"May I ask where your desk is?"

"I have no need for a desk."

"Yes, of course, not all wealthy men sit around counting their money."

Mr. Lawrence chuckled. "I do prefer to occupy myself with manual labor."

"Mr. Lawrence, I think it is wonderful." Austin rose from the chair. "It is exactly what I want to do."

"Pardon me."

"Please don't misunderstand me. I appreciate the job, but I would prefer to work hard-I mean-working with you instead of for you."

"Why didn't you say so?"

Mr. Clarke walked in the room. "Cedric, is this the lad you were telling me about?" His smile was bright.

"No, no. This is our new shipmate." Mr. Clarke extended his hand to Austin, and they shook as they grinned at each other.

_ _

"Maddie" Hayley called from the foyer.

Maddie descended the stairway. "Yes."

"I am going out for awhile."

"Where are you going and with whom?"

"Mr. Jackson is stopping by Mrs. Stephens's house with some rose bulbs, and I'm going to ride with him. He told me they have a new foal."

"How long will you be gone?"

"Only for an hour or so." Hayley crossed her arms in front of her and sighed. "Maddie, I will be safe with the gardener! How long have we known him?"