Page 65 of A Sense of Injustice
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‘Someone in authority needs to live in that house, Luke.’ Henry paced in front of the fire in Luke’s library. ‘The tenants are a surly bunch who have abused their rights because there’s been no one there to rein them in. I confronted the ringleader and made it clear that if they continued to take advantage they would be out on their ears. They grumbled, and I listened to their complaints and promised to look into the ones that were justified. Most of them are not. As I say, they’re taking advantage and the steward you left in charge is as bad as they are. I want to dismiss him and replace him with someone more efficient.’
‘I’m impressed with what you’ve achieved, little brother. I knew they would try and exploit your inexperience, but you stood up to them and they backed down. No mean feat. Who do you have in mind for a steward?’
‘You’ll allow me to dismiss Nestor?’
Luke shrugged. ‘Certainly, if you think he’s incapable of discharging his duties.’
‘I shall advertise the position then, but I’ll need your help to select the right candidate. There’s bound to be a lot of interest.’
‘You’re capable of making your own decision, Henry. You don’t need to lean on me.’
Henry’s face lit up. ‘Are you sure?’
Luke laughed. ‘You don’t appear as though you are, but you should be. As I say, I knew the situation at Plaistow was not ideal. When I sent you down there to sort it out, it was a test that you passed with flying colours.’
‘Well in that case, how would you feel about me taking on the house and living there permanently?’ Henry took the chair across from Luke and leaned forward, enthusiasm causing him to voice a question he hadn’t intended to pose. Luke would refuse. Henry wasn’t experienced enough to indefinitely manage an estate of that size unsupervised. He was bound to make mistakes. ‘As I say, it needs a permanent family presence there.’
‘It does indeed.’ Luke paused, rubbing his chin as though actually considering the matter. ‘Think you can handle it?’
Could he? Was Luke offering him the opportunity? ‘Absolutely!’ he said, with more confidence than he actually felt.
‘Well then, let’s give it a go.’
‘Seriously?’ Henry felt the full force of his brother’s faith in him and was suddenly very worried that he would let him down.
‘You said yourself that it’s been neglected. I cannot be all things to all people. You’ve done a good job so far. See it through. I’ll ride down there with you later in the week and we’ll go through everything on site.’
‘Thanks, Luke. I won’t give you reason to regret it.’ Henry gave a mischievous smile. ‘Well, let’s hope not.’
Henry stood, staring out the window as the enormity of the task he had persuaded his brother to let him take on struck home. He felt terrified of failure but also filled with enthusiasm, his mind brimming with fresh ideas he could put into force to whip the estate back into shape. His breathing hitched when he noticed Louise Pearson and Flora walking briskly towards the house, laughing at something one of them had just said.
‘Plaistow’s a large house for one man to live in alone,’ Luke remarked, standing to join Henry and following the direction of his gaze.
‘She isn’t interested in me,’ Henry said, shaking his head, not pretending to misinterpret his brother’s meaning. ‘She’s made that abundantly clear. Besides, she lives in London and I have no interest in the capital.’
‘I think you will find that her plans have changed. Flora tells me she intends to establish herself here in Wiltshire.’
Henry shrugged. ‘She’s an heiress.’
‘You’re not exactly penniless yourself. Some might even suggest that you’re a bit of a catch.’ Luke took his turn to shrug. ‘Can’t see the attraction myself but there you have it.’
‘I am interested in her, I won’t deny it,’ Henry said. ‘But I get the impression there’s something in her past that precludes her from forming attachments to the opposite sex. She has kept me at arm’s length the entire time.’
‘There is something.’
Henry hoisted a brow. ‘You know what it is?’
‘I do, but I’m not about to break a confidence.’
Henry’s nascent hope deflated. ‘Ah well then.’
‘Anything that’s worth having is worth fighting for, little brother.’ Luke slapped Henry’s shoulder. ‘Has it occurred to you that she doesn’t think herself worthy of you?’
‘What?’ Henry laughed aloud. ‘But that’s ridiculous.’
‘To you and me perhaps, but not to her. They dine here tomorrow evening. Find an opportunity to speak with her alone and make your feelings plain. Something tells me that if she knows you are sincere and open-minded, she will be honest with you in return.’
