The Rightful Lord (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 3) Sahara Kelly (free ebook reader TXT) 📖

her emotions, she allowed the rest of the conversations back into her mind, scooping up Darcy and rubbing his ears to help her focus.

“So, my Lady. Thoughts?” Royce leaned back, his gaze meeting hers. For one moment she had the uncomfortable feeling he knew exactly what she’d been contemplating.

However, she managed to repress a giveaway blush. “I would want to know what skills he brings with him, of course,” she said in a calm and practical tone. “Also, if he has commitments or connections elsewhere? Family perhaps? Would he be free to live here unencumbered, like the rest of us?”

“I doubt Giles would have suggested him if that were not the case, but you raise a valid point.” Royce nodded in approval.

“Do you think he understands Wolfbridge?” Gabriel’s question needed no clarification.

“I can’t say,” Royce answered. “I don’t know how much Giles has told him. That would be something I’d need to learn, as well.”

“My Lady?” Evan turned his head to her and the others followed suit.

Gwyneth swallowed and took a deep breath. “I think we should invite him and see what he says.” She looked around the table. “I cannot believe Giles would send someone who is a bad fit for our home. So, pending his replies to the questions we have, and assuming he’d be interested in joining us, then I say yes.”

*~~*~~*

Harry McLennan walked back into the parlour to discover himself confronted with four pairs of eyes eagerly surveying him.

The urge to straighten his cravat was overwhelming, but he fought it back and simply dipped his head toward the beautiful woman.

“My Lady.” He bowed. “I find myself much refreshed. Thank you for your hospitality.”

She smiled, her brown eyes warming beneath a band of curly chestnut hair, the rest of which was pulled into a simple knot at the top of her head.

“I am glad you’re more comfortable, sir. Come join us as we savour these delicious scones.”

“Made by Evan, I believe?” He glanced at the two men already seated.

“That would be me,” grinned one of them.

“His culinary skills are outstanding,” endorsed the other—whose pale blond hair and fair complexion stood out from his companions. “I’m Gabriel. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“Mine is the pleasure, sir. This is indeed a charming room, and yes…” he eagerly bit into a scone and chewed with enjoyment, “the scones are magnificent.”

“Told you so,” laughed Jeremy, taking the last empty seat.

“So,” Royce leaned back in his chair, teacup at his elbow. “If you’ll allow me, Mr McLennan, I must relay the contents of the message you so kindly brought from Giles to us. It concerns matters of importance to Wolfbridge.”

“Would you like me to leave?” Harry looked around him, ready to make his departure.

“No, on the contrary. I think it’s important that you remain.”

Harry nodded. “Very well.”

“Royce, please tell us what Giles said?” Lady Gwyneth looked at him, her face betraying her interest.

“All right.” Royce nodded. “To give Mr McLennan a little background here, there is a neighbouring estate, Fivetrees, which has been untenanted for quite some time now, due to the unfortunate death of its owner. Currently his niece and her husband have domain over the property, but neither are interested in living there, since they have their own home now. A nice one, too, since she married Sir Ragnor Withersby.”

“I see.” He didn’t, but simply listened.

“Our Lady here has a thought to purchase it and add to Wolfbridge’s holdings.”

At that, his eyebrows rose. “Really.”

“You have a comment, sir?”

“I have no knowledge of the details, my Lady,” he answered, “so I feel it would be unwise of me to express an opinion.”

She chuckled. “Here, we value everyone’s thoughts, no matter their level of familiarity with the topic. So please share your feelings about this business. An unenlightened perspective might be a help…”

Surprised at this, Harry thought carefully. “Well, my first reaction is that purchasing such an estate is a long and complicated business, involving a great deal of research as to other potential members of the family associated with it. Entails and other legal matters would have to be investigated, and by the time that end of the transaction is finished, you have added what might be several thousand pounds to the purchase price.” He shrugged. “That would be my initial concern if you decide to proceed.”

“And are there others?” Royce tilted his head to one side.

He was genuinely interested, realised Harry with pleasure. It had been a while since he’d really had someone of Royce’s obvious intelligence listen to his opinions.

So he briefly detailed some of the other legalities, then sketched an imaginary sale, asking them to replace it with this Fivetrees property. He quoted them recent sales prices, staffing prices and other financial burdens, including any taxes that might be in arrears. He touched on its current condition, and the matter of the land around it.

“All in all, I wouldn’t recommend such a purchase at this time, unless there are definite indications that there is more value to the property than is evident right now.”

“You mean like somebody finding a coal mine in one of the fields? Or perhaps a new canal being created from the river?”

“There was some talk of that a while ago,” said Gabriel. “Turning the river into a canal.”

“Always helpful,” replied Harry. “But talk is one thing. Firm plans are another.”

He watched the faces around the table and sipped tea as they talked over the whole matter. This was not a household of nitwits or arrogant aristocrats.

He was surprised at the way everyone contributed their thoughts, even as he wondered at the familiarity of this small group. Giles had told him that Wolfbridge was a ‘unique establishment’, and hinted that he, Harry, might fit in.

But the always inscrutable Giles hadn’t begun to