Page 16 of Valentine Nook
Legacy is exactly the reason I’m calling James, along with why I’m a little more tense than usual this morning.
“Good morning, Your Grace.”
“Have you got five minutes?”
“Yes, now?”
“Yes.”
“Certainly. I’ll be right over.”
One of the best things about James is his appreciation for a sense of urgency.
I imagine him jumping into the Land Rover outside the staff offices on the other side of Burlington Estate, zipping around the track, and passing the polo fields and the dairy before reaching the lane, which takes him straight to Burlington Hall’s side door.
By my estimation, he’ll be here in less than fifteen minutes, which gives me enough time to get a coffee.
Walking into the kitchen, I find Alex sitting on one of the stools at the breakfast counter, a piece of toast dangling from his mouth as he turns the page on theFinancial Times. It’s the first time I’ve seen him this morning. He usually comes over much earlier for breakfast before heading to the estate offices to check on the staff, but he’s leaving for Hong Kong this afternoon.
While all of my brothers work for the family in some capacity, I work with Alex most closely. He manages our overseas portfolio across Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific, making investments globally and primarily acquiring land for sustainable agriculture. His trip today will be to check on the progress of our work in the Far East, as well as the quarterly earnings reports.
“Anything interesting in there?”
He shakes his head, removing the piece of toast from his mouth as he does. “Not really.”
I pick up a cup set out for breakfast and pour out a coffee. I’m toying with whether to tell him what I’m planning, but I don’t want to be talked out of it.
“Where’s Mum?”
“Not sure. In the garden probably.”
I peer out of the window, thinking I might catch a glimpse of her, but I don’t see anything.
“Morning, James,” Alex booms, and I spin around and see James striding in.
“Good morning, my lord,” he replies and turns to me. “Your Grace.”
“James.”
He stands there staring at me, but he knows better than to ask what I need him for, especially with Alex present.
“By the way, I passed Lord Hendricks on the way over. He said to tell you he’s gone to check on the new calves.”
We’re coming to the end of birthing season. Over the past two months, one hundred of our heifers gave birth, and only a couple are due over the next week or so. Hendricks, along with half the farm staff, have been working through the nights as the calves have arrived. Thankfully, they’ve all been healthy and sound. Once I’m done here, I’ll pop in to check on them too.
“Did he find Churchill?”
James nods. “Yes, he was in the orchard again. I’ll get the fencing around there checked today.”
“You’d be better having Mrs. Winston’s fencing checked. That’s where he escapes from.”
“Don’t curb his freedom,” Alex mumbles, stuffing the last piece of toast into his mouth. “He’s having fun. Mrs. Winston’s so boring, and he’s all on his own there. Goats need company.”
“Then it’ll be up to you to deal with Mum when she discovers all her trees have been stripped,” I grumble.
“Hmm.” Alex ponders. “On second thought?—”
“Exactly.”
