James, Earl of Crofton by Cohen Rebecca

Author:Cohen, Rebecca [Cohen, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2020-04-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Adam had made suitable appreciative noses when given an initial tour of Crofton Hall. James, proud of his home, couldn’t help preening at the compliments Adam had paid. There would be plenty of time for a more detailed account, and James left him to settle into his room and went in search of his mother, determined not to put it off any longer. He found Anna Redbourn in a small sitting room that had always been one of her favourites.

“Ah, James. I was thrilled to hear you were coming home after such a short time in London.”

Anna made to stand, but James raced to settle her back in the chair. “I told you I would return as soon I was able.”

“I know, and I am sorry I was not here to greet you when you arrived, but I have spent the last few days with Elizabeth and have only just returned.”

He was relieved to hear she’d been spending time with her friends, especially the lady of the manor from the neighbouring lands with whom she had been close for many years. “I am able to return without an escort.”

“Able, yes. But that does not mean you should have to.” She squeezed his hands. “Now you are home I will spend more time at the hall. It is not the same place when it is only me.”

While he had lost a father, he could only begin to understand his mother’s grief; having her husband of so many years slip away from her was far worse than even his own tragedy of losing someone he loved. “I do not wish you to think you need to be here to watch over me. I am happy you are visiting friends, and encourage it strongly.”

Anna wrinkled her nose, a sure sign she was about to argue. “My darling boy, a mother does not stop being a mother because her children have grown up.”

James’s hope that he could persuade her without having to reveal the truth dissipated when he saw she would not budge. “It would be better if you were away visiting for the next few weeks. There is something I need to do and I do not wish you to be troubled by it.”

“Troubled? What do you mean by troubled?”

“Estate business I need to attend to.”

“If you think I will leave Crofton Hall without a better reason than that you are mistaken.” She pursed her lips and gave him the same stare he’d received whenever he’d been naughty as a child. “You will tell me what is going on.”

With a sigh, he sat down in the closest chair. “Before he died, Father told me of some financial irregularities he had discovered. Someone is stealing from the estate, a few pennies here and there.”

She didn’t look too perturbed. “I am sure it goes on in every household.”

“I would agree that petty pilfering is common, but from what I have seen so far, it is a sizable amount and the theft has been carefully calculated.

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