Page 46 of The Mad Marchams

Sir Hugo nodded. “Must be off. Got a field to mow for some incoming glampers. Got to keep up with the times. My secretary will be in touch.”

Colin joined Mabel out on the terrace where Mrs. Reynolds was presiding over the tea and coffee pots.

“Sir Hugo’s in,” he murmured to Mabel as the stood to the side.

“Awesome!” Mabel nodded toward a tall blonde woman who was managing a cup of tea and a large slice of cake while she typed on her phone. “Leslie Armitage from the Galveston Foundation also gave me the okay.”

“Brilliant.” Colin caught hold of her hands. “By Jove, if we factor in the big loan from the bank, I think we’re going to do it!”

“Well, we can at least make a start and get the roof, the plumbing, and the electricity up to standard.”

“You’re so practical,” Colin complained and turned to Freddy who had just appeared at his side. “I think we have a chance to save this place.”

“Nice.” Freddy didn’t look overtly impressed but that was very on brand. “Any cake left?”

Colin sighed as his brother moved past him.

“No one appreciates me.”

Mabel nodded sympathetically. “I think you’re doing okay.”

“Okay? That’s like a zero in American speak.”

She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “I’m getting my British on.”

“I’m your British.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “Climb on board any time.”

Someone behind them loudly cleared their throat. They turned to see Olivia Deville, the family solicitor. “Just wanted to let you know that we’ve run out of cake and the tea situation is getting dire,” she said.

“I’ll go fix that,” Mabel hurried off, her cheeks red.

Colin turned to Olivia who was grinning. “Hope you didn’t overhear too much of that conversation?”

“I heard enough to know you’re getting some.” She winked. “I like Mabel. She’s a breath of fresh air.” She glanced back at the chattering crowd on the balcony. “This could work, you know. I’m willing to offer legal services for whatever foundation or nonprofit you create. You’ll need someone to manage the funds. I’ll do it for free.”

“Don’t tell your dad that.”

Olivia shrugged. “I’ll make a lot of good contacts for our firm. I think we’ll be better off financially in the long run.” She hesitated. “Do you think Mabel is going to stick around?”

“That’s the one-million-dollar question,” Colin said.

“Excuse me for being nosy. But have you asked her?” Olivia patted his shoulder. “I know how shy and awkward you British boys tend to be, and sometimes you miss the bleeding obvious.”

“You sound like you’re speaking from bitter personal experience,” Colin commented.

“Oh, my love life is a swamp.” Olivia finished her coffee and set the cup down.

“Then I hope you find solid ground soon.” Colin smiled at her.

“Cheers to that.” She paused. “One thing that would really help your grant applications would be if you could find something unique within the house that needed preserving in situ or that could be sold for a huge profit.”

“Duh.” Colin rolled his eyes. “I can assure you that we’re searching every nook and cranny for a forgotten masterpiece.”

“Then keep looking.” She kissed his cheek. “It’s nice to see you looking so happy, Colin.”

“This is happy?” He pointed at his temple. “I’m going gray with all the stress.”

“Who doesn’t love a silver fox?”