MOOREND FARM an enchanting and unforgettable historical family saga (Sinclair Family Saga Book 2) by GWEN KIRKWOOD

Author:GWEN KIRKWOOD [KIRKWOOD, GWEN]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Joffe Books historical sagas and romance
Published: 2019-12-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

It was as James Sinclair had expected. Mr Roger Capel barely took time to listen to his request. He refused to consider any changes involving the ruins of what had once been Braeside Farm.

‘It is true the pigsties and the small barn are derelict now, but surely the cottage could be made habitable if it had a new roof and repairs to the doors and windows,’ James reasoned quietly. ‘You would be getting a rent in return. Joe Greig is a decent honest man with a steady job.’

‘Then let him rent a cottage somewhere else.’ Mr Capel raised his voice more than he realized and pushed back his chair with such force it fell to the floor. The truth was he and his wife liked lavish entertainment and Roger couldn’t wait for his father to die so he could have the estate completely in his hands. He planned to sell some of the outlying farms to raise capital and settle their debts. Meanwhile there were constant arguments, so he had no intention of spending money on derelict buildings.

James left the estate office closing the door quietly behind him. He wondered if the rumours were true that there was strife between the young laird and his wife. He had dismissed the talk as servants’ gossip when he had heard it at the cattle market, but Mr Roger Capel was certainly in bad humour. He swallowed hard. Although he had been prepared for a refusal he was as disappointed as he knew Joe and Maggie would be. He would have to persuade Maggie he didn’t need her to keep house for him and Jim, but how would he do that without making her feel unwanted? Perhaps he could put one of those notices in the paper asking for a suitable woman but he shuddered at the prospect of having a stranger living in his home, organizing his food and washing and cleaning, making his bed, ironing his shirts.

‘Good morning, James. You’re looking very downcast. I was sorry to hear of your wife’s — of Mary’s death.’

‘Thank you, Sir Reginald. She had not been in good health for some time.’

‘No, we have not seen her with you in the kirk in recent years although she used to be the most regular attender. Nothing else going wrong at Bonnybrae I hope?’ He had heard his son’s voice raised in anger. He was curious but he knew Roger would call him an interfering old man, or worse, if he questioned him.

‘No, nothing wrong. I was here to ask if there was any possibility of the estate repairing the roof and windows on the old house at Braeside and renting it to Joe Greig. He and Maggie would like to get married. Unfortunately Mary convinced Maggie it is her duty to stay at Bonnybrae and look after Jim and me. I’ve tried to tell her that’s nonsense and she must grasp her chance of happiness with Joe. He has a good job as manager at Courton’s so he needs to live where he can get the train each day.

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