33. King Lawrence
King Lawrence
There was this thing about honor and duty. About expectation and entrapment. I didn’t have to force Penelope to do anything. She could hate me, detest me, and I could still keep her away from Vaughn by burying her in obligations.
Which was exactly my plan as I took in the two dozen members of staff that were waiting for us as we came to a stop.
Our doors opened, and Penelope came around to my side. Instead of introducing her to one at a time, I gestured, calling them forward.
“I would like to introduce to you all, The Duchess of Rosemoor. This is Penelope Taylor.”
“Your Majesty, Duchess.”
The echoing greeting had Penelope smiling. She looked eager and slightly overwhelmed as I gestured for them all to follow as we headed to the stables.
“Let us go ahead and start. I know the morning has been delayed for our arrival, and we can’t risk any postponements.”
“Quite right.” The small, lean man stepped more forward, putting his attention on Penelope.
“I’m Jarrod. I am the head trainer and the stud manager until you hire a new one, Your Grace.
” He glanced at me. “We can start with confirmation on the Whitmore’s mare’s spring pairing.
The Hanoverian stallion’s stud rights expire at the end of the month. ”
Penelope’s eyes shot to me.
“The Duchess will have to decide that.” I let the unease settle within her before I continued. “I will talk it over with her after this and we will get back to you. What else?”
“We’ve been approached about syndicating the Gilvore’s colt.” Jarrod looked at her. “Do you intend to retain full breeding rights or release partial ownership?”
Penelope’s lips parted. “I will let you know today.”
“Excellent, Your Grace. Rosemoor mostly prioritizes jumper lines, but we’ve talked of pivoting towards dressage prospects next season.
There are also the French buyers who are expecting confirmation on Rosemoor’s next auction.
It’s your call on whether we begin early conditioning, or if we should wait until after winter.
” Her mouth opened, but he continued. “We’ll need a decision on seeding the paddocks.
Rotating the broodmares to the north fields.
” Jarrod winced. “I’m afraid this is only the beginning of questions, Your Grace.
There’s really so much more. I’m trying to start you off light. ”
“Don’t apologize.” She gave a dazzling smile, but I could see her mind spinning.
“You’re doing great. Why don’t you all show me around and explain as we go.
I know King Lawrence has done a supreme job developing this program.
” Penelope’s blue eyes rose to mine. “I plan to do my best to continue that.”
“And you will do great.” I turned to her, grabbing Penelope’s hand and bringing it to my mouth.
“Jarrod will take good care of you. Take your time learning the land. I will be inside going over the financials so we can pick up there after you’re finished.
After lunch, we will meet with the estate manager to go over staffing and maintenance.
” I lowered my voice, leaning in closer.
“Take control. If you don’t understand, ask.
If you need help, I’m a call away. I know you want to do this alone, but don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need to.
I’m always here for you, Penelope, even if you don’t want me to be. ”
She shifted, leading me a little further away from the group.
“I never said I didn’t want you here on this tour.” Her lids narrowed. “You’re really leaving me?”
“Don’t you want me to go?”
“I never said that. I was raised for this, but I’m afraid it’s been a while since I’ve studied bloodlines.
You say you’re here for me. I… need you …
here with me. I—Your Majesty.” She shifted, and I could see how painful it was for her to ask for help.
“You can’t leave. I don’t want to make a mistake.
I want to learn how to keep Rosemoor the best. I can’t do that alone.
I can’t just step into your shoes and have it run flawlessly.
Show me how to make Rosemoor succeed. Teach me.
Don’t leave me to learn this the hard way; I most certainly will fail. ”
“Oh, Penelope.” I rubbed along her jaw. “No more worry. If you want me to stay, I most certainly will. I’d love nothing more.” I smiled. “I’ll teach you everything I know. We’ll work together… and together, Rosemoor will be better than ever.”