THE FOREST LORD By Susan Krinard

Her dislike of Miss Waterson came from her reluctance to give Donal into a stranger’s care. It was irrational and unfair, this fierce maternal jealousy. Miss Waterson must at least be given a chance.

An awkward silence fell as they waited for Armstrong and Donal. But when the footman returned, he came alone.

“Where is Master Donal?” Claudia asked.

“Begging your pardon, your ladyship, but he wouldn’t come.”

Claudia exchanged glances with Miss Waterson. “You see how much he requires discipline. Is he still at the stables, Armstrong?”

“Yes, your ladyship.”

“Then we shall fetch him ourselves.”

“I will,” Eden offered, hoping to steal a few moments alone with Donal. She rose and hastened for the stables.

Donal was there, with Hartley. They were not doing anything in particular; in fact, they seemed to be waiting. Hartley watched her come with die wary reserve he had shown since the first ride into Birkdale. She gave him a stiff nod.

“Donal,” she said, “Armstrong came to fetch you because you are wanted in the house.” She held out her hand. “Come.”

Donal folded his hands behind his back and shook his head.

Eden glanced at Hartley, feeling the heat of a flush creep up her neck. “You may return to the stables later; but now there is someone I want you to meet.”

“A governess.”

Hartley’s voice had the same effect on her it always did, though at the moment it was heavy with what she could only assume was disapproval. He must have questioned Armstrong, although why he should take a personal interest in Donal’s governess perplexed her. Men of his station did not have governesses and so could not very well develop a dislike of them.

She shook off the conflicting sensations of annoyance and attraction and wrapped herself in her dignity. “Donal, a lady has come all the way from London just for you. She’ll teach you many interesting things.” The words caught, as if on a lie. “You must come in now.”

“I don’t want her,” Donal said firmly. “I want you and Hartley.”

The flush had reached Eden’s cheeks. “Hartley may be your friend, but he cannot take care of you.”

“You can,” Hartley said.

“I’ll thank you not to judge what is best for my family, Mr. Shaw,” she said. And this has gone quite far enough. “Donal, you must do as I ask.” She grasped his hand and firmly pulled him toward the house.

His compact body was full of resistance, but he came. He looked back at Hartley in appeal. The man had enough good sense not to follow.

Donal’s steps dragged more and more as they approached the sitting room. He came to a full stop in the doorway, his lower lip thrust out.

“I won’t like her,” he said.

“Oh, Donal.” She knelt beside him. “How can you know that, when you haven’t even met her yet?”

He looked into her eyes. “I know.”

“Did Hartley say something about her, Donal?”

“Ah, there you are.” Claudia joined them, and Donal wedged himself behind Eden’s skirts. “Come, child,” she said with a kind smile. “There is no reason to be afraid.”

Eden wanted nothing more than to turn around and take Donal in the opposite direction. Instead, she put her arm around his shoulder and guided him into the room. Miss Waterson stood up.

“And here is Master Donal,” Claudia announced.

Donal froze. “No,” he said clearly.

Claudia sighed. “Eden, my dear, I think it would be best if you retired. I fear that Donal will only be more upset if you remain.”

Eden could see that her presence complicated an already difficult situation, and that her newly awakened maternal impulses were a definite disadvantage. “Donal,” she said gently, “I must step out for a little while. I know that you will make Miss Waterson feel welcome.”

He stared at her, wide-eyed, until Claudia imposed herself between them. Eden walked out of the room and the house, telling herself that this was for the best. Donal needed to learn to trust adults other than Hartley and his mother. But oh, why did this parting hurt them both so much?

A few steps beyond the garden doors she ran into something solid and warm. The shock of his touch told her who it was even before she looked up into Hartley Shaw’s face.

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