Chapter 8The stable boy stared at the ground and occasionally kicked a pebble near his feet as he waited for instructions. Leah's father gave a curt nod toward the stables after reading the message he delivered. “Saddle my horse,” he said.
The stable hand quickly obeyed and brought the stallion to the front gate. The Earl went over in his mind the things he wanted to say to Leah as he rode to Falling Waters. For once since her mother's death, he prayed. He wanted an opportunity to know his daughter.
Leah's Aunt Leona greeted him cordially. Her warmth reminded him of his wife the beautiful Isabella, Leah's mother. They walked across the terrace where Leah waited while the servant was pouring a sparkling drink into their glasses.
“Good morning Father,” Leah said. Her father gently placed
