When I was born, the only person who knew, other than my mother, was the Earl.

He kept us well fed and hidden in the warm barn for several days, respite from the worst of the winter.

I was ever grateful and if he hadn’t, I would not be at the auction. I would not be buying that very barn, as well as the Hall and the grounds. I would not be able to repay the old gent by clearing his debt.

I would never have survived to let him stay there, warm, for the rest of his days.