Page 61 of A Single Obsession
Eliza’s vulnerability pulled on Beau’s heartstrings, drawing his deepest sympathy. How well he knew that feeling of inadequacy. “I’m glad I could rescue you.”
“I’m glad I could rescue you back.”
Chapter 27
They rode on together in companionable silence until Eliza halted on the summit of a hill from which they could see most of the estate.
“Ridiculous, isn’t it?” Beau said, as he drew alongside her, spitting out his words in frustration as he looked around. “I know this land better than my own. Hardly surprising, of course, as I haven’t seen Langcroft Park since I was a boy. However, my mother has decreed that the situation is about to change. The tenants have been given notice and in June, I take possession.”
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it? The sooner you learn about your property and the people who depend on you, the better.”
“But how will I cope, Eliza?” he said, trying not to sound as desperate as he felt. “I’ve never even ridden over my lands as an adult. I’m ignorant about estate management and fear I’m not cut out for it.”
“How do you know if you’ve never tried? You should always assume you can do something until it’s proved otherwise. Besides, managing your estates well does not mean doing it all yourself. There is no shame in relying on a competent steward. Father says it’s wiser to focus on what we do best and find those we trust to do the rest.”
“And what do I do best? Sometimes I think I’m no good at anything.”
“Nonsense. God has blessed you with a rare talent for horses.”
Beau admired the confidence with which Eliza spoke and allowed her words to sink in. He’d never thought of his ability with animals as a gift from God before, and he rather liked the idea.
“We can’t pick what talents we’re given, but we can choose what we do with them. You should concentrate on what you’re good at—horses. You’ll have space to grow your stud at Langcroft Park, won’t you?”
He let out a loud huff. “In theory, yes, but I’ll only have the funds to do so if I marry.”
As Eliza’s face turned red with embarrassment, he realised what he’d said. He stammered out an apology. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that…I…”
She gave him a reassuring smile, though her cheeks still glowed. “It’s no matter. The terms of your inheritance aren’t a secret in the family. I know how hard it is for you.”
Pricked with guilt, he dropped his eyes, unable to meet her gaze. He didn’t deserve her compassion.
Beau knew he wasn’t being fair to her. He’d tried to draw back and stop the intimacy growing between them, but when the alternative was Miss Whitlow, it was no surprise he kept returning to Eliza’s side.
What would she think of him if she realised he still hoped to avoid matrimony? Would she be so understanding?
Desperate to escape from such uncomfortable thoughts, he steered the conversation into a different channel.
“This will all be your father’s one day, won’t it?” he said, surveying the landscape.
“I don’t suppose he’ll want it.”
Beau blinked in surprise. “He won’t?”
“Father doesn’t put much store on worldly wealth. He says money does not make you happy and we should be more interested in storing up treasures in heaven than on earth.”
“I’m no good at either,” Beau muttered.
Eliza acted as though she hadn’t heard him. “Father’s content being a rector. I don’t think he wants the responsibility of the earldom and all this. He never expected to succeed, being the younger son.”
Beau nodded. “Ant would understand. He doesn’t want to inherit. As long as his funds don’t run out, he’s perfectly happy being the carefree younger brother. And now Castleford is married to Georgie, he no longer needs to fear his duties falling on him.”
“Unless they have no sons,” Eliza said in a small voice.
He let out a bark of laughter. “What are the chances of that? They’ll have a nursery full of little brats before we know it and some of them have got to be boys.”
“Yes, of course.”
Beau’s eyes flew to her face. He’d heard those clipped tones before, and instinct told him something was wrong. Her pinched expression confirmed it.
