Page 37 of The Earl's Wrangler
Randall rolled his eyes.“Anyway.Yes, she did.It was a huge deal at the time and helped propel the family into the upper echelons of society.There are records of how much it cost to host them, and let me say it was no bargain-basement visit.By all accounts the visit was a success, and the queen even wrote a thank-you note.It’s in the case.”
Voices gathered below, and they continued down the hall, where they peered into rooms and then continued on.Some were furnished while others were empty.“What do you do with all these?”
“I’m not sure.Most aren’t on the tour, so we leave them empty.They get cleaned periodically, and every room is checked daily to ensure that there isn’t an issue.”They continued on and through a door at the end of the hall, and found themselves back outside Randall’s bedroom.Sawyer did his best not to yawn, even though his body told him he should still be asleep.
“I think we should find something to do until your meetings in the village.It’s either that or I’m going to go back to sleep.I’m all messed up.”
“Then come on.How about we kill two birds with one stone?We can saddle up the horses and ride into the village, maybe have lunch in the pub, and we can meet the contractors afterwards.”
Now that sounded amazing to Sawyer.He found his boots and pulled them on.Then he checked that he looked okay before following Randall down and out the front door, to the delight of a group of tourists.Granted, Sawyer knew he was just part of the scenery.A few people asked Randall to sign their tour books, but a few of the girls asked him for selfies, and he obliged.
It took a while to get over to the horses and get them saddled.“These are different.”
“They’re English saddles.They sit a little differently, but I’m sure you’ll get used to it pretty quickly.”Randall finished checking everything over, and then they mounted up and took off across the estate.“Since we have time, I want to show you one of my favorite places.”
Chapter 14
THE CLOUDSfrom the day before were gone and the sun shone brightly, illuminating the lush green that seemed to come from everywhere as Randall mounted Caesar.He loved watching Sawyer on a horse, and damn, he was as stunning as ever on Augustus.They headed out along the back drive, and then Randall pointed and they veered off across one of the great lawns laid out in the style of the Victorian period, the sun brightening the entire world.Sawyer gave his horse his head and seemed to fly over the ground.
Randall let him.It was a ways to his spot, and there was something freeing about just letting go.He didn’t let his horse travel as fast, but that was fine.He loved watching Sawyer.
As they reached the far side of the lawns, Sawyer slowed, and Randall caught up before taking the lead on one of the forest paths.“This part of the estate was used for hunting.They used to shoot ducks and grouse out here as well as pheasants.There were fox hunts with packs of dogs and men in red jackets on horseback.It was all very civilized and a real ritual, though that kind of hunting isn’t done any longer.”
“Did you ever do it?”
“A couple of times, but we used a scent and had it dragged on the ground, so no foxes were actually hunted.Still, it was fun with all the dogs and people.I’ve never hunted here.That was at a neighboring estate, and it was for charity.”They continued through the trees, which spread a thick canopy over them.
“This must be an old forest,” Sawyer commented.“The trees are huge.”
“Yes.This part of the estate has never been timbered.These trees are hundreds of years old.My grandfather actually leveraged this part of the estate with the tax people.He told them he could sell off these trees and have them cut to pay part of the debt, or they could help protect them.They gave in, and it was agreed that this section of land be left to nature.”He continued on.
“Wow,” Sawyer gasped as they broke out of the trees and into the hidden glen.Grasses and a small lake filled the space.“Is this natural?”
“Yes.There’s a small creek that flows through the property, and it replenishes this little lake.Tons of animals come here to drink and feed.My father wanted to find a way to include this in the more manicured portion of the estate, but it didn’t work out.So this is a little hidden gem.”
“What sort of animals are back here?”
“All kinds.”They sat on horseback together, and Sawyer took his hand.“If we’re quiet, there will be ducks that land, and there are plenty of rabbits in the grasses.Squirrels fill the trees, and if we were to stay awhile, we might see larger animals, but they tend to come out at sunrise and sunset.”He pointed.“Look over there.A family of foxes has a den in that copse of trees.Sometimes I’ve seen them playing with the little ones.This is my own private piece of England, the part of it that I love the most.”
Sawyer squeezed his hand.“Do you ever go swimming?Or did you when you were a kid?”
Randall shook his head.“The stream is spring-fed, so it’s cold all the time.We used to play in it when I was a kid sometimes, but I never swam.Sometimes I wish I’d had brothers to play with.Then things might have been different.But I didn’t have lot of time for things like playing.I was watched over by nannies, and then when I was old enough, I was sent away to school.”
“There had to be happy times.”Sawyer leaned closer.“What about Christmas?”
“The house was always decorated for the holidays because the guests expected it.But our part was sparse.My father usually had a present for me, and my mother would have a few things, but it wasn’t a big deal.I know my grandfather spent the holiday visiting in the village.He would bring small gifts to the tenants and have oranges and such for all the kids.I think my father spent the day getting pissed.”
“Jesus.My father was no barrel of laughs, but he used to love the holidays.So we did a few things as a family.After Mom died, we spent the time with relatives, until he wore out his welcome in one way or another.”Sawyer’s phone chimed, and he pulled it out of his pocket.“Speak of the devil.”
“It must be four in the morning in Wyoming.”
Sawyer answered and put the call on speaker.“Where the fuck are you, boy?I tried calling and it went right to voicemail.I figured I would try the middle of the night and see if you answered.Where are you?”
“I’m out of the country,” Sawyer said.“And that is all I’m going to tell you.”
“I went by the ranch, and they said you were gone.That you had left.”His voice held a frantic edge.“Where can I find you?I’m in trouble, and you need to help.You owe me, boy.”
Sawyer grew agitated, and the horse began shifting his weight, picking up on Sawyer’s unease.“That’s enough.I don’t owe you anything, and I’m thousands of miles away from you.I’m not paying any of your gambling debts.If you’re in over your head, then get yourself some help.You really need it.But stay away from me.”He pressed the red button to end the call.A few seconds later it rang again.“Block.”
