Page 170 of The Moon Sister
‘I was, yes, or at least, not you, Tiggy, but the situation. I just didn’t know what to say. Put it this way, this is a conversation I’ve got to have with Cal and the other members of staff when I get back. I was trying to wait to see if there was any other way, but having gone down every possible avenue, I really don’t think there is one.’
‘You mean, the estate is bankrupt?’ I asked him.
‘I wouldn’t go that far, to be fair.’ He gave me a wry smile. ‘I mean, there’s not any cash in the coffers, but forty-five thousand acres, plus a very nicely refurbished house – even with a loan on it – is worth something.’
‘Oh, I’m really sorry, Charlie. Zed told me it was bankrupt.’
‘Yes, he mentioned that to me too when he called me to offer to buy it.’
‘Oh my God! He told me that he was thinking about it. You haven’t said yes, have you? Not that it’s any of my business of course,’ I added hurriedly.
‘No,’ Charlie chuckled. ‘Even though the offer he made me was healthy. In a way, I wish I could consider offers, but that’s the trouble. At the moment, I can’t do anything.’
‘Why not?’
‘It’s a very long story. Put simply, my right to inherit the Kinnaird estate has been challenged. Therefore, until it’s sorted out in the courts, the estate isn’t minetosell.’
‘What?!But that’s ridiculous! You’re the rightful heir – the only heir . . .’
‘Well, that’s what I thought, yes, but it seems I was wrong.’
Charlie gazed across the peaceful valley, his eyes moving up to the Alhambra above us. He let out a long sigh and in it, I could hear all the weariness he felt.
‘But who’s challenged you?’ I asked him.
‘Would you mind if I don’t go into detail? As I said, it’s a long story, and I’ve got to leave for the airport in five minutes. I’m telling you this, because until the situation is sorted out, my hands are tied. I can’t do anything other than keep Kinnaird ticking over, which means all the plans we had are on hold. And knowing how long it takes for this kind of thing to even come to court, it could be years before there’s a resolution. Please, Tiggy, don’t take what I’m saying as a dismissal,’ he added hastily, ‘there’s still a job for you at Kinnaird for as long as you want, and I’d love you to stay on, of course I would, but equally, it’s not fair of me to pretend that your job spec will be extended in the near future. I’m aware that you’re capable of a lot more than babysitting four wildcats. It’s not what you’ve spent five years of your life training for, is it? What I’m trying to say, Tiggy,’ Charlie hurried on, ‘is that once we’ve got you better, even though it pains me to say so, you may want to look for another job. I’d never forgive myself if I was in any way holding you back from what promises to be your brilliant career.’
I looked at his almost perfect profile and it took everything I had not to reach out my hand to his.
‘I’m so sorry, Charlie. It sounds like a nightmare.’
‘It’s not been great, but having said that, I’m not going to feel too sorry for myself. No one’s died and myself and my family aren’t starving. It’s only three hundred years of Kinnaird history after all.’ He turned to me and gave me a sad smile. ‘Anyway, I’d better be going. Marcella’s offered me a lift to the airport. Now, the most important thing of all is that you promise me you’ll take some rest when you get to Atlantis. I’ll be giving your ma instructions for your care.’
‘I promise, Charlie, and please don’t worry about me. You’ve got enough on your plate.’
‘I will worry, Tiggy, but whatever happens, I hope you’ll be back up to Kinnaird soon, even if it’s to say goodbye.’
I watched him stand up and felt tears pricking my eyes at his words. ‘I will.’
‘I’m really sorry about last night too. Not my usual style. In fact, I haven’t kissed a woman other than my wife in the past seventeen years. It was completely inappropriate, and I hope I didn’t offend you, especially after all I said about Zed and his behaviour.’
‘You really didn’t, Charlie,’ I said, horrified he thought that his attentions were unwanted when theysoweren’t.
We walked back to the hotel in silence, and he picked up his overnight bag from the terrace.
At that moment Angelina appeared beside us, as if out of nowhere.
‘I came to say goodbye, Mister Charlie. Visit again soon and we will talk some more.’ She reached up to kiss him on both cheeks.
‘I will.’
‘Ay, you should know that she’ – Angelina pointed at me – ‘has the answer to your problem. Bye-bye.’
Charlie and I exchanged a puzzled glance as the old woman left the terrace as quickly as she had appeared.
‘Right. Well then, keep in touch and let me know how you’re feeling, won’t you?’
‘I will,’ I said, as Marcella joined us.
