A soft breezed fluttered the curtains and a warm shaft of sunlight found its way through the window. Jarrod blinked his eyes open at the sudden whinny of a horse and glanced over at the clock on the bedside table. He must've been more tired than he thought, he told himself when he saw it was well past 10 o'clock, even though he should have realized that after falling asleep in the tub the night before. He ran a hand over his face and felt the stubble from not having to taken the time to shave the previous day. Having business interests across five states was good for the family, but it could be wearing to give them the more personal touch that was sometimes required. Jarrod was looking forward to staying home for the next little while.

He dressed in some casual clothes, thankfully clean, grabbed his shaving gear and headed to the bathing room. He didn't rush, happy of the plentiful hot water and the chance to take his time. He appreciated the smoothness as he ran his hand over his face and splashed on a little aftershave before returning his things to his room. He then went out in search of breakfast.

As he turned the corner, he almost collided with a large armload of sheets.

"Oh, Mr. Jarrod, I'm so sorry!" the young woman exclaimed.

Jarrod gave her a dashing smile. "No need, Elsie," he assured the maid who'd only been working for them a short time. "I wasn't watching where I was going." He noticed a faint flush grow on her cheeks and thought it made the already pretty young woman even prettier.

Her gaze went down to the tops of her shoes. "I was just gathering the laundry but I can come back to do your room later."

Jarrod shook his head. "I was just going to look for some breakfast. You're welcome to do it now if you'd like."

"I'll be quick," she promised and as Jarrod walked down the hall, he turned to watch her go into his room. Elsie really was quite lovely, he thought. It was too bad she worked for the family or he might have asked her out, but there was certainly no harm in looking.

Jarrod went down the back stairs to the kitchen and found Silas and Annie, his kitchen helper, putting away the last of the breakfast dishes.

"Morning, Silas, Annie," he said. The black man and middle-aged woman turned and greeted him as well.

"There's some sausage and eggs in the warmer, Mr. Jarrod," Silas told him, "and fresh rolls in the breadbox. Just put on a new pot of coffee too. We're about done here, so feel free to use the table."

"You are a lifesaver, Silas." Jarrod picked up a towel to grab the plate out of the warming drawer of the stove before helping himself to a steaming cup of coffee. He settled himself down to breakfast as Silas took Annie into the pantry to discuss the rest of the day's menu.

"Good morning, Mother," he said as Victoria came into the kitchen.

"I suppose it is still," she answered with a smile. Jarrod just chuckled. "Long trip?" she asked as she sat beside him.

"Very. Fourteen hours in the saddle is not my idea of a good time, but I was able get home last night." He took a sip of his coffee. "But I plan to stay put for a while, enjoy some good food, good coffee and catch up on my paperwork."

"The McNeils are having a party tonight." Victoria smiled as Jarrod shook his head. "Shannon McNeil is very charming."

"Yes," Jarrod agreed with a grin, "as long as one finds the latest gossip and fashions interesting and is willing to put up with her not very subtle hints of how much more successful a man could be with the proper wife." Jarrod kissed Victoria on the cheek before taking his plate to the sink. "I think I'll pass. Give Mrs. McNeil my regrets."

"I will, dear." As Jarrod left the kitchen, he held in a laugh when he heard behind him, "Although the right woman did help your father a great deal."

.

.

Elsie closed the book after she read the last page. She turned the volume over in her hands as she debated starting another. Why not, she told herself. There wasn't a lot to do that evening. It was a warm night so she didn't have to rush to bring in the linens; she could sprinkle and iron them in the morning. The family was out at their neighbours' party and with Mr. Silas creating something new in the kitchen, there was no way she was going to disturb him. Mind made up, Elsie stole quietly out of her room and headed to the library. The big oak doors were open and she was halfway across the room when she heard, "A quiet evening tonight?"

Elsie jumped and whirled to see the eldest Barkley son sitting behind his desk. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone and his sleeves were pushed up almost to his elbows. She stopped her mind from remembering what was beneath the rest of that shirt as she tried to regain her composure and said, "Mr. Jarrod, you startled me!"

He put down his pencil and his smile made her knees weak. "I'm sorry, Elsie, that wasn't my intention. What are you doing in the library so late?"

Elsie looked down at the book in her hands, suddenly worried about his reaction. "I was just returning this," she answered hesitantly. "Mrs. Barkley said it would be okay to borrow some of the books as long as I made sure to put them back…"

"Of course it's all right," Jarrod reassured her and she made the mistake of looking into his eyes as he got up from the desk. Elsie was trapped by their brilliance and as she tore her gaze away, hoped he wouldn't notice. "What were you reading?" He took the book out of her unresisting hands. "Much Ado About Nothing. I always preferred King Lear, myself."

"Lear is just so bleak," Elsie insisted. "It's compelling, but I prefer the Bard's comedies and satire."

Jarrod chuckled and handed the book back. "Well, feel free to borrow whatever you want."

A shiver went up Elsie's arm as Jarrod's hand accidentally brushed hers. "Thank you," she replied shyly. She made herself move away to the bookcase at the other side of the room. Standing on her tiptoes, she attempted to slide the book back into its place amongst the other volumes of Shakespeare and her heart stopped when she felt the hand on hers as Jarrod came up behind her to help. She turned and gave him a quiet smile of appreciation. He was just so handsome…

"Need help getting anything down?" he asked and the smile combined with his sultry baritone sent a shiver up her spine.

"Uh, no," she stuttered and picked the nearest volume without looking at it. "I was looking for this."

Jarrod raised an eyebrow when he saw the book. "I hope you enjoy it."

"I'm sure I will. Good night, Mr. Jarrod." Elsie made a quick exit before she did something to embarrass herself. Then she read the title, The Young Man's Guide by William Alcott, and groaned as she realized it was already too late.