be allowed to return to Cornwall with a proper living income.” He smiled softly. “There is a woman there I would like very much to make my wife, and I do not wish to leave her to go abroad – as respectable as the position might be. I can watch over the troops quartered by the seaside, but I have no wish to accept a position that would further remove me from Cornwall.”
The general stood quite frozen for a long moment, and then a smile softened his features again. “My good man, your words are as prudent and elegant as could be desired. In lieu of the higher commission, I will award you a pension through the Army that will make you even more agreeable to this young lady. It should be enough to sustain you while you keep an eye on our business at the seaside.”
“I thank you, sir,” Nigel said, bowing his head gratefully.
“I have seen something of your history, young man,” the general said, closing the folder. “I must say that it is unusual for one of your background to rise so far so fast. May I offer you some advice?”
“Of course,” he said.
“I would encourage you not to underestimate yourself,” the general continued. “It seems that you are intelligent and brave, as well as committed to a certain set of morals, and these things will take you far in life. People may see fit to look down their noses at your upbringing, but I would not be surprised if all of Cornwall is calling you Sir Nigel very soon indeed. Do not let your legendary humility sell you short.”
This concluded the interview, and Andrew walked out alongside Nigel to the carriage. Andrew seemed quieter than usual, and Nigel wondered at first if he was upset that the higher commission had not been accepted. When they climbed into the carriage, however, Andrew interrupted his reverie.
“It is interesting that you have expressed a desire to return to Cornwall after everything you shared this morning. Does it have anything to do with that letter you pretended not to read earlier?”
Nigel smiled. “It does. The situation has changed somewhat. I’m willing to risk love if the woman I care for will have me.”
Andrew nodded. “Then I would like to go through with an idea I had some time ago – to offer you a property in Cornwall. I have some land there that has been ill cared for in my absence, and I would continue to neglect it in the future if you did not take it off my hands.”
“You wish me to be the steward?” Nigel asked.
“No,” Andrew smiled. “No, I wish to gift it to you. I have already drawn up the paperwork – I need only finalise it with your signature and agreement, and you will be a proper English landowner with an income and a place in society. It will change your prospects. Perhaps it will even aid in this difficulty you are having with the lady.”
Nigel looked at his friend in astonishment. “It is too much, Major,” he said quietly. “You have given me so much, and it is far and above what I deserve.”
“I cannot agree,” Andrew said quickly, not meeting his gaze. “We are not even discussing the fair recompense for a life saved – and for that, I think the property would be a shallow price – but we are instead talking about what is owed within friendship. I have seen your mettle, and I believe you would do good things with the property.”
Nigel shook his head in silent amazement. “You have offered me the world,” he said quietly.
“Not yet,” Andrew hid a smile. “I may be mistaken, but if your words inside had any truth in them I believe ‘the world’ for you is waiting back at Lord Somerville’s estate. Let us ride there without delay.”
Chapter 32
Margaret waited for Guy Bateson to return from the village that day. She half hoped that Nigel would have read the letter, that he would be walking back by his father’s side, but the old man came back alone with his head bowed in silence. Margaret stole the first chance to slip out of the house and go to the gamekeeper’s cottage. Guy opened the door after the second knock.
“My lady,” he said, with the same careful deference he always used in her presence. “What can I do for you?”
She knew that her emotion was too near the surface, but she couldn’t hold back the