“Mr. Rook, I brought Nola something to eat.”A knock sounded outside.“Come in.”Calder answered, and Rachel entered with a tray.“Nola, that is enough. Get up and eat.”He stood in the middle of the room with his hands behind his back, every inch the stern head of the household.Nola stayed curled beneath the covers with her back to him, though the corners of her mouth kept twitching.What a performance.“She never listens. Rachel, talk to her.”Calder delivered the order with a grave face, then left the room.Rachel suspected nothing. She set down the tray and came to the bedside.“Miss Nola, do not stay angry on an empty stomach. Mr. Rook specifically asked me to make all this for you. Come have a taste.”Nola lowered the blanket, revealing a flushed little face. Then she climbed out of bed and ate without another protest.Calder had a point.Why punish herself over one unreasonable old man?Later that night, after finishing his work in the study, Calder went upstairs to check on h
Last Updated : 2026-07-02 Read more