8. Jonto #4
“I have a better idea. I know you have no reason to trust me and that you consider me a blackguard and a pirate. I understand that. But this is my proposal; you can accept or reject it as you see fit. We’re neighbors, and whether we like it or not, we’ll be in one another’s lives for many years.
The herd will remain yours, along with the fees associated with such a herd.
The costs of care, medicines, winter feed, etc. , are yours.”
She unconsciously placed one hand on her hip, a habit she’d developed when talking about business-related matters.
“I’ll allow you to run your herd on my land.
However, the shepherds will be my men. A father and his son sail with me on board my ship.
They come from a shepherding family and have indicated they’d be willing to split their time between the land and the sea, as I’ll do throughout the year. ”
Isla was listening intently to what Jonto was proposing. “And when you and they are at sea? Who takes care of the herd then?”
“I’ll have them train assistants who will manage the herd under your guidance when we’re at sea.
Part of the deal is that you become a more hands-on owner.
You must learn how to manage your estates, My Lady.
You can no longer trust your land, your herd, or your other holdings to anyone but yourself.
You can have men and women working for you, but you can never delegate without oversight.
” Jonto narrowed her eyes as something occurred to her.
“I’ve seen horses in your pastures, but did I understand correctly that you raise thoroughbreds as a business?
Where are they grazed? Do you have them running free, or are they confined? ”
Jonto had been so preoccupied with her thoughts that she hadn’t noticed Isla bristling at her words. When she glanced up at Isla’s silence, she was shocked to see fury radiating off her in waves.
Isla’s voice dropped to an icy growl. “I’ll have you know that running sheep on my land is only a small portion of my business interests.
I own two successful inns in town, am the majority partner in one of the liveries, hold a financial interest in a millinery shop, and, yes, I successfully breed quality thoroughbreds.
With the help of Lady Fitzgerald, who knows bloodlines better than any man, my horses have become some of the most sought-after in the kingdom.
I have my hand in several other businesses, Lord Jontoreaux, but suffice it to say, with this one exception where I ceded the responsibility of a good portion of my land and my herds to those two men, I am a competent, hands-on businesswoman. ”
Jonto held up her hands. “Forgive me. I was being a pompous ass, a trait for which Nico has chastised me many times in the past. It seems my people should have included you when they researched the businesses in the community. I understand you’re also heavily involved in charity work, own and run a lending library on your land, and are renowned for your eclectic art collection.
” She stepped forward. “Please accept my apology for speaking out of turn.”
Isla crossed her arms and allowed her mother’s spirit to shine through. “For speaking out of your ass, you mean.”
Jonto rolled her lips into her mouth to keep from grinning inanely at Isla’s words. She dipped her head in contrition. “Yes, just so.”
At least the anger had erased all traces of sadness from Isla’s eyes, and Jonto was pleased to see a metaphoric rod of steel straighten her spine when she responded, “The answer to your question about the horses is that, at times, they’re confined, but they’re also turned out into the lower pastures to graze during the day.
The difference is that their pastures are at the front of my property, and I see them daily.
I would have known if those fools had been overgrazing there because I would have seen it. ”
She began pacing again. “My fault was not coming up here to supervise what was happening with my sheep. I trusted them when I never should have.” She turned and looked at Jonto suspiciously.
“But why would you do this for me? You’re right.
I don’t fully trust you. I’ve known you less than a seven day, and here you are, a man offering a woman, whom you believe to be a neophyte businesswoman, a way out of her problems. Does that seem perhaps a little bit suspicious to you? ”
Jonto spread her hands. “Absolutely. I think it would be prudent to have your Uncle James draw up a contract between us.”
“That would be a given, Lord Jontoreaux, should I decide to go through with this idea of yours. But.…”
Jonto cocked her head. “But?”
“I don’t intend to take this decision lightly, nor will I make it quickly.
However, the sheep you thrust through that opening are eating the flowers and plants in my yard.
Would you allow me,” she stopped to think about that, “or rather, would you have your people move them back onto your land since I no longer have a shepherd available to me? That will give me time to consider your offer.”
Jonto grimaced. “I apologize for that, My Lady. You vexed me, and when I’m vexed, I tend to retaliate.
I’ll send the lads around this afternoon to return the sheep to my lands.
Would it be permissible for me to send for Carlo and Tony so they can begin tending the herd right away?
Whether you accept my offer or not, they’ll need shepherding until you decide. ”
“Yes, of course. And I assume any profits from the wool and mutton will be split evenly between us?”
“Just so. Now, as for your other problems….” She indicated the land with a wave. “Again, with your permission, I have a friend I could send for. She’s a miracle worker with the land and could, at the very least, give us an idea about what it would take to bring yours back to its former glory.”