Richard thought for a moment. He’d never really taken the time to think about John Burnham, other than the fact that he was now the head of Maycliffe’s largest tenant farm. He liked what he knew of him, but their paths did not often cross, nor would anyone expect them to.

“He is a serious fellow,” Richard finally replied. “He’s done well for himself. Finished school, even, thanks to my father.”

“Your father?” Iris echoed, with some surprise.

“He paid the fees. He took a liking to him. Said he was very intelligent. My father always valued that.”

“It is a good thing to value.”

“Indeed.” It was, after all, one of the many reasons he valued her. But this was not the time to say so, so he added, “John probably could have gone off and read law or something of the sort if he hadn’t returned to Mill Farm.”

“From a farmer to a barrister?” Iris asked. “Really?”

Richard gave a shrug. “No reason why it can’t be done. Assuming one wanted to.”

Iris was silent for a moment, then asked, “Is Mr. Burnham married?”

He gave her a quizzical look before returning his attention to the road. “Why such interest?”

“I need to know these things,” she reminded him. She shifted a little in her seat. “And I was curious. I’m always curious about people. Perhaps he had to return home to support his family. Perhaps that is why he was not able to study law.”

“I don’t know if he did want to study law. I merely said he was intelligent enough to do so. And no, he’s not married. But he does have a family to support. He would not turn his back on his mother and siblings.”

Iris laid her hand on his arm. “He is much like you, then.”

Richard swallowed uncomfortably.

“You take such good care of your sisters,” she continued.

“You have yet even to meet them,” he reminded her.

She gave a little shrug. “I can tell that you are a devoted brother. And guardian.”

Richard briefly settled the reins in one hand, relieved that he could point ahead and change the subject. “It’s just around the corner.”

“Mill Farm?”

He looked over at her. There had been something in her voice. “Are you nervous?”

“A bit, yes,” she admitted.

“Don’t be. You are the mistress of Maycliffe.”

She let out a little snort. “That is precisely why I feel nervous.”

Richard started to say something, then just shook his head. Didn’t she realize that the Burnhams were the ones who would be nervous to meet her?

“Oh!” Iris exclaimed. “It’s much bigger than I expected.”