Ashton glared at Charles over his glass of wine. His friend cocked a brow in silent question, which Ashton only answered with a dark scowl.

Regina cleared her throat, attempting to dispel the growing tension in the dining room. "The tenant farmhouses start construction in a few days, I hear."

Ashton set his wine down. "Yes, Higgins and Maple will be relieved. I've employed nearly every able-bodied man in the local villages to aid in the construction."

Joanna was ...