The Long Gallery, Chapters Eight and Nine

Chapter Eight[B1] 

The figure in grey drifted out of the shadows. Emerging from the gallery’s dark depths it saw the woman and her friend leave. So, in a few days the Hall would bear new occupants – it would not welcome their presence.

But the Hall would not be alone in resenting that presence, for there were those outside its walls with an interest here. Particularly those with knowledge of what Joshua had concealed within – and those that hadn’t had heard the talk.

The estate would hold the interest of many, those whose greed would lead them to pursue what the Hall withheld within its stout walls.

And the woman was ignorant of what lay ahead – of that there was no doubt. Shortly she would regret taking up a mantle that wasn’t hers by right. For all her fiery stance, she had neither the physical stature nor strength of character that the Hall demanded. She would soon become overawed and overwhelmed by all inside its walls. There was no compassion at the thought of that. The only compassion could be extended to Joshua Weston, the true owner of the estate. A genuine descendent of the family that had resided here for generations – that had the Hall’s heart as its heart and possessed a feeling for the Estate in a way the new owner never could.

But then she wasn’t a direct descendent …

A whistle pierced the silence as the figure turned towards the gallery’s western end and travelled in that direction.

Chapter Nine

‘She’s engaged right now. Can I get her to call you back?’ Penny flicked a glance at Daisy, saw blue eyes directed at her and narrowing. ‘Yes – yes, Mr Jeffries, I’ll do that. I’ll pass on your message directly.’

‘I’ve booked in a party of twelve – from the Women’s Institute,’ Daisy said replacing her phone resoundingly in its socket. ‘Tuesday at noon. Can you fit them in or shall I delegate someone else?’

‘I suppose,’ Penny mumbled, her lips drooping at the corners. ‘Although that Mrs Nelmes is a pain in the backside …’

‘I’m sure you’ll cope; now then …’ Daisy pressed her palms together, leaned forward. ‘So what did Jeffries want?’

‘Oh, come on, he’s hardly going to tell me – solicitor and all …’ Penny adjusted her red ponytail, a frequent habit of hers. ‘I guess it has something to do with the …’

‘Hall?’ Daisy shook her head, for her, a gesture of impatience. ‘The paperwork’s concluded …’

 ‘Well, he wants you to call him pronto – ah – as soon as possible; those were his exact words.’

‘He can wait; I’ve work to attend to. Besides,’ Daisy added, jumping to her feet and adjusting her green blouse, ‘I reckon I know what I’m going to hear from him – and you know what? That’s just made my mind up.’

‘Say again?’

‘I’ll explain later. I need to check on the new boundary fencing before authorising payment.’ Daisy slapped Penny on the shoulder, left the lodge that served as the Reserve office and leapt into the Land Rover. She thought she knew what Jeffries had on his mind and her hunch was that he’d established contact with former staff.

She realised Jeffries’ tendency to attempt to exert his influence was pushing her in the direction of the smarmy Frobisher-French but didn’t much care. She resented his pushiness and hadn’t a clue to his motives, whereas Frobisher-French was conducting a business. If he could provide services with the expertise that she lacked, then so be it. Anchor Estate Management would be presented with their chance.

***

‘Guess I beat you to it.’ Adam placed a hand on the wooden staked fence and shook it. ‘Seems sturdy enough.’

‘Not if you treat it like that.’ Daisy raised her brows, casting a disapproving eye over him. ‘I thought you had enough to be getting on with.’

Adam switched his hands to his hips. Avoiding Daisy’s gaze, his eyes travelling over the sweeping hills of the South Downs, he countered, ‘You seem so pre-occupied with your move, I wasn’t sure you’d show up.’

‘And why shouldn’t I be?’ Daisy turned askew of him, arms hugging her waist. ‘It’s most likely the biggest decision I’ve ever made.’

‘And likely to be the most unwise.’

‘Oh, don’t start again.’ Daisy rifled a hand through her fair hair, blue eyes blazing. ‘I think we’ve already ascertained that I don’t need your thoughts on the matter.’

Adam shrugged. ‘Well, you were happy enough to have me along in the beginning.’

‘That was before you started to raise doubts by the bucket load.’

Adam swept a hand across his forehead, then held it out in appealing fashion. ‘I was simply being practical and logical. You just won’t listen to …’

‘Fat lot you know about me.’ Daisy pushed past him fired up now.

‘You haven’t thought this out,’ he called after her. ‘It’s way too big a place for one person to manage.’

‘Who said I’m managing it?’ Daisy called back, striding towards her vehicle.

‘Well, aren’t you?’

Daisy drew breath. She hadn’t wanted to divulge any details of her plans, particularly not for Adam to use as ammo to fire at her, but her mouth was winning out. ‘I’ve hired a company to assist,’ she answered. Well it was almost true; she’d made up her mind to do just that.

‘Terrific,’ Adam said derisively. ‘And you don’t even know who …’

Memo to self, keep trap closed. ‘What the blazes has it got to do with you?’ Daisy slammed her vehicle door shut before he’d a chance to respond, her fuse well and truly ignited. She drove back at speed, the drive over rough terrain throwing her about, jarring her inners, but she couldn’t care a fig.

Why was everyone intent on trying to run her life? That was the way it seemed. But it wasn’t going to be allowed to happen; apart from engaging an experienced management team, she was capable of directing her own affairs; more than capable.

‘Right girls, here’s what we’re going to do,’ she announced, breezing into the office. ‘We’re going to engage Anchor Estates to maintain the Hall and grounds, initially at any rate.’

‘Marvellous news!’ Alison enthused, dropping her pen and clapping as though applauding a pop idol. ‘That means we get to have the free introductory party.’

Daisy scowled, ‘I said nothing about a party; life doesn’t need to revolve around frivolity, I’ve a good mind to dispense with that part of the deal,’ then relenting and sliding into her chair, she continued, ‘though I suppose as it’s free, I could consent to one of sorts. We’ll draw up a guest list later.” She took a file from her desk. ‘Now then, I need to sanction the fence payment.’

‘Will you be inviting Adam?’ It was Penny who asked, fingers working at adjusting her ponytail. ‘Only you seem a bit off him of late.’

‘Not off exactly. But I don’t know; I haven’t had time to think. I’ll give it some thought. Didn’t I just say I’d draw up the guest list later?’

 Although, in point of fact Daisy had already given it thought; she guided her mouse across the computer monitor robotically – if there was to be a party, then Adam’s currently brooding presence wasn’t to be tolerated.

‘Don’t forget to get back to Mr. Jeffries …’

‘Later …’ Daisy snapped at Penny’s prompting. The thought of getting back to him jabbed her like a bony finger in the ribs. ‘He can wait. When I get around to Hall matters the management company will come first.’

In fact, Daisy was on the line to Frobisher-French when Jeffries called again. And when this time she did call him back she found her guess had been right.

‘Miss Truman, I called earlier; twice to be precise. I was wondering whether you’d given further thought to recruiting staff for the Hall?’ Jeffries’ voice, sombre and suggesting impatience, elevated with the final words of his question.

‘Indeed I have, Mr Jeffries. Forgive me for not returning your call directly – work commitments I’m afraid.’ She bit the bullet. ‘I’ve decided to engage a management company.’

There was a pause; she could hear Jeffries’ slow intake of breath.

‘Are you quite sure that is wise, Miss Truman? After all, you’re hardly experienced …’

‘That is precisely why I’ve hired this company,’ Daisy hissed. I’m arranging an initial three-month contract. If I’m not happy, then I’ll reconsider.’

‘I see.’ Another lengthy inhalation. ‘Might I ask who this company is?’

‘That is my business, Mr Jeffries – I assume you have no further questions? I have Reserve business to attend to.’

‘No, Miss Truman,’ Jeffries answered tiredly. ‘However, should you choose to reconsider what might be a foolhardy decision, then no doubt you’ll call.’

‘Of all the …’ Daisy caught her breath. ‘Obnoxious shit!’ She slammed the phone into its socket and fingered through her paperwork with a rapidity her eyes couldn’t match. ‘Oh to heck

with this!’ She bundled the papers back inside their file. ‘I’m taking the afternoon off,’ she announced to her startled colleagues. ‘See you later guys.