The Rightful Lord (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 3), Sahara Kelly [english novels for students .TXT] 📗

parts of your life that were devastating. The cause of that devastation, to be blunt about it. And she manipulated your emotions. Of course you were angry. Anyone would be under the circumstances.”

He nodded, his throat moving as he swallowed. “Yes.”

“And now she’s dead, in a terrible way. It could be viewed as justice, but in fact it’s simply a waste of a life that could have offered much. Her circumstances killed her, Jeremy. Not your anger or your hatred.”

Gwyneth felt hot tears on her neck as Jeremy burrowed his face against her and sobbed.

She let him, knowing that this was the release he truly needed—the cleansing of his heart and his soul.

And sometime later, when the tears had abated, they still clung to each other until sleep claimed them.

*~~*~~*

The following morning Royce, as was his custom, headed for the room used as the estate office after his first cup of tea. Breakfast could wait, but the business of Wolfbridge was important, and he was having a damned hard time coping with it all.

He couldn’t confess to Gwyneth that he was the wrong man to be an estate manager, because there were no other options, but by God the books were driving him fucking insane.

And as yet, there’d been no word from Giles about Fivetrees, or anything else for that matter. They were down to three gentlemen and himself.

Something was going to be missed, and he was convinced it would cause a disaster.

He had no idea what it was, of course, but he slaved away each and every day at this desk, praying this wouldn’t be the day he missed that critical entry or payment or purchase or….

He leaned his head on his hands for a brief moment, then sighed and picked up his quill. Only to be disturbed moments later by the sound of a horse and a knock echoing in the hall. He frowned, but hearing voices, assumed Jeremy would be taking care of whoever it was. He returned to his perusal of monthly expenses.

A light tap on his door brought a muttered curse to his lips. “Enter.”

Jeremy peeked around. “Sorry to disturb you, but it’s a letter from London. From Giles. The man who delivered it says he’s to wait for an answer.”

“All right,” nodded Royce, glad to have an excuse to leave the numbers aside for a bit.

Bringing the message across the room, Jeremy handed it to him, then walked back to the door. “Let me know when you have a reply ready.”

Royce was already opening the seal. “I will.”

He leaned back in his chair and blinked at the elegantly curved calligraphy. His lips quirked into a grin. “You write like you speak, you devil. Perfectly formed letters…let’s see where your usual sharp wit resides in all this…”

To Royce - and by default the residents of Wolfbridge,

My regards to you all. I trust matters are proceeding well and that you are all healthy, happy and taking care of Lady Gwyneth. I shall be writing to her separately, so this message is intended for you to distribute amongst your fellows as you will, Royce.

To the first matter - Fivetrees. 

I have had some conversations with Sir Ragnor Withersby and his Lady. Neither wishes to take occupancy, as you already know, and are willing to entertain offers for the property. No other members of the Fairhurst family are interested, or have the capital to acquire it, and Baxter Fairhurst is reported to be permanently ensconced in Europe. 

Although it sounds a logical proposition, Royce, I find myself unwilling to put my entire support behind your efforts. Firstly, from a financial perspective, it would be many years before Wolfbridge would see any kind of return on the investment. As you know, it’s a very large estate and the outlay would be considerable. Along with upkeep of the house itself - well, in my opinion, it is untenable.

However, I do have another option to which the Withersbys have endorsed. 

Offer for the land.

There are quite a few useful acres that bound Wolfbridge land. Purchase these and enlarge Wolfbridge with the chance of a return within only a few years. Something to think about and discuss with Lady Gwyneth. I shall await your thoughts and decisions.

Now to the second matter - the bearer of this message.

I asked Harry McLennan to bring this letter to you. Firstly because he has my trust, and secondly because I believe he might fill Trick’s shoes at Wolfbridge.

While not a skilled horseman, Mr McLennan has had an interesting career not that far removed from your own. Briefly, he is the son of a dishonoured nobleman. He read law at University and became a solicitor, but joined the military in 1813 out of a sense of duty to his country.

He was badly injured, and upon his return to England spent a great deal of time recovering. He is all in one piece now, but his heart was no longer in the law. He has, as I understand it, wandered from here to there, finding work now and again, especially at estates where their affairs are muddled. His knowledge of the law, his affinity for details and, coincidentally, his experience with estate matters, all seem to point him in one direction…Wolfbridge.

I present this information to you with no ulterior motive. All decisions such as these I leave to you. I would simply ask that you meet with him and evaluate the possibilities.

I await your instructions as to Fivetrees, and also your opinion of Mr McLennan,

Sincerely,

Giles

 

Royce pursed his lips, then stood and walked to the door. “Jeremy, would you ask the messenger to come in?” he called.

The murmur of voices told him that Jeremy was doing just that, so he went back to his desk and leaned against it, watching the door.

Within moments a