“It was an arranged marriage,” Gregor revealed. “Duke Ellington had just died, his title and land passing to Tatum, his son. Tatum wanted a strong alliance. I’d been friends with Duke Ellington, and I knew the sort of man Tatum was. I wrote to him, offering my condolences on the death of his father and mentioning the possibility of a match between him and my only daughter, Brianna. He agreed to the contract terms, and Brianna traveled to Ellington to wed him. At first, their relationship was rocky. Your mother is an extremely strong-willed woman. However, they quickly realized they had a lot in common and became friends. It didn’t take them long to fall in love.”

“Was,” Constance stated, staring down at her tea. “She was a strong-willed woman.”

“I’m…” Reid searched for the right words. “I’m sorry she died delivering me.”

“It’s not your fault,” Constance whispered. “I should see about supper and your accommodations for the night.” She set her tea down, then left the room once again.

Maybe Reid shouldn’t have said anything about her mother. The subject was probably too painful for her grandmother to discuss.

Gregor cleared his throat. “There’s a lake out back. If you want, you two can take a walk around it. Supper won’t be ready for another hour or so.”

“That’s an excellent idea.” Dexter stood. “Lady Reid?”

She joined him, allowing him to escort her through the front door of the manor. They walked around the side of the property, gravel crunching under their shoes.

Reid finally broke the silence. “Do you know how my grandfather injured his legs?”

“Duke Axian has been like that for as long as I can remember.” As they traversed the narrow pathway leading to the lake, Dexter kept his hands clasped behind his back.

Trees towered on either side, leaves swaying in the wind.

“It’s beautiful here,” Reid commented. “Everything is so green and vibrant.”

“Isn’t it like this in Ellington?”

“No, it’s not.” When she took him to Ellington to visit, he would see for himself.

They came to the edge of the lake, the water calm and shimmering under the setting sun. To the left, a dock extended above the water. Reid headed that way, Dexter following. After pulling off her boots and socks, she settled on the end of the dock, rolled up her pants, and stuck her bare feet into the refreshing water.

Dexter sat next to her.

“You’re not going to put your feet in the water?”

He scanned the area. “I’d prefer to keep my boots on.”

“Is there something I should be aware of?” An unseen threat, maybe?

“No. If one of my men needs me, I like to be prepared.”

She eyed him. “Don’t want to be caught slacking on the job?”

He shrugged. “Technically, I’m not working. Still, it’s hard to relax.”