After breakfast the following morning, the Duke sent for Mr. Hunter who, as Mr. Watson had reminded him, was in charge of all the buildings on the estate.
He was a countryman who had served his father and, as the Duke well knew, had a deep affection for Mortlyn and its estate.
He was an excellent rider and the Duke trusted him to exercise some of his most valuable horses when he would not trust anyone else except for his Chief Groom.
Mr. Hunter came respectfully into the library where the Duke was reading the morning newspapers.
“Good morning, Hunter.”
“Good morning, Your Grace.”
“I have decided today,” the Duke said, “to inspect what cottages may be available in the village for Miss Linton.”
There was an apprehensive look in Mr. Hunter’s eyes, which puzzled him, but he went on,
“T
