Page 26 of The Mad Marchams

Mabel paused to take in the white stone of the circular structure. Six pillars supported the overhanging front entrance, which offered shade from the sun and a place to sit outside. Above the portico, there was a circular window and a smaller upper level rather like the second tier of a wedding cake.

“It’s quite beautiful.” She walked up onto the huge flagstone paving stones on the circular terrace and turned slowly around. “You could have entire weddings out here with that amazing view behind you. What’s inside?”

“Nothing much.” Colin followed her through the second set of porticos into the interior space. “Someone added windows and a ceiling at one point, so at least it’s not dark in here.”

Mabel whistled and the sound echoed around the painted domed roof. There were a couple of bird nests near the top, but the structure looked relatively sound. “It’s huge. You could fit a hundred guests in here.”

“I suppose you could.” Colin stared up at the golden-haired cherubs and the inadequately draped goddess perched on billowing white clouds. “I do hope that isn’t my great grandmother. No wonder she died young if she insisted on trailing around half naked all the time.”

“It’s way too cold to be wearing that little,” Mabel agreed. “Especially in England.”

“And, with the weather being what it is, retreating inside is always a good option, especially at a wedding.”

Mabel grabbed hold of his hand. “You could do this, Colin—the weddings, the open house—all of it.”

He looked down at her, his blue gaze intent. “You know? For the first time I almost think I could.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Viz.”

Colin looked up to see Freddy coming into what he still thought of as his father’s study. The thought had obviously occurred to his brother, too as he paused on the worn rug in front of the massive mahogany desk.

“You look weird sitting there.”

“I feel weird.” Colin put down his pen. “I’m way more used to being on the other side of the desk being told off for something.” He gestured at the massive leather-bound book on his right. “I’m only here because I didn’t want to lug this monster all the way back to the dower house in the rain.”

“Makes sense.” Freddy stuck his hands in his pockets and looked down at his wellies.

“Is there something I can do for you?” Colin asked.

“Well, for starters, how’s Father doing?”

“You could go upstairs and find that out for yourself,” Colin suggested. “I saw him earlier to ask permission to work in here, and he’s doing fine, sleeping well, and not to be bothered by all the plans I’m currently making.

“He doesn’t want to deal with me.” Freddy frowned. “He said to talk to you.”

“About what?”

“The home farm.”

“Oh yes! You said you’d check into that for me.” Colin searched for his master list. “I thought it was leased out.”

“It is. By the Murrays.” Freddy finally sat down, his fingers drumming on the arm of his chair. “I wanted to ask Father what he thought we should do, but he wouldn’t discuss it. He said all decisions are yours to make now.”

“I didn’t ask him to say that.” Colin made sure to look his brother right in the eye. “He really doesn’t want to be involved right now.”

“I get that.”

Freddy lapsed into silence and Colin gently moved his foot away from his father’s Labrador who had fallen asleep on his toes. As their father’s favorite living child, Freddy probably wasn’t used to having his concerns punted to his brother.

“What’s the problem? Are they not good tenants?” Colin eventually asked. “They pay their rent on time, and from what I can see the place looks in good nick.”

“Yes, but I was hoping I’d get a chance to run it myself.” Freddy looked expectantly at Colin. “Like as an experiment in reviving local agriculture—you know, farm to table and all that stuff.”

“How long is the Murrays’ lease?”

“Two more years to go,” Freddy said. “But I have talked to them about my ideas. and Neil, the oldest son, is very interested in trying out the concept.”