A Painted Devil by Jamie Probin

Author:Jamie Probin [Probin, Jamie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-06-30T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

The vast grounds of Blackwood Manor were lined by dense trees and the river on two sides, with a high brick wall surrounding the rest. The main gates were set into this wall, and beside them the Gate House, now the residence of Catherine Bowes, emerged almost organically from it . Owing to its original function there was no front garden to speak of, beyond a few flowerbeds, and so at the rear of the cottage a low stone wall separated a very small area of the grounds of Blackwood Manor from the rest, creating a back garden. Although this rear wall was only waist-high the arrangement usually provided effective privacy (since the Manor was several hundred yards away, and shielded by a small copse of trees), but today it overlooked the social event of the year, and half the village seemed to pass by at one time or another.

Late in the afternoon Miss Bowes had retired there for a cold drink, and soon found herself chatting to Douglas McKinley. She had been a close friend and staunch supporter of McKinley’s father, and now took a great interest in his son’s political career.

‘I hear that Sir George has been making difficulties over your bill for the new factory.’

Douglas smiled ruefully. ‘How did I know that you would already have heard that news? Nothing eludes you does it?’

‘When you get to my age you know where to listen. You also learn to recognise when someone is avoiding a question.’ She looked pointedly at him. ‘Especially politicians.’

McKinley’s smile widened and he looked fondly at the old lady.

‘I’m sure my father would not have been half the MP he was without your support. Well, you’re right, I won’t deny that the bill is not going smoothly, but I’m hopeful I can talk Sir George round.’

‘I admire your optimism. Are we talking about the same Sir George Wentworth here?’

‘Oh it won’t be easy, I know that. Well, I hardly have to tell you about Sir George do I? But I can be very persuasive you know.’

‘Well I hope so Douglas. You realise the importance of this in your career, I’m sure.’

From anyone else this comment might have drawn irritation from the MP, but coming from Catherine Bowes it garnered only an appreciative smile.

‘He’s just so damn obstinate once he’s made up his mind. Now, if I could find some historical evidence that a previous Wentworth had built a factory to great public acclaim I would have no problem,’ he laughed. ‘Anyway, enough talking shop, let’s enjoy the occasion.’

They both looked out over the wall at the thronging masses of Upper Wentham milling around the tables and marquees erected on the vast lawns.

‘I remember once commenting to Sir George,’ murmured McKinley as he sipped his lemonade, ‘that you could fit the entire population of the village into his grounds. I did not realise at the time I was being so literal.’

‘It’s not just Upper Wentham,’ replied his hostess. ‘I think half the neighbouring villages are here as well.

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