Secrets in Mourning by Janelle Daniels

me.”
    “Why is that?” He stopped, adjusting to lean against the fence, waiting for her explanation. She had noticed that trait before, and she couldn’t decide if it was unnerving or comforting. He gave her his full attention, seemed to take in everything. She knew he didn’t miss one flicker of movement, one ounce of feeling that she had. She wasn’t sure anyone had paid that much attention to her in her life.
    No one except her brother. He always seemed to know everything.
    Trying not to squirm, she looked off at the horizon. The Earl was every bit as observant as her brother was. She would need every ounce of will power to keep from giving away things she would rather he not know.
    “I’ve been told I have an unpleasant bedside manner,” she said wryly. A small quirk of her lips followed her words. Her brother had hated when she feigned nonchalance, but she didn’t care if it bothered the Earl.
    He stood there quiet, and she knew he was searching for more information, but she wouldn’t give any away. He didn’t need to know anything more about her. Didn’t need to know her weaknesses. When others knew them, they could be used as a weapon.
    “Well, let’s hope that it improves over time.” He began walking again, but at a slower pace, allowing her to walk beside him. A cart laden with offerings stayed a ways behind, providing them with privacy.
    “And why is that?”
    “Because this will be a weekly task for you.”
    “Weekly!” The thought of her enduring this for one afternoon was almost more than she could stand, let alone knowing it would be something she would have to endure every week for a year. It was unthinkable.
    A knot began to form in her stomach.
    “Yes, weekly. Who else will see to the task? You are in charge of taking care of the manor, and that includes the surrounding tenants and the village.”
    She saw the small smile he tried to hide and wanted to smack it off his smug face. He had seen though her mask and had realized how much she dreaded this.
    Why was he so intent on torturing her? What did he have against her? She tried to stay out of his way, tried not to come to him for anything more than was necessary.
    “I see. And will you be accompanying me every week?”
    He seemed to mull the question over, but she knew he was just baiting her. “I think not. After today, you should be able to continue on your own.”
    “How gracious of you.” There was no mistaking the malice there. It dripped from her words like acid.
    “There,” he said, pointing to a small cottage nestled between two budding trees. “That is the first cottage we shall visit. Her daughter is sick with a fever, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind a few extra loaves of bread.” He motioned to the cart following them to stop in front of the house.
    Gathering their offerings, Victoria was more than happy to follow behind him, allowing him to take the lead. She didn’t know what to say, how to approach the strangers and offer them food. It all seemed so awkward.
    She didn’t do much at the first location. The woman had been grateful, smiling at the Earl with gratitude as he asked after her daughter by name, listening with rapt attention as she explained what the doctor had said before handing her the loaves of bread.
    It had all seemed easy enough at the first cottage, and even the second when the same thing happened.
    With only a few stops left, Victoria was feeling more at ease. He didn’t expect her to speak, to ask after the tenants’ well being, only to stand by and smile. And that was something she could do.
    After all, that was all anyone had ever expected her to do in her life.
    “Here, I want you to take these to the last house,” the Earl said, handing her a loaf of bread and a jar of preserves.
    “Me?” Having relaxed, Victoria wasn’t prepared for the request, and was unable to school her voice. “You can’t be serious.”
    “I’m absolutely serious.”
    Her shoulders began to tense. “No.