Free The Vicar's Frozen Heart by Karyn Gerrard Page A

character that spoke well of him. It was one of the reasons the viscount wanted the child cared for.
    “You’re going to send me away to school? Far away?” Drew’s lower lip trembled.
    “No. Do not worry yourself. Not for a couple of years at least. The viscount is going to hire someone to tutor you so when you do attend a boarding school, you will be at the same level as the other lads.” Tremain gave Drew a brief smile. “In a few days I will be taking you to the estate to live.”
    Drew’s eyes grew wide. “I’m going to live with The Hawk?”
    Tremain hid his smile of amusement at the viscount’s nickname. “No, he’s not in residence. But Mr. Dibley, his steward, lives there along with a few members of the staff. Also, there will be a governess for you. You will be learning the ways of a gentleman. Your mother died in peace knowing you would be given every opportunity at life.”
    Drew frowned. “But...but why me?”
    Why indeed? Drew would grow up to be a fine-looking lad with his clear blue eyes and thick, tawny locks. He was intelligent and kind, and it seemed a damned bloody waste to let him founder in menial, empty jobs such as working at the local grain mill. Truth of it? Drew was an experiment. Tremain wanted to give back to humanity and this deserving young boy seemed a good place to start.
    “Because you deserve it, lad. Now, eat your butty. There is seed cake when you finish.”
    Drew nodded and bit into the sandwich. A governess. Eliza’s arrival proved to be providence after all. He would wait a few days and then head to town to offer her the position.
    * * * *
    The funeral commenced without a hitch and the weather cooperated by providing another sunny, cool day. When Tremain completed saying prayers over the grave, the few mourners from town headed to the vicarage for a small repast provided by the Tompkinses. Eliza did not attend, as she stayed behind with a few other employees to ensure that the running of The Rusty Cockerel remained smooth. Tremain spoke with the Tompkinses about his idea of Eliza becoming a governess, and they agreed wholeheartedly with his plan, including not telling her until he could broach the subject with her.
    Four days later, he and Drew made their way toward Hawkestone Estate. The church and vicarage were situated on the far southern tip of the property, and the house itself sat on a small hill overlooking the valley and village of Hawksgreen.
    The place consisted of about forty rooms, not huge as manor houses go, but a fair size for the country seat in which it sat. Georgian in style, the red brick house had plenty of pillars, chimneys, and windows. Bordering the estate, the surrounding grounds were not ostentatious, but simply kept. Of course in January, all looked bleak. At least most of the snow had melted.
    Since the viscount was not in residence, only a barebones staff remained. Besides Mr. Dibley, there was a footman who acted as underbutler, a housekeeper, cook, two maids, and a groundskeeper who also looked after the stables.
    Treves, the young footman, greeted Tremain at the front door and showed them into the study. After several minutes Mr. Dibley entered, holding out his hand in greeting. “Well, good to see you again, Vicar. And this must be the young lad we’ve heard so much about.” Dibley turned to Drew and held out his hand. “Good to meet you, young sir.” Drew blinked, then glanced at Tremain, as if not sure what to do next.
    “Take Mr. Dibley’s hand and shake it, lad, and reply in kind,” Tremain encouraged.
    Drew did. “Good to meet you...sir.”
    Mr. Dibley smiled. “Well met. We have your room ready. Ah, and here is Anne to escort you. She will be seeing to you until your governess arrives.”
    Drew shrank back, leaning against Tremain for comfort. All this must be overwhelming to the poor boy. “It is all right. Go with Anne. I will return in a day or so. Remember, this is your home now. Be brave, lad. Remember your