Vanya rose to her feet. “Yes, Anton?”
“A message has arrived for Lord Huntley.”
A tingle of excitement raced down his spine as he crossed the parquet floor. It had to be from Leonida. Who else would write to him in St. Petersburg?
Had she at last come to her senses?
“Thank you,” he murmured, plucking the folded parchment from the tray.
The servant backed from the room, leaving Stefan standing in the middle of the floor, his excitement fading as he recognized the writing scrawled across the paper.
“Is it from Leonida?” Vanya asked.
“No.” He broke the wax seal. “It is from Edmond.”
Vanya offered a small curtsy. “Then I will leave you to enjoy your letter in private.”
“Do not bother. Edmond can barely be forced to sit long enough to sharpen a quill. I will be shocked if he managed to scribble more than a few words.” Unfolding the parchment, Stefan discovered that his brother had actually managed a half page. Of course, deciphering the illegible writing took a considerable effort. Several moments passed before he abruptly crumpled the letter and tossed it aside. “Damn.”
Vanya hurried to his side, her face pale with concern. “Is it Brianna?”
“No, it is my steward,” he swiftly assured the older woman. “He was clearing the north field and a tree fell on him.”
Her concern remained although it was obvious she was relieved to know that Brianna was safe.
“Was he hurt?”
“Both legs were broken, but Edmond claims the doctor has assured him that Riddle will make a full recovery.”
“Thank God.”
“Yes, he was very fortunate.” Stefan was deeply relieved that the injuries had not been worse. Riddle had been his steward since the death of his father and his dedication to Stefan had ensured that Meadowland had thrived beneath his care. He would be impossible to replace, both as his steward and one of his dearest friends. “Still, he will be laid up for several weeks, if not months.”
“Can I be of assistance?” Vanya broke into his though
ts.
“I fear not.” He squared his shoulders. “I must return to Meadowland.”
“Of course. Do you wish a carriage?”
Stefan shook his head. “No, I must travel by ship, it will be far quicker. I will send Boris to the docks to check the schedules.”
“How soon do you intend to leave?”
Duty demanded that he leave immediately. Without Riddle there was no one to oversee the tenants or take charge of the inevitable problems that plagued such a large estate. Edmond could not be expected to devote every day to Meadowland when he had his own estate and family to care for.
His jaws clenched. Duty be damned.
He would return to Meadowland. But not until he had Leonida on the ship with him.
“As soon as I have completed my unfinished business.”
Barely aware he was moving, he had nearly reached the door when Vanya’s voice brought him to a halt.
“Stefan.”
He glanced impatiently over his shoulder. “Yes?”