The Reformer by Breanna Hayse Read Free Book Online Page A

farmers and families, handed baskets of homemade bread, fruits and vegetables, and other small gifts. The tenants of Yarlshire adored their landowner. Their needs were never neglected, and they were frequently rewarded for timely payments with various gifts and values of grace, and they were forgiven any penalties for a late or partial payment. The Earl made it clear that he was not there to increase his wealth off of his people but to allow them to achieve comfort under his tenancy. His selfless honesty had earned him, and subsequently his family, a place at every table in his rule.
    They paused by one home on their return, seeing the farmer on the ground, struggling with the birthing of a calf. Quickly, the two lords jumped from their horses, rolled up their sleeves, and went to work bringing forth a healthy calf from its mother’s exhausted womb.
    “My Lordships, how can I ever thank you? She is my only milk cow, and she’s been trying to push this sweet thing from her through the night.”
    “It is our honor, sir, to be able to help you,” Ryan said with a charming smile, rinsing the blood from his hands. “How are you fairing with the drought?”
    “I do well as of late, Lord Ryan. We have little here that requires watering beyond the animals and the garden. But I do thank you for your concern.” The man looked pleased that the earl’s son showed concern for the well-being of his tiny farm. “Please come inside and allow my wife to serve you tea. I would be most honored,” the farmer asked, bowing his head respectfully.
    Gerard pounded him on the back, “No, friend, we are the ones who would be honored, and very grateful. We are quite thirsty from riding the land this morning.”
    “What a comfortable home you have,” Gerard commented graciously as he accepted a cup of tea. “Thank you, Mistress,” he said, seating himself after she did.
    “Thank you, My Lord. We have never had His Lordship in our home before,” the older woman bobbed, face flush from excitement.
    “Please forgive my bluntness, but is this your handiwork? My wife is quite fond of fine embroidery,” Gerard said, noting the table coverings and napkins.
    “Yes, My Lord. I also sew dolls for the little ones. Perhaps you have any little girls?”
    Gerard eyed Ryan and winked, “We do. Three of them.”
    “Father, I don’t—”
    “Hush, my boy. The girls will love them. Do you have that amount, madam, that I might purchase from you?”
    “Oh, yes, sir! However, I wish to gift you for assisting my husband with the cow.”
    “Nonsense, woman. We did what was neighborly. This purchase is business. No, madam, I will not have any argument about it. Mind your Lord,” Gerard said in his firmest voice. Ryan chuckled inwardly, wondering what his father was up to. After purchasing three beautiful dolls, each dressed in delicate muslin gowns complete with frilly bloomers and caps, the Lords Remington were once again on their way back home.
    “Dolls, Father? I must say, this is quite unlike you. I am not planning on conceiving a child…”
    “Don’t be a nit, son. This one,” he said as he held up a red-haired beauty with green eyes, a cleft in the chin, and wearing a green gown trimmed in cream lace, “is for your mother. Women are never too old or too distinguished to receive a gentle gift such as this. Remember that.”
    Ryan laughed, “When I get myself a wife, I with lavish her with dolls if that is what makes her happy. It is certainly less pricey than jewels.”
    “Smart lad. This one,” Gerard continued as he held up a blond doll with blue eyes and a white frock speckled with embroidered cornflowers, “is for little Aryanna. Trust me, she will prize it because it is from you.”
    “But you—”
    “You will give it to her when you sense the time is right. A gift from a reformer is a treasured thing. And this one,” he said, showing Ryan a brown-haired, sweet-cheeked cherub, “is for my next project.”
    “I fear Mother is