Page 6 of Falling for Her Highland Steward
Erin gave Michael a reproachful look. He had been too harsh. “Who employed you?” she asked kindly.
“Laird McKinnon, milady,” the man replied. “He said I was a good worker.”
“I have never heard of Laird McKinnon.” Erin frowned. She had always been able to spot a liar, and she knew that she was looking at one now. This was not a steward but a peasant. “Please go. I can see that you are hungry, so go and get some food from the kitchen as you leave. Cook will give you enough to feed your family for a few days.”
The man nodded silently and shambled away, leaving Erin feeling absolutely wretched. She wished she could have employed the man in some capacity, but she needed no more unskilled laborers. She hardly had enough work for the ones she had, but despite their straitened circumstances, she would not turn any of them out of their homes.
“That was not a good start,” she sighed. “Send in the next one. Perhaps this man will be better.”
However, he was not, and neither was the next one or the one after that. At last, Michael admitted defeat. “We have spoken to four men,” he said, “and not one of them is suitable. We will have to look further afield.”
“I can do the job.” Erin’s voice was firm and determined. “I am quite intelligent, even if I am a woman!” Her tone was deeply sarcastic. “And I learn quickly. There is no reason to employ a man to take the position when a woman can do it just as well, and we will save the cost of his wages.”
“No,” Michael said flatly. “I cannot forbid you, Erin, but I would strongly advise against that course of action. The steward has to know and understand not only the finances of the estate but how to negotiate for the best prices with suppliers, how to order merchandise, and sell our produce. He also needs to know the best livestock to buy and breed.
“As well as that, he has to see to it that the land and the buildings are maintained and kept in good condition and that the best servants are hired for work inside the castle, amongst other things. He has to let go of workers who are not doing their job properly and hire new ones in their place. That may be the hardest task of all because you need a heart of stone, and I know that yours is too soft. Truly, it is an exhausting occupation, one which leaves you very little time for home and family. It is a job for a bachelor, not a young mother, Erin. Please believe me.”
His voice was so passionate, and his gray eyes were looking at her so desperately that Erin had to agree with him. There were so many things she had not considered, and she was beginning to realize that although Nairn might have meant the legacy to be a gift, it was turning out to be a poisoned chalice.
3
After another exhausting couple of weeks of fruitless searching, Erin, at her wits’ end, called together her four advisors again.
“It seems that there is no one in this area who is suitably qualified for the steward’s job,” Erin announced helplessly. “What shall I do?” She looked around at the four men. Father Thomson had been included as one of them because of his intellect, knowledge of strategy, and his special position in the community since a priest could go where many others could not.
“We will have to search further afield. This part of the country is not well known for its intellectuals.” Gordon Menzies’s tone was tinged with sarcasm, but Erin had to reluctantly agree. There were no schools of any size in the area, and certainly no colleges or universities. Those were in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Michael Oliphaunt frowned as he spoke up. “Could we go as far as Glasgow?” he asked thoughtfully. “Because if so, then I might know someone who can help us.”
“How far away is Glasgow?” Erin asked curiously. “I have never been there.”
“On horseback, about two days’ travel,” Alastair Dunn replied. “By carriage...probably about four. The roads are not good and often very muddy and slippery. There are also bandits to contend with occasionally, although of course, we will be well-armed. We all know how to defend ourselves, but milady, I would not advise that you go.”
“Hmm…” Erin mused, looking fierce. “I wonder if I will be allowed to do anything ever again. I am a widow, but my life is not over! Go on, Michael. What do you suggest?”
“A number of years ago, I went to the university there,” he replied, “to study law. However, I found that it was a subject that did not suit me, so I left after three months. I did not get a qualification, but I made a few very good friends there, some of whom I still know. One of them might be just the man you are looking for—if he wants to take on the position, that is. He was always one for a challenge, though.” He grinned. “He was the best wrestler and boxer I ever met.”
“We are not interested in his body,” Erin remarked. “Only his abilities. I am not sure that anything intellectual will do him much good in these parts, though.” She looked doubtful.
“Do you know where he lives?” Father Thomson asked.
“We have been corresponding for years,” Michael replied. “So yes, I do.”
“Do you really think he could take on the position?” Erin asked warily. “I am not sure that a qualification in Scottish law or theology or Latin would be of much use in running an estate.”
Michael shrugged. “It proves that he is intelligent, and that is the most important thing you need, but I would be happy to listen to any other ideas,” he remarked. “I know that he would relish a trip to this part of the country, and he always likes to meet new young ladies! But none of those things matter. I think you will like him, and I think he will be able to do a good job for you.”
Erin stared out of the window thoughtfully for a moment, then turned back to them. “What do the rest of you think?” she asked.
The three men exchanged glances then nodded in assent. “We think you should give him a chance,” Alastair answered for them. “After all, no one else here has been of much use.”
“And if he fails?” Erin was cautious. She had no wish to be let down again.
“Erin, how can you know he will fail until you try him?” Michael laughed in disbelief. “Let him prove himself.”
She nodded slowly. “You are right,” she agreed. “I can try him for a short while. How soon can you go and come back with him?”
“Within a week,” Michael answered. “If, of course, he wants to take up the position. He may not.”
