The Master of Phoenix Hall Read Free

heavy stack of papers. He wore a frayed but well cut gray suit and there was a blue handkerchief sticking out of his breast pocket. He wore spectacles also, and these gave him a milder look. In the small room his great size was even more evident, and he seemed to lumber about like a caged lion, talking about deeds and other legal documents in very professional terms. I could not begin to follow half of what he was saying, but I sat with what I hoped was an intelligent look on my face and nodded my head when it seemed appropriate to do so.
    â€œYou have no desire to sell?” he asked finally.
    â€œWhy—no. Not just yet, anyway. I am anxious to see the house.”
    â€œThe Master of Phoenix Hall would pay handsomely.”
    â€œHe wants Dower House back?”
    â€œHe seems determined to have it.”
    â€œI seem to remember something about a law suit he brought against my uncle,” I said, hoping Mr. Patterson would tell me something more about it.
    â€œYes, that was many years ago, and there was much bad blood. He claimed your uncle used trickery to get Bradford Mellory to leave Dower House to him, and there was quite a squabble in court. But the will was airtight, and Dower House was legally your uncle’s, as now it is yours.”
    â€œWhat is the place like?” I asked.
    â€œIt is small, two floors and a basement, strongly constructed—the finest old stone and oak. There is an herb garden and many trees. One drawback—and you may not like this—the old deserted quarries are right behind the house, fifty yards or so. Could be dangerous if a person wasn’t careful.”
    â€œWhere is it in relation to Phoenix Hall?”
    â€œHalf a mile or so, easy walking distance. Not so close you’ll feel ill at ease. Your aunt managed to ignore the people at the Hall completely, seldom even saw them on the grounds. You won’t be alone, will you, Miss Todd?”
    â€œI shall have a maid. Why do you ask?”
    â€œWell—it’s a rugged country. All sorts of unrest.”
    â€œIs there—danger?”
    â€œNot really. I didn’t mean to alarm you. There’s been a lot of smuggling in the county, some highwaymen have been seen on the roads of late. It’s a poor county. Phoenix Hall is the only rich estate in the area, and it’s gone down since they mined out all the granite.”
    â€œMy aunt lived alone,” I remarked.
    â€œYour aunt was a salty old woman, Miss Todd. She kept a pistol and she knew how to use it. And she was loved by the people of the county. I have mentioned the herb garden? She made poultices and medicines for the neighborhood people and was something of a midwife. People came to her when they had aches and pains, and usually she cured them. No one would have harmed her. As her relative, you’ll be in good standing before you even arrive.”
    He gave me some papers to sign and I signed where he pointed. I held the quill between nervous fingers and the ink splattered. He blotted it with a piece of felt and waved the deed in front of the window to dry it. He tied up a stack of papers with a ribbon and asked me if I wanted a box at the bank. He agreed to handle all my legal matters for me, and I felt they were in good hands.
    â€œThere is quite a bit of money,” he said. “Most of it invested. I will send you the statements. You’ll get a modest sum four times a year. That’s the interest. The rest will still be at the bank, making more.” He paused, obviously wanting to ask me a question.
    â€œYes?” I said, prompting him.
    â€œHave you any knowledge of your aunt’s source of income?”
    â€œNone whatsoever.”
    â€œNone of my affair really. I know she was paid well by the people, and she had a brisk business in herbs. I wouldn’t have thought it would pay so well—but perhaps she had another source of income we didn’t know about.” He grinned.