Read Online Jaded Moon (Ransomed Jewels Book 2) by Laura Landon - Free Book Online

all politeness required, then set down her cup and saucer and turned her attention to him.
    “Now, Lord Rainforth. Perhaps you’d care to tell us why you’re here.”
    Lady Clythebrook looked at Josephine with a disapproving frown on her face but she didn’t say anything.
    “Very well. I’ve come to propose a venture that I think will benefit both Clythebrook Estate and St. Stephen’s.”
    “I’m sure we’re not interested,” she began, but stopped when he continued to speak over her interruption.
    “As well as the orphanage.”
    Her gaze narrowed. “What venture?”
    “A venture that will hopefully increase profits for both estates as well as increase the value of the land, while at the same time provide added income for the orphanage.”
    “And that would be?”
    “Cattle.”
    Both Lady Clythebrook and Miss Foley stared at him as if he’d uttered a foreign word neither of them understood.
    “Yes, cattle.” Ross set down his cup and moved in his chair so he could face them both. “As you know, St. Stephen’s is blessed with an abundant reservoir of underground water. It is, however, lacking in adequate grazing land near enough to that water to sustain a sufficient number of cattle to be profitable. Clythebrook Estate has acres of unused grazing land, but because there is little water, those acres are going to waste. I’m sure your husband realized long ago it would be too costly and time consuming to haul in a sufficient amount of water needed by a herd of cattle the size to which I’m referring.”
    “He did. So how do you intend to solve that problem?” Lady Clythebrook asked, interest sparking in her eyes.
    “With a minimal amount of digging into an aquifer located on St. Stephen’s, I’m positive we can create our own natural springs. If we ignore the border between St. Stephen’s and Clythebrook, there will be both sufficient water as well as more than enough grazing area to support a sizable herd. We can double, perhaps even triple the amount of cattle that are currently being raised on either estate now and, if the market remains steady, double or triple our current yearly profits.”
    “We would go into this venture together, then?” Lady Clythebrook asked, clearly interested.
    Ross smiled. “We would be equal partners, of course. In time, we should see a profit from the sale of our cattle that will meet all our needs.”
    Ross glanced at the excitement in Miss Foley’s eyes. “Where do you anticipate the added cattle will graze?” Lady Clythebrook asked.
    “On the unused parcel of land that makes up the border between Clythebrook and St. Stephen’s. The land nearest the cliffs.”
    Ross watched the color leave Miss Foley’s face. “No,” she said, rising from her chair. “There will be no joint venture. Nor will you and Lady Clythebrook form any working partnership.”
    Ross took note of the firm set of her jaw. Her reaction wasn’t exactly a surprise and yet, the vehemence in her voice was. Ross let Lady Clythebrook try to soothe the turbulent emotions while he leaned back in his chair and studied her.
    “Josephine, I don’t understand. Surely we can hear Lord Rainforth out? I’m certain he’s given this a great deal of thought and if it would help the people of Clythebrook—”
    “We don’t need Lord Rainforth’s help. We don’t need—”
    “Yes, you do.” Ross sat forward in his chair. “Look around you. How long has it been since you did any general upkeep to the manor house? How much longer before something major happens and you’re forced to?” Ross set down his cup and saucer and turned to face just her. “How long has it been since you’ve had an adequate staff to see to your needs? Or a new dress? Or—”
    “Enough!” The glare in her eyes shot daggers. “How we live is none of your concern.”
    “I would like to make it my concern. I would like to do something that would not only benefit the tenants who live and work on St. Stephen’s, but