A Lord for Olivia by June Calvin Page B

modification to the wager.”
    â€œSuch as?” She looked as wary as her brother had a few minutes ago.
    â€œIf only one of us can load the hay wain and have the load survive intact to the storage barn, the wager between your brother and myself is at an end, but you will agree to allow me to remain here for one year. I will work for you in various capacities on the farm, while you teach me as much as possible of what you know about estate management.” Edmund’s voice rang with enthusiasm.
    â€œYou surprise me, Lord Edmund. One would almost think you wish for that outcome.”
    Lavinia interrupted. “Indeed, when we talked earlier, and he was demanding the right to manage my land—”
    â€œHe what? ” Olivia drew back, astonished.
    â€œNever mind; I will explain later. At any rate, at that time he told me he would seek to learn how to manage my land from Jason’s estate agent.”
    â€œExactly so,” Edmund said. “And now I know that agent is you, Miss Ormhill.”
    Olivia felt her cheeks warm at this compliment, so rare from a man. “You do not scruple to apprentice yourself to a female? There are many around here who think it quiteimpossible, indeed, almost blasphemous, for a woman to manage an estate.”
    â€œI am a pragmatist, Miss Ormhill. I believe what my eyes tell me. As I rode about this morning I could see evidence of advanced agricultural practices, and have been told that you are the one who is responsible. I therefore conclude that I have much to learn from you.”
    Olivia’s mouth opened slightly and her eyes widened, showing a softness he had not seen in them since she had learned of the wager. “You are an unusual man, Lord Edmund.” Again she tapped her finger to her lips. “Very well, I will agree to that, on one condition: that Jason agrees to learn right alongside you.”
    â€œOh, no! If I win, you wed. If I lose, you don’t. That was our stake,” Jason responded.
    â€œI wish to modify it,” Olivia said. “If you lose, you learn.” Her expression became stern. “Accept that part of the bet or I’ll have none of it.”

Chapter Five
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    â€œN ow see here, Olivia,” Jason began, obviously intent on arguing over the stakes his sister proposed.
    â€œA word in private, Ormhill?” Edmund’s tone of voice reflected his several years as an officer in His Majesty’s service. He gestured Jason to follow him out onto the veranda.
    â€œYou’ve clearly decided to lose this bet and wiggle out of your obligation to me,” Jason groused as he followed Edmund.
    â€œNo such thing. How could I know she’d propose this wager, much less these terms? At least it gives you a chance to achieve your aims. Otherwise I may as well leave today.”
    â€œAnd if we lose the main wager, this side bet you have proposed will give you an excuse to remain here and become better acquainted with Olivia. Perhaps you will discover that you like one another very well!” Jason brightened at this thought.
    â€œIt seems unlikely,” Edmund said, “but possible.” In truth, he thought it impossible. Miss Ormhill’s raking him over the coals had made him disinclined to even attempt to win her over. Still, he didn’t like to upset the youngster further. “And even if that is not the outcome, you will be capable of managing your own lands.”
    â€œDon’t want to manage them,” Jason snarled. “Told you. Want to travel.”
    â€œIn that case I shall manage them for you, once I am able. Remember, if you lose, you will be free to travel.”
    Jason shook his head. “A wager can’t erase what Ipromised my father, whatever Livvy may think of the matter. I agreed only because it gave you a chance of marrying her.”
    â€œThen I wonder if it is a valid wager.” Edmund felt troubled about the situation. On the one hand he