse at home that is all my own, and I regularly exercise other horses in our stables.” The words kept pouring from her, and she told him of the goats and sheep she spent time with.

How she rescued injured birds and nursed them back to health and had helped mares in birthing their foals.

“Why, I have even taken a kit when their mother was killed, and fed them by hand until they were old enough and strong enough to be released back into the wild.” She shuddered. “Every time I hear of a fox hunt in our neighborhood, I pray it is not one of the four I raised who meets their fate.”

As she spoke, Lady Dru had grown more animated, which only made her more beautiful. Perry felt a strong attraction to her, idly wondering what it would be like to kiss her. He wondered if she had a childhood sweetheart who had already given her a kiss. The thought suddenly made him jealous.

“Good afternoon, my lord,” Lady Huntsberry said, approaching the table with her husband by her side.

Her cheeks were flushed, while the marquess wore a satisfied look. Perry guessed they had been coupling. The idea of making love to a woman in broad daylight shocked him, but then again, he had already decided this pair was a love match, as were Lord and Lady Aldridge. A thought struck him.

What if Lady Dru also sought a love match?

That was something he could never provide her.

While he wanted to like his wife and hoped they might have a few things in common, love would not be a factor in his decision to wed.

If these two marriages were the example Lady Dru sought for herself, he doubted they could ever come to an arrangement.

It was probably for the best. He was on the quiet side, always observing others.

He preferred books to people, and his nature was that of a loner.

Lady Dru sparkled. She was talkative and charming.

She would need a husband who could help her shine.

With his war experiences and the way they had affected him, Perry could never be that kind of husband.

For her sake, he decided to cast aside the idea of offering for her.

The more he was around her, the more he realized how opposite they were.

With her looks and vivaciousness, she would have no trouble finding a husband next spring.

He only hoped he could land a wife in a single Season and not have to repeat the process more than once.

If he could find his countess, one London Season would be more than enough for him.

His mind made up, Perry sat through the very pleasant tea, not saying much, simply enjoying the company of his neighbors. He hoped he would remain on friendly terms with them, as well as the Aldridges.

After an hour, their plates were empty, as were their teacups, and he knew it was time to depart.

“I cannot thank you enough for inviting me to Huntsworth today, my lady,” he told his hostess. “I will have to return the favor and have you come to Beauville.”

“We would be happy to visit you, Lord Martindale,” the marchioness said. “You really are someone special, you know.”

He felt the tips of his ears grow hot. “Why do you say that, my lady?”