Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5
‘Does Jamie have a son?’ I whispered to Fi the next day, as we were striding our way through the back corridors of Stonemore. The house was open to the public, so we were banned from the grand rooms, which were currently being monitored by cheery stewards in navy blue sweatshirts monogrammed in yellow.
‘What?’ She frowned. ‘No. Why did you think that?’
‘He mentioned someone called Hugo in his email.’ I didn’t mention my late-night power-googling had yielded nothing for Jamie apart from a picture taken a decade or so ago when he was graduating from university (Cambridge, obviously). And the Earl of Roxdale’s Wikipedia page had mainly focused on an ancestor who’d been a particularly brutal warrior in the wars against the Scots. When I looked for a Hugo Mullholland, all that my searches had produced were a LinkedIn entry for a hedge fund manager and an Ancestry entry for someone who’d died in 1626.
‘Ha! Close, but no cigar,’ said Fi. ‘You’ll see. Here we are.’
I’d been expecting the earl’s apartment to be lavish, a mirror of the grand reception rooms below, with their oil paintings, cold-eyed portraits, gilding and grand furnishings. But we were standing in a corridor with a threadbare green carpet, by a front door with a brass ‘1’ on it, like a normal flat. Fi knocked sharply and there was a flurry of fierce barking.
‘I thought you said there weren’t any demons hereabouts,’ I said to Fi. ‘It sounds like a hellhound.’ She grinned in response.
I heard the pounding of feet on floorboards then the door opened a crack and Jamie’s face appeared. ‘Hello,’ he said. ‘Sorry, he’s an enthusiastic watchdog.’
A small but stocky white and tan beagle launched himself at me and crashed against my legs. Despite the impact, I still had enough presence of mind to brace myself and offer my hand to a wet nose.
I glanced at Jamie’s face. I might have been imagining it, but his hard, cold gaze seemed to have softened.
‘Anna, can I formally introduce you to Hugo? Sorry, he’ll want to sniff your face. He won’t rest until he’s done it. He won’t lick you, don’t worry.’
‘Right.’ I bent down and looked into Hugo’s enormous dark eyes. ‘Hello, sweet boy,’ I squeaked to him, stroking his chest. His coat was so soft. Hugo delicately sniffed my hair line, eyebrows and mouth, then booped me on the nose with his own snout.
‘Ooh.’ I put my hand to the patch of damp he’d left behind. ‘Is that good? Do I pass?’
‘With him, at least,’ said Jamie. ‘But he’s not the best judge of character.’ He turned abruptly away.
I glanced at Fi and gave her a ‘what did I do wrong?’ look but she just smiled encouragingly.
We followed Jamie through a short hallway and then into a room which made me exclaim out loud. I remembered how Callum had told me many of the rooms at the back of the house were dust-sheeted; this apartment was at the front of the house on the second floor. Floor to ceiling windows looked out over the carriage drive, and the view beyond of the deer park, bisected by the long drive that led to the road. The walls and ceiling were decorated with Neo-Classical plasterwork in pale blue and white – it looked like an oversized Wedgwood plate. But as I looked around, I saw that the one vast room had been zoned into different areas: a couple of leather sofas covered with throws and the oldest TV I’d ever seen; an office area with shelves and a desk; a dining table with chairs and a bowl of fruit. I glimpsed a small kitchen through another doorway. All of it was bathed in glorious light. The most extraordinary studio flat I’d ever seen.
Fi was talking to Jamie about budgets, their faces grim, so I went to one of the enormous windows. Below, a coach was pulling up. Its doors opened and dozens of people spilled out, all of them looking upwards, snapping away with their cameras and phones. I suddenly had a flash of what it might feel like to live here; people constantly trying to consume little bits of Stonemore. Fi had told me they had found someone trying to chip a bit of cornicing off one of the rooms, claiming they wanted it as a souvenir. What must it be like, to look down on those eager, enquiring faces, day after day? I supposed being lord of the manor was compensation enough.
Lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t noticed that Fi had gone.
‘Hello?’
I swung round to find my new boss standing directly behind me, and was so surprised that I instinctively stepped back hard against the sash window.
‘Watch out!’ In an instant Jamie had grabbed hold of my shoulders and pulled me away from the glass. I stumbled (of course) and landed hard against him, the sudden proximity tripling my heartbeat and setting off a range of conflicting thoughts including please no and he smells delicious . Luckily, he didn’t see my face for more than a second, because he released me as though I was on fire and turned away.
‘Apologies for startling you,’ he said, facing away from me. ‘I didn’t want you to fall against the glass. It’s original, and not exactly tough.’
I caught my breath. ‘I suppose plunging to my death in my first week here wouldn’t be a good look,’ I said, struggling to regain some composure. I was properly flustered. If only I had managed to complete my ‘ice queen’ mind map.
He turned back to me, a slight flush on his face, hands in his pockets, and just for a moment he reminded me of a schoolboy; there was a strange, uncomfortable look on his face, as though he was lost for words. Then in an instant his face turned back to its normal expression: cold, complacent inscrutability. Any vulnerability vanished.
I had a sinking feeling this meeting was going to be difficult.
‘Shall we sit down over here?’ he said, going over to the dining-room table and pulling out a chair for me with elaborate good manners. Then his expression changed sharply. ‘Sit,’ he barked.
I sat down, just about stifling the ‘bloody hell’ that rose to my lips.
‘I was speaking to Hugo,’ Jamie said. ‘He looked like he was about to come and start pestering you.’
I glanced back to see a thoroughly awake Hugo sitting obediently on the sofa like a sentry on duty.
‘Okay,’ I murmured, busily unzipping my portfolio and drawing out the plan, shielding it with a plain piece of paper so I could build up to a big reveal. Act professional , I told myself. No need to be embarrassed. No need to doubt yourself .
Jamie drew out a chair opposite me and settled into it, crossing his long legs and clasping his hands in his lap.
‘Explain to me your reasoning about the wildflower meadow,’ he said, fixing his eyes on me, level and unblinking. This man had been to staring school. It was probably lesson number one in boarding school: how to stare down a working-class person.
I began my prepared speech – the terrain, the flowers and grasses that I would recommend; the complexity of it as an ecosystem; the pollinators, which would in turn benefit the kitchen garden nearby. He remained silent. I wanted him to ask any questions before I showed him the plan, so when I had finished, I waited.
‘I think I had something more formal in mind,’ he said eventually. ‘Structure, order. It’s been a chaotic place.’
‘Callum said there was some history there,’ I said, trying to look as sympathetic as possible.
He raised his eyebrows. ‘Really? I expected him to show you the plot, not gossip about me.’
I cringed inwardly. ‘He wasn’t gossiping. I asked him for context, and the history of how it had been used.’
‘It was once beautiful, and now it’s not,’ he said flatly. ‘That’s all you need to know.’
‘Right.’ Movement caught my eye, and I looked behind me. Hugo was watching attentively, his head cocked.
Old Anna would give the earl what he wanted, and the ‘yes’ was on the tip of my tongue; change the plan, and smile the whole time. But it would be the wrong choice.
I looked back at Jamie and swallowed hard. ‘If you want a formal garden, then that isn’t what you hired me for, although I can make up a plan if you’d like me to. Or you can hand it over to Keith and Mica, who would be able to restore it as it was – the bones of the original garden are still there underneath it all. My recommendation is the meadow.’
‘So it’s your way or the highway?’ he said crisply.
I blinked. ‘That’s not what I said. However, you pay me for my professional opinion, and I think a wildflower meadow would be the best use for it.’
‘I hired you,’ he said, ‘because you have a reputation for thinking outside the box and getting things done. Because the voluntary work you did alongside your corporate work showed you had passion for conservation and biodiversity. I wanted something exceptional for Stonemore, within our limited budget. If you think you’ve come here so you can daydream your way through the job, then think again.’
I pushed my chair away from the table. ‘I’m a hard worker, and I’ve earned my reputation,’ I said, hoping there wasn’t a tremor of annoyance in my voice. ‘I’ve never daydreamed through a day’s work in my life, and I’ve never been handed anything on a plate.’
His eyes met mine; it was like two pieces of flint striking against each other, sparking dangerously. For a moment we sat in fizzing silence, glaring at each other. Stalemate. A tiny voice in my head, said: Anna, you’re pissing off the new boss again , but I ignored it. The man deserved to be pissed off.
I couldn’t help myself. ‘You’ve seen my CV. You’ve seen the range of skills I have. Everything from project management to being really good with a chainsaw.’
‘You don’t need to repeat it to me.’ He stayed totally still, hands still clasped in his lap, leaning back.
‘But the key to all of it,’ I ploughed on, practically willing him to look uncomfortable, ‘is people. Getting on with people from all walks of life. Volunteers, farmers, scientists, contractors. And, of course, the occasional landowner .’ I gave him a pointed look. ‘I have experience with all of these, and I can see it’s going to be a central issue here.’
He tilted his head and fixed me with his blue eyes. ‘I agree.’
I tilted my head in echo of his gesture. Touché . ‘Not that it really matters, but here’s my impression of the wildflower meadow,’ I said. I took the plain piece of paper away and pushed the drawing towards him.
He stared at it. I saw his eyes range over the plan. Still, that stony expression remained. I glanced over at Hugo, as though to say no worries, mate, I’ll be out of your hair in five . Eventually, his lordship sat back and sighed.
‘It’s clear you’re wedded to the idea of the meadow,’ he said, his eyes fixed on my drawing.
I folded my arms across my chest. ‘You’re the boss at the end of the day,’ I said coolly.
He drummed his fingers on the table for a long minute. I was thinking about offering to leave when he spoke.
‘Right. I provisionally give the go-ahead to try this plan. But I reserve the right to change my mind.’
‘I’m sorry?’ I said. Had I won ? It didn’t feel as though I had.
‘Belheddonbrae,’ he said crisply, as though speaking to an idiot. ‘I agree that you should begin with this plan.’
‘Well, um, great!’ I almost laughed with relief.
‘Unless I change my mind in the next five minutes, which I might if you keep looking so pleased with yourself.’ The suggestion of a smile flickered over his face. Then he got it under control and returned his gaze to its normal grumpy baseline, sheathing those brilliant eyes behind their mask of coolness.
‘Thank you.’ My voice caught on the words as I started gathering my things together. Despite all of my bold words, he was so unsettling. Best to leave now, while I was still ahead.
‘One thing.’ He put his hand out, touched the meadow plan with the tips of his fingers. ‘Can I keep this? Do you have a copy you can work from?’
‘Of course. I scanned it this morning.’
He nodded, and let his gaze rest on it.
A thump indicated Hugo had jumped down from the sofa. As I tucked my papers and pen away, he came over with a slow tail wag and leaned against Jamie’s legs.
‘He really is lovely,’ I said.
‘Yes.’ Jamie fondled the beagle’s ears and Hugo looked up at him with devotion. ‘He’s also mad. Hates other dogs. Can’t fit in with the pack.’
I remembered how isolated I’d felt from my friends in London as they’d settled down and had babies; the quietness of my phone after my break-up with Sean. ‘I know the feeling,’ I said.
‘Me too.’ His face had softened when he looked down at Hugo. When he looked back up at me, I thought I might see the human being again. But the wall was back up. It seemed his nice side was reserved for dogs only.
‘Oh, by the way,’ I said. ‘I’m planning to survey the section of ancient woodland near the upper reaches. Callum’s shown me where it is on the map. I thought I’d drive up there this afternoon for a first look.’
He raised his eyebrows. ‘On your own? The terrain is difficult. Don’t overreach yourself.’
Lord, this man was annoying. ‘I think I’ll be fine, thanks,’ I snipped.
He said nothing, just raised his eyebrows then looked at his phone with a faint look of amusement on his face. ‘Whatever you say, Miss Whitlock. But do stay away from any large windows you might come across.’
‘Thank you so much for your time this morning, my lord ,’ I said grittily. ‘No need to see me out!’
I bounded for the exit, and was out the front door before even Hugo could catch up with me. The flat door closed heavily behind me.
I was standing in the corridor, trying to remember the way back to the office, when a blonde-haired woman appeared from a doorway on the right. She was dressed in full country gear – jodhpurs, wellies (pristine), quilted gilet and (of course!) a waxed jacket. Her features were so symmetrical and her figure so willowy, she looked like a model from a countrywear catalogue, the type where you can’t buy a sweatshirt for less than three figures. She was even wearing pearl earrings, for goodness’ sake. I gaped at her.
She smiled. ‘Hello?’
‘Hi!’ I made a quick recovery back to full consciousness. ‘Sorry, I’m new here and I’m lost. I’ve just visited the earl for the first time. I should have dropped breadcrumbs on the way here.’
She laughed politely. ‘The old place is a bit of a rabbit warren. Where are you trying to get to?’
I explained and she patiently gave me a list of directions. Then she glanced at Jamie’s door. ‘Is he in a good mood?’
‘Um, to be honest, I have no idea.’
She laughed again. ‘I’ll take my chances then. Nice to meet you…?’
‘Anna.’ I held my hand out. ‘I’m working on the estate management with Callum. Rewilding, environmental management.’
‘Really?’ She shook my hand. ‘So Jamie’s finally getting around to it. Good for him – and you. I’m Lucinda, I stable my horses here. You’ll see me around.’
I froze. The ex . ‘Nice to meet you,’ I burbled. And then I hurried off as fast as I could. I’d already had enough awkwardness for one day.