Page 6 of The Colonist’s Petition (Heirs & Heroes #2)
This was not the first time the earl insinuated that his son-in-law and current heir did not take his responsibilities seriously.
After seeing Miss Georgiana with trousers under her dress and covered with mud, he could not deny that there was something different about at least one of the earl's granddaughters.
Miss Lightwood motioned toward the pony cart. “If you would like, I can show you around our estate. Georgiana would do better, but I suspect it may be some time before she returns.”
“I would enjoy that immensely, Miss Lightwood.” This place felt almost like home. Farming was something Johnathan understood.
The earl helped Miss Lightwood back onto the cart.
Johnathan caught a glimpse of the wooden limb she used.
After a long discussion about the death of the earl's daughter and grandson, the prosthetic had been mentioned with strict instructions to ignore its existence unless Miss Lightwood required assistance or brought it up. In that, she was not unlike Johnathan’s father.
Though the wooden leg his father used was not as finely carved and much more obvious as it didn’t fit in a shoe or boot.
Walking alongside the cart, Johnathan reached up to pluck an apple from a tree and offered others to Miss Jane, Miss Lightwood and the earl. Crisp and sweet, the apple did not disappoint.
The trees were older than the ones on the family farm in Massachusetts, but well maintained. “I must commend you on these fine trees. I can see care has gone into the pruning and cultivation of them.”
Miss Jane looked up from her apple. “We have excellent orchard men. George helps where she can. Please do not judge her by how she looked?—”
He waited a moment for Miss Jane to complete her sentence before he realized that there would be no more. "My upbringing was on a farm, not as grand as this. I understand how four-legged creatures can create chaos. Your sister has no need to be embarrassed.”
The earl tossed the core of his apple near the base of a tree. “If it is not a burden, I would like to stay until after the harvest fair.”
Miss Lightwood urged the pony cart forward. “Father intends to return for the fair.”
The earl frowned. “I suppose it cannot be helped. He will realize what I intend to do by making Mr. Whittaker my heir sooner or later. May as well get it out in the open.”
“I do not understand how changing the succession is possible.” Miss Jane frowned and ate another dainty bite of her apple.
“It is not an easy process and not quickly accomplished. Parliament must vote on it before it can be taken to the king, who still may deny the application.” The earl’s explanation was much shorter than the one Johnathan received.
Johnathan suspected that the tedious process was partly to discourage the movement of titles over trivial disputes or revenge.
Wishing to turn the conversation away from his claims to the entailed earldom, Johnathan changed the subject. “Tell me about the harvest fair.”
“It is a celebration of our yield and a way for everyone in the area to socialize. There are games, contests, and, of course, storytelling,” Miss Lightwood explained, a twinkle in her eye.
“I like the storytelling the best,” said Jane. “Grandmother Grimes can spin any mundane task into a story. She always wins.”
Alex continued her description. “It ends with a dance hosted by the Godderidges. Everyone attends. The estate owners take on the role of servants for the evening. Although we still dance and participate.”
“If I remember, the Godderidge estate is to the east. We passed it on our way here?” Several fine horses grazed in a meadow. Johnathan missed having his own horse.
The earl looked over the farm with a wistful expression. “Yes, that is Leadon Hill. When my daughter was alive, Kellmore took turns hosting the fair. I would like to see that happen again.”
“Grandfather, it is not possible right now.” Miss Lightwood's voice sounded pained.
The earl patted his eldest granddaughter's arm. “I know, I apologize. You should not be trapped in my regrets.”
Miss Lightwood smiled back at him. “Thanks to you, none of us are trapped. No one could wish for a better grandfather.”
Before the moment grew awkward, Miss Lightwood turned to Johnathan. “You said you have apple trees. What else do you grow in Massachusetts?”
“Flax, corn, wheat. We have a large garden with various vegetables, squash, and potatoes. We keep cows, chickens, and, of course, pigs.” In his defense, Johnathan tried to hold the next comment in. “I do not think the latter would impress Miss Georgiana.”
“As long as they are in their pens, I am sure she would have no problems with them.” Miss Lightwood stopped the cart to watch the gathering of the grain.
Watching work, wearing the fine set of clothes the earl insisted he purchase, made his arms itch to be doing something useful. “I almost feel guilty for not joining them.”
“If you wish, George can take you out tomorrow. I know she would be glad for the company. She tried to talk me into joining her this morning, even though she knows it is not possible.” Miss Lightwood tapped her leg. “I assume Grandfather told you about Peggy the IV, my constant companion?”
“It has a name?” Johnathan stepped back. “Many pardons. I should not have spoken.”
To his surprise, all three of his companions laughed.
“Naming her Peggy was a way to talk about my situation without having to call it all the difficult things. I am glad Grandfather told you. Now you will not think I am excessively forward if I grab your arm, or make odd noises when Peggy claps.” Miss Lightwood's smile was as natural as when she spoke about the orchards.
“Most people in the ton refer to wooden legs as clappers.”
“I have never heard of a more fitting name. My father used a similar device all of my life. I never knew him to name it.” Father referred to his stump often enough, however that term was far from one used in proper conversation.
“Then you must not have met Jane's dog properly. Sir Galahad is as loyal as his name suggests,” said Miss Lightwood.
The dog, a smallish hound, he met on his arrival was left behind for their outing. A wise choice considering the pig escapee. “I am afraid I did not spend enough time with him to learn his temperament.”
As they continued their tour, Johnathan's mind wandered with the frequent mention of Miss Georgiana's name.
Despite her unconventional appearance earlier, he found himself admiring her dedication to the estate.
An esteem shared by the earl and her sisters.
Curious about the muddy whirlwind he encountered earlier, he wanted to know more.
“I would be interested to hear details about the everyday mechanisms of British farming. Perhaps Miss Georgiana would be willing to discuss them with me?”
Miss Jane muttered something that sounded curiously like, “If you can get her to stop talking is the problem.”
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