Tristan's Quest by Allingham

Author:Allingham
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781782814313
Publisher: G2 Rights Ltd

Chapter 14

Maxwell Erskin-Powell, the solicitor who acted for Tristan’s new employer, had some of the characteristics of the Major. Figured like his cousin, his frame had not made him quite, as round as he was long. He had the family trait of a baldpate, although he had more traces of ginger in the hair at the back of his head, as well as in his neat clipped moustache.

After a vigorous inquisition into Tristan’s past career, the solicitor explained Tristan’s entitlement to salary, days off and annual leave entitlement. When he listed Tristan’s duties, he gave him a clear brief, in a voice more military than legal.

“Your duties are simple, in fact less than arduous. The only downside is that the insurance company’s underwriters require that there must be an approved designated resident in the house at all times, otherwise, it is impossible for me to arrange insurance. Failure to comply would invalidate the insurance. Furthermore, it would lead to your dismissal without notice. You will be the principal approved designated resident. It will be up to you to arrange how you share this duty with Mrs. Edna Spitewinter, the cook-housekeeper, who I have also approved as a designated resident. If you have to get a substitute, you must get my authorisation in advance, after you have let me have details of who will be resident in charge if you leave Erskin House.”

Erskin-Powell’s manner changed from a factual brief to that of a concerned relative of the Major when he said, “Your responsibilities are more difficult to define than your duties. The Major, as his record shows, has great courage, but frankly, he is a simple naive man. He needs protection from devious men, and duplicitous women. I cannot ask you to be his guardian however, please watch out for him. As you will become aware, the Major has great personal wealth. His income comes mainly from property around Westminster and Piccadilly. His estates in South Africa and South America add to his income. The estate in Scotland does the opposite. Every year since Fortune magazine first published its vulgar list, they have included the Major in their top one hundred. The trouble is he is sublimely unconscious of his wealth. With men, he is very clubbable; he finds women difficult to understand. That he takes everyone on face value makes him vulnerable. If you have any concerns on his behalf, you must contact me directly.”

Erskin-Powell’s manner changed again. He became a little diffident when he asked Tristan to take over the household’s day-to-day expenditure, routine purchases and ledgers from Mrs. Spitewinter.

“She will be as mad about this as a baboon with a boil on its bottom, but I have become increasingly unhappy with her stewardship. I will write to advise her of your appointment. I shall also explain the new arrangements. It will be hand delivered today, to ensure that she has sight of it before you take up your duties. I am sure that you will find the right way to deal with the Spitewinter woman.

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