The Circle Now Is Made (King's Way Book 1) by Mac Fletcher Read Free Book Online Page B

spires from the road years ago, but never imagined I’d work here.”
    “I'd think the pair of 'em could live grandly from the proceeds of the sale. Why don’t they just put it on the market and be done?”
    “Looks as if they’ll have to.” Jan shrugged hopelessly. “Though I’m sure Sarah doesn’t want to leave; she’s very sweet, but she adores being lady of the manor .” Jan considered for a moment before adding: “Whatever else she might or might not be though, I’m certain she has a high regard for this place… and the welfare of the workers.”
    “Are there no dependants beside Nigel and Sarah?” asked Greg.
    “No. Lawson Penmaric had never been married before. I’m sure his idea towards the end was to leave an heir to continue with the estate. Although he’d always looked on Nigel as a son, he'd come to realise his faith had been misplaced.”
    “So Penmaric wasn't as indifferent toward his employees as Nigel is?”
    “Goodness no! Say what people might, Penmaric did his damndest to protect his staff.  In spite of that though, if and when the estate is sold off we’ll be left without homes - Jamie and me sooner than anyone if nothing comes of this lot. Whoever takes over will no doubt find a way of paying off the workers with a few hundred for a lifetime’s loyalty.”
    Greg stopped walking so he could ask another question before they reached the house. “You know a lot about this setup don’t you? Do you think Penmaric has left anything of value?”
    “I don't honestly know. Although I handled the paperwork, I couldn't - wouldn't - divulge financial details anyway, Greg.”
    Greg shook his head. “No, I wouldn’t want you to - I respect loyalty.”
    “All I can say - as most folks know anyway,” continued Jan, "is that the estate nearly folded some years ago. Penmaric somehow pulled it out of the fire at the eleventh hour and it's bumped along since. But I always got the impression he had something up his sleeve.”
    Greg nodded, and increased his pace as they neared the house; he was anxious to meet Sarah.
     
    The door was answered by a domestic.
    “There y’are m’dears,” she said as she relieved Jan of her coat and ushered the pair into an awesome library, made homely by a flickering log fire.
    “Dunno about you Jan, but I feel like a street urchin.” whispered Greg as he surveyed his weathered gear.
    “Mmm.” Jan grinned in awe. “Hard to believe someone could own a place like this and be anything but wealthy.”
    Greg sighed as a flicker of irony crossed his face. “Déjà vu.”
    “Pardon?”
    “Nothing.”
    Sarah Penmaric, lady of the house, eventually entered, though Greg was surprised to find her stylish, immensely attractive - and unpretentiously informal. She introduced herself simply as Sarah, and called on the maid to serve sherry.
    “It will help warm you through - it’s bitter again isn’t it?” The pair agreed as they sipped their drinks in front of the fire.
    Although Greg had been wary of Sarah, after a short conversation he became convinced that, in the main, she had Jan’s interests at heart. She suggested taking rent for the cabin - a percentage of profits was mentioned - with an ultimate view to selling.
    “I would have to make a legal provision though,’ she explained, ‘to allow for a situation whereby Nigel and myself were forced to sell quickly… and you weren’t able to buy...’
    “I understand that perfectly,’ interrupted Jan, wishing to save Sarah discomfort.
    Sarah smiled and continued. “Obviously, renting out the cabin won't solve our problems, though every little helps, and it would lessen our responsibilities." She looked towards Jan, pausing as she sipped her sherry, then shook her head slowly. "I can’t imagine why I said our responsibilities – I don't think Nigel would care if I gave the cabin away."
    “Neither would we.” Greg laughed, adding more seriously: “If we made the cabin look like a viable proposition, do