said he should be firm with his servants but kind, a balance he hoped to achieve soon.
“In conclusion, I want to say how grateful I am to be your new earl. I want what is best for you and your families. I want Sheffield Park to blossom and shine. I know, with your help, that this estate will flourish. To thank you for being a part of my life, I would like to hold a country ball for us to come together and celebrate our new relationship.”
Cheers erupted. This, too, had been Dalinda’s idea and Rhys saw how well it was received. He doubted the former earl had ever thought to hold such an event. Suddenly, after feeling so adrift ever since he left the military, he thought that he was beginning to make his way and find new purpose in the life he had been given.
“When is the ball, my lord?” called a voice from the crowd.
He thought a moment, having no idea what entailed preparing for something such as this.
“Today is Friday. Shall we say a week from tomorrow?”
More cheers sounded. He glanced across a sea of happy faces and took pride in his people, coming together and uniting for the common purpose of making Sheffield Park and their own lives better.
“That is all,” he ended. “Good day to everyone.”
He turned, seeking out the person he most wanted to speak with. Dalinda stepped to him, her smile radiant.
“You spoke from your heart, Rhys. You are a natural leader. In time, you will learn of all your responsibilities and become an expert in them, as you were when you were in the army.”
He shrugged. “I merely parroted your words. Your ideas.”
She grinned, mischief in her eyes. “Well, we need never mention that to anyone.”
“Lord Sheffington!” a voice cried.
Turning, he saw none other than Eli Simpson making his way through the crowd.
“Eli? Eli!”
The two men met and Rhys threw his arms about his old friend, pounding him soundly on the back.
“What brings you here?” he asked.
A beaming Eli said, “Are you growing feeble in your old age, my lord? My, you are what–thirty years of age now? You sent for me. I was at my father’s house when your note came to him, asking of my whereabouts so he could forward your letter to me. It was a stroke of luck and an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
“What have you been doing since we last saw one another?”
“I did find work as an assistant steward two months after you left with your regiment and then was promoted to steward at the same estate half a dozen years later. The earl recently passed, leaving his son the title. While the son is a good man, his younger brother is a bad apple. The new earl thinks to help his brother improve in character and made him the estate’s new steward. I received a generous settlement and recommendation for vacating my position.”
“So, you are free to come work for me?” Rhys asked, not bothering to contain his excitement. “You will become my estate manager?”
“If you’ll have me, my lord,” Eli replied.
He thrust out his hand. “I would be delighted to hire you,” and the two men shook.
Rhys realized he hadn’t introduced his companions. “Eli, I want you to meet the friends who have been advising me. Her Grace, the Duchess of Gilford. Lord and Lady Torrington. Without them, I would have mucked things up something terrible.”
Eli greeted the three and Rhys suggested they return to the house.
“We can talk over luncheon. There is much to be said.”
Dez engaged Eli in conversation, bringing Anna along with them. Rhys offered Dalinda his arm and she tucked her hand through the crook.
“It is obvious how pleased you are to have Mr. Simpson in your fold,” she said as they strolled behind the others.
“Eli is the smartest man I ever knew. He will be a tremendous asset to Sheffield Park. All I need now are a butler and housekeeper.”
Though Dalinda had conducted interviews for those positions, she hadn’t been happy with any of the applicants and had told him they might have to reach out to an employment agency in London to find a suitable pair.
“That won’t be necessary,” she said. “Mr. and Mrs. Marsh will not be returning to Laurelwood. They are staying on at Sheffield Park.”
Rhys stopped in his tracks. “What? No, I cannot steal away your butler and housekeeper.”
“It has already been arranged,” she told him. “While the Marshes have enjoyed managing the