Death Comes to Kurland Hall Read Free

rules.” The rector took off his spectacles, his gaze considering. “Is there something you wish to ask me?”
    There was a second of silence, broken by the chiming of the quarter hour by the clock on the mantelpiece. Robert made himself look the rector in the eye.
    â€œIf matters do develop between Miss Harrington and myself, sir, you will be the first to know.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear that, Major. A woman’s reputation is a precious and fragile thing.” He folded up the letter. “Although the idea of a man in your new position courting my Lucy is somewhat unlikely.”
    â€œI understand that, sir.” Robert used his cane to rise out of his chair. “I am far beneath her touch. I must be getting on. Mr. Stanford’s children are arriving today, and I promised to be there to greet them.”
    â€œHow delightful.” The rector rose, too, and came around to shake Robert’s hand. “What an occasion for our village, eh? A grand ton wedding.”
    â€œAnd a lot of extra work and worry for all of us,” Robert couldn’t help but remark. He still wasn’t happy with having his peace disturbed, especially in the countryside, where his inability to join in any gentlemanly sports would be glaringly obvious.
    â€œI believe most of the work and the excitement will be generated by our womenfolk, Major Kurland, which leaves us men with more time to hunt and fish. All you and Mr. Stanford have to do is remember to turn up at the church at the correct time.” The rector chuckled at his own joke and held the door open for Robert to depart. “Good afternoon, Major.”
    As Robert climbed back up into the gig and Reg set off toward Kurland Hall, it finally started to rain. He glanced up at the leaden sky and grimaced. His land-draining schemes were only drawings at the moment, which meant that if the rain kept up all month, his lower pasturelands would be flooded again.
    When he reached his home, he went straight to his study and asked Foley to send Thomas Fairfax in to him immediately. The rain made his damaged left leg ache abominably, so he stayed on his feet and close to the fire while he waited.
    â€œYou wished to see me, Major?”
    He turned to greet his land agent. “Ah, Thomas, we’ll have to move the cattle out of—”
    â€œI’ve already sent down the order to the home farm, sir.” Thomas smiled. “I knew you would be worried about the state of the ground.”
    â€œThank you.” Robert limped over to his desk and sat down.
    â€œMajor . . .” Thomas hesitated and removed a folded piece of parchment from his coat pocket. “I hate to bother you with such a personal matter, but I received a letter today from my father’s wife.”
    â€œYour stepmother?”
    â€œI’m illegitimate, sir, so we are not formally related. I do know her quite well, as she occasionally consulted me about estate matters before my father died.”
    Robert grimaced. “Has Mrs. Fairfax changed her mind? Has she realized what a jewel she allowed to slip through her fingers? I suppose she wants you to return and manage her son’s future and her widow’s estate. I do hope not. I’d hate to lose you when we’ve just got started on our plans for this place.”
    Thomas glanced down at the open letter. “I’m not quite sure what she wants, Major. She says that she will be traveling down from London to see me.”
    â€œThen please tell her that she is welcome to stay here at the manor.”
    Thomas frowned. “Are you sure, sir? Her visit might coincide with Mrs. Giffin and Mr. Stanford’s wedding.”
    â€œAll the more reason for her to come, then. I’ll be too busy offering my support to Mr. Stanford to do much with the estate, which will give you time to sort out your personal affairs.”
    â€œThat is very kind of you, sir.” Thomas folded up the letter and