Simon and I head into the village for the fair. Everyone has smiles and been rather nice to both Simon and I. We stand in front of a pen full of rather fat pigs.

I look to the man next to me. "And what is the prize for the winner?"

"Why, slaughter, of course," the man tells me.

I smile at everyone around the pen. "As the Duke has granted me the honor of opening our village fair with this contest, it is after careful consideration that I have decided that the rather rotund pig with the very coily tail shall be the winner."

People start to clap for the winner. An older man steps towards Simon and I. He bows. "Thank you, Your Graces."

I smile at him. "Your pig was the obvious choice. The fattest of the bunch."

The man smiles. "Thank you again."

Simon smiles at me as we continue through the fair. "You handled that rather well. I thought for a moment you might pick all three."

I shake my head. "You know I am aware that slaughter means providing pork for Clyvedon for the year." Simon looks slightly impressed. "It is not my first encounter outside of London. I do have some brains in my head."

Simon and I taste some of the pies made by the villagers. I smile.

"We must order some for Clyvedon."

The woman smiles at me.

A man with a wicker top hat steps up to Simon and I. "Does your patronage extend beyond pies, Your Grace? The harvests on the farm have been poor, and with the rents being tripled, we are struggling to put food on the table."

"The rents tripled?" Simon questions. "My steward did not inform me."

"He hasn't shown his face since your father passed, God rest His Grace's soul," the man informs us. "He always gave his tenants

what they needed, unlike some."

"Then it is a good thing indeed that we are back at Clyvedon," I tell the man. "I am sure we can find a solution to these difficulties, and I thank you for bringing them to our attention."

The man tips his hat at me. "Your Grace."

Simon and I come across a crying child. She seems rather upset as I pick her up in my arms. "Oh, there, there, there, child. No need to cry. All is well." The child settles slightly. "My! You have a strong set of lungs. They shall hear you all the way in London."

"If not all the way to France," a heavily pregnant woman tells me. I assume she is the girl's mother and that she has just realized who Simon and I are. "Oh, my goodness. I must apologize, Your Grace. Little Ada has just discovered her own voice and likes to use it as often and loudly as she can. Oh, um..."

The woman struggles to curtsy and I stop her. "Oh, please, stand. You should not be stooping in your condition." I turn to little Ada and smile before placing her down. "Well, it was lovely to make your acquaintance. Ada."

The woman laughs lightly. "Oh! Your Grace."

I smile as she walks off with her daughter.

Simon and I start to walk through the fields back towards Clyvedon.

"What can we do about the farmer's rent?" I question. "There must be something."

"I should have returned sooner to see that things were in order," Simon confesses. " I did not realize my absence would be felt this way." I nod my head. "Betty..."

"I hope that..." I start.

"Please," Simon tells me.

"I only meant to say, I hope it did not pain you too much to see me with those children," I tell him.

"Pain me?" Simon asks. "Betty, I thought only of you."

"You know, oddly enough, when I am actually in the presence of children, I forget all about my own concerns. They are the easiest company in the world," I explain.

"You are natural with them," Simon tells me.

I smile. "I should hope. With Ezra and my younger brother and sisters. Each one a mischief. You know, my abundant family will be good for at least one thing in future. Eventually, they will all marry and have children of their own, and we will have more screaming infants in our lives than we know what to do with."

"You will be a splendid aunt," Simon tells me. "And you are already a splendid mother. It thrills me that you are satisfied with our married life as it is."

I smile. "You, me, and Ezra. I have all that I want just here."

"How did I earn such luck?" Simon asks.

"That I do not know," I tease.

I wake to find that Simon is not in bed with me. I slip on my robe and wander into ho study.

"Ah. Here you are," I tell him.

"Oh, good morning, dearest." Simon smiles. "I did not know it was optional to dress for the day."

I smile. "It is my home now too. I shall dress as I please." Simon shakes his head as he smiles. "The steward's books, I take it?"

"Mm. I could not sleep," Simon confesses.

"Not even after last night's exertions?" I tease. "Would you care to break your fast with me?"

"I am sorry, my love. The farmer in the village was right. The estates have been neglected far too long. Wheat yields are down, yet nobody uses the fields for livestock grazing, or rotate to a more plentiful crop," Simon explains.

"Is that not the steward's job?" I remind him.

"They're my tenants, my people," Simon insists. "The responsibility is mine." He grabs my hand. "Please, excuse me. I have been staring at these figures all morning."

"Of course. I suppose I have a good deal to occupy myself with today too," I tell him. Simon nods going back to his work. "Should you desire to find me I shall be visiting some of your tenants to deliver gift baskets."

Lizzy and I are in the garden picking some herbs. I sigh slightly still a little upset with what happened with Simon earlier.

"Are you missing home, Your Grace?" Lizzy asks.

I shake my head and smile. "Do you think we have enough for all the baskets?"

"Um, I should think so," Lizzy assures me.

"Your Grace!" Mrs. Colson shouts as she rushes towards Lizzy and I. "Whatever are you... I will have someone gather those on your behalf. One of the kitchen maids or the gardener. Was no one available to assist you?"

"There is no need to trouble anyone, Mrs. Colson. We have it all in hand," I assure her.

"Do you intend to collect honey from the hives in person as well?" Mrs. Colson remarks.

I smile. "Oh... That might be a little beyond me." I stand to face her.

"If you simply tell me of your wants and needs, I will ensure everything is in order. I will ensure everything is done properly," Mrs. Colson tells me.

"I shall keep that in mind," I assure her. Mrs. Colson nods. "Thank you, Mrs. Colson."

"Mm-hmm." Mrs. Colson nods before walking off.

"Faith, she despises me," I tell Lizzy.

"She despises everybody," Lizzy insists. " Do not give it another thought."

Lizzy and I head into the village with the gift baskets. The people seem rather grateful. I can tell that I have not done anything yet to offend them.

"Your Grace!" a small voice shouts.

I smile as I turn to see Ada walking towards me. Her mother is chasing after her once more. Ada hugs onto my legs causing me to laugh happily.

"Would you like a basket from Clyvedon?" I offer. "There is bread and honey for the children."

She smiles. "Oh. You are too kind. I would gladly take one if I had means to carry it home." Her arms are full of washing.

"Then we are determined to walk with you," I tell her.

"Oh, no. I didn't..." she starts.

I interrupt her, "I insist."

"No. Oh, I..." she finally gives in. People smile as we pass by. "You have made quite an impression on everyone."

"A good one I hope," I say.

She smiles. "Of course. Your kindness with the gift baskets and not hesitating to help out where you can." I smile. "And Richard Robbins is rather excited that you choose his pig. If anything he is the one who mistyped. Everyone is rather over the fact that he gets to supply pork to Clyvedon for the next year."

I laugh. "Well better him than me."