the carriage that followed with Mr. Selleck, Tandy, and the scullery maid, Dalinda saw Harry staring in fear at Morrison, who had served as their driver from Laurelwood to Sheffield Park. He had climbed down from the coachman’s seat to confer with Rhys.
When they finished their brief conversation, she said, “Mr. Morrison, I would like you to meet my sons.”
Morrison smiled tentatively as Harry inched closer to her. Arthur stood without speaking.
“Boys, please introduce yourselves,” she said firmly.
Arthur recovered first, obviously trying to mask his repulsion. “I am Lord Arthur Baker. This is my brother, Lord Harry Baker.”
Morrison bowed to the boys. “I am Morrison and have served as head groom at Sheffield Park until now. Her Grace has asked me to help work with the soldiers who have been brought to the estate.”
Harry said, “A head groom?” ignoring what Morrison had mentioned after that. “Arthur and I adore horses. We get that after Mama.”
Morrison smiled. “Your mother is probably the finest rider I have seen. And Stormy? Not many men or women could handle such a spirted mount.”
“You know Stormy?” Arthur asked.
“I do.”
Morrison began talking about Stormy and then some of the horses at Sheffield Park. Dalinda stepped back and Rhys slipped an arm about her waist as they listened to the boys pepper the groom with questions.
“Their enthusiasm is unbridled when it comes to horses,” he noted.
“I had hoped Morrison would talk horses with them. I wanted them to see him as a knowledgeable man, not a damaged one.”
“I think it’s working. I saw at first they were a little unsettled by him but looking at them now, they are seeing past his physical appearance.”
Harry turned and said, “Mr. Morrison has two mounts we can use while we are here, Mama. Before we bring our ponies to Sheffield Park.”
“Morrison knows all about breeding horses,” Arthur added. “It’s something I’m interested in.”
Rhys nodded. “I have been thinking of adding to my stables here. I, too, was once a groom and worked with horses for many years. Perhaps starting a small breeding farm might be a good idea. We can discuss this after dinner tonight, Arthur.”
“You want . . . my opinion?” Arthur asked, bewildered.
“You are interested in horses. You said so yourself. What better way to contribute to the estate than by getting involved in an important aspect of it?” Rhys asked. “Of course, we will need to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the idea. You’ll also be going back to school in a few weeks so this may be something we talk about during the year at length before we act upon it. It will take much to get organized and take on such an enterprise.”
His words prompted Dalinda to say, “A new venture such as this might give some of the former soldiers a new outlet. Working with animals can be quite soothing.”
“Hmm. I hadn’t thought of it. It’s certainly worth considering. It will definitely take more manpower to run that type of operation.” Rhys paused. “Let’s go inside and let Arthur and Harry choose their own bedchambers.”
“We don’t have to share?” Arthur asked. “Mama always makes us share.”
He place a hand on Arthur’s shoulder. “I think you are of an age now where you value your privacy. Sheffield Park is large enough for you to take advantage of that. What do you think, Dalinda?”
She liked how Rhys had phrased things and said, “I think that is a decision you and the boys can arrive at.”
Harry whooped loudly and ran into the house. Arthur paused long enough to thank Rhys and then quickly followed his brother inside.
Rhys dropped a light kiss upon her lips. “Mrs. Marsh can direct you to the rooms designated for the countess. Mind you,” he said softly, “you will only sleep in there for propriety’s sake until after the wedding. Then I expect you to use the rooms only for dressing and bathing. I claim you nights, Your Grace.”
Butterflies fluttered in her belly as she thought of what last night had entailed. The fact that Rhys wanted her in his bed every night thrilled her. She and Gilford had their own separate chambers and he had visited her in hers. They had never spent an entire night together. Going to sleep and awakening in her new husband’s arms made her smile.
“I will look them over,” she said. “You may deal with Arthur and Harry fighting over which bedchamber will be theirs.”
She found Mrs. Marsh waiting for her in the foyer and accompanied