Chapter 27
CHAPTER 27
JESSY
T o use an old-fashioned word that my grandmother used a lot – I am flabbergasted. After Geoffrey dropped his bombshell, I could scarcely concentrate on the rest of the meeting and I doubt Luke could either. Geoffrey droned on about rental agreements, bills that were growing by the day and obligations to the community that made my head spin.
If Luke was having doubts before, he must have made his mind up now because this is an impossible situation. Granthaven will only remain the place I love if it’s left to exist rather than prosper. It’s a lot to think about, not only for Luke but also for the rest of us because if we push for change, we may not like what that involves.
Geoffrey staggers to the door when the meeting ends in a haze of brandy fumes and as he leaves, I say with a frown, “Please don’t tell me he drove here?”
Luke heads to the window that overlooks the driveway and groans.
“There’s an old Jag parked outside that definitely doesn’t belong here. Should someone take his keys?”
“If Wilf was here, we could get him to shoot out his tyres.” I add with a grin, and Luke gasps, “You said his gun wasn’t loaded.”
“I lied.”
The expression on Luke’s face causes me to laugh out loud and as we watch Geoffrey heave his body into the driver’s seat of the Jag, I have a real fear that we should call the police.
“Where does he live?” Luke asks and I reply, “Dream Valley.”
Luke grabs his phone and, after a short while, says casually, “Steven, the guy who just left, needs a lift. He’s had too much to drink. Can somebody drive him home and grab a taxi back?”
He cuts the call and we watch as Steven races out of the house and waves Geoffrey down as the car begins to move away and after a brief conversation, they swap places and head off out of the property.
“Does everyone do what you ask them to?” I ask, and Luke shrugs. “Not everyone.” He chuckles. “Morgana does what she likes and never asks my opinion. If I had one, she would pretend to consider it and then disregard it, anyway.”
My heart drops at the mention of his girlfriend and I wonder if I should say something. Then again, it’s none of my business and so I say brightly, “Anyway, it appears you have a huge decision to make.”
“Apparently so.”
He gazes out of the window with a thoughtful expression and then says, “What do you think?”
“I don’t know. To be honest, it’s an impossible situation, although something did strike me when he was speaking.”
“What?”
Luke turns to me and his eyes light with interest as I say carefully, “It makes sense now.”
“What does?”
“Business.”
He arches his brow and I take my seat and prop my elbows on the desk and stare at him.
“Granthaven has no debts – allegedly. They take the money in but rarely spend any, unless it’s on bills or urgent repairs.”
“I suppose.”
He takes his seat opposite me and stares directly into my eyes as I speak. “It’s a strange way to run a business because this is exactly that – a business. Most ones I know operate on borrowed money. Credit if you like. The income pays for the outgoings and there isn’t much left to sit in their banks at the end of the month.”
“Surely that’s bad, though.”
“Not really, if you consider it another way. They use the money generated to plough back into the business. They grow rather than shrink and at the end of the year their debts offset their profits, generating a low tax bill.”
Luke’s eyes gleam. “I see what you mean, but surely it just increases the value of the business when it’s time to pay inheritance tax.”
“Not if the individual doesn’t inherit the entire business on a personal level.”
“I don’t understand.”
Luke appears confused and I say carefully, “I’m not saying this is correct, but what if you made Granthaven a business? A limited company with shareholders but maintain the controlling interest. That way, the business remains in your family, but the profits are shared. When you pass on, it’s only your share of that business that will be liable, but if the debts outweigh the profits, there would be less to pay.”
“I see.”
Luke is thoughtful and I say quickly, “I may be wrong and there must be reasons against that, but it’s worth appointing an expert to look into it for you.”
Luke nods and then sighs as he leans back, the empty bottle of brandy reminding us that sometimes we all need a little shot of Dutch courage. Some more than others.
I glance at my watch.
“I should be going. The rehearsals are tonight and I need to eat first and mum is waiting with her shepherd’s pie.”
“Is the rehearsal still happening here?”
Luke asks with a sympathetic smile and I nod miserably.
“I believe it is. That was so generous of, um, Morgana, to offer your home to us. It certainly makes a difference because the village hall resembles a deep freeze right now.”
Luke nods and glances out of the window at the darkening shadows outside.
“Will you be okay walking home? It’s dark outside.”
“Of course.” I roll my eyes. “This is the safest place on earth.”
I falter and say sadly, “For now, anyway.”
As I stand, I smile at Luke warmly. “I don’t envy your predicament. Money doesn’t always bring happiness and you are facing some big decisions. If I can help in any way, please ask. I’ll try my best, but I really believe you need a professional now.”
As I make to leave, Luke says with laughter in his voice, “I’ll see you later, Jessy.”
“You’re coming to the rehearsal?”
My heart sinks as he winks. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”