A Maxwell Profit (ebook)

Argumento de A Maxwell Profit (ebook)

Part Five of an historical romance saga set in the Scottish Borders between the two World Wars.

Rachel was overwhelmed by Fionas pursuit of her vase, but when she heard she was to receive a cheque for £1,900, she sank onto a chair in disbelief. Fiona made sure she knew nothing of the hazards of dealing with Miss Pierce. Such an account would have alarmed her and marred her joy.

Never in her life had Rachel expected to own such a sum of money. It gave her the utmost pleasure to know Nick would be able to repay his loan to the bank, now that she could buy the Nether Rullion house from him. She had enough to finish the building of it and furnish it to her hearts content for herself, Ross and Ewan. Her only sadness had been the news of Mr Murrays death, but she was glad her trust in him had not been misplaced after all.

Ross was pleased on that score too. He knew how much Rachels judgement of people meant to her. Now that a move from Glens of Lochandee was a real possibility, he was not so sure he wanted to leave the farm which represented so many of his dreams and had claimed so much of his youth. At 47, he still had ambitions, but was less sure he could achieve them.

But, Ross, you are full of plans for improving Nether Rullion, Rachel said, when he voiced his doubts. You cant be in two places, and you cant do everything. Besides, half of Lochandee already belongs to Bridie. Alice Beattie knew how much she loved the life here, how deeply she cared about the animals. Surely it makes sense for us to move to Nether Rullion instead of Nick and Bridie?

I dont see why any of us need to move. Why cant we all stay as we are?

Rachel smiled gently. He sounded like a wistful little boy.

Nick wants to be independent and have a home of his own. He was an only child, remember. I dont suppose hes used to being surrounded by people all the time. Anyway, Im sure you must remember how much you longed to have me to yourself? You didnt even want Conan around, she teased, and gave him the old dimpling smile which never failed to charm Ross.

I still like having you to myself, he said softly. Im not that old yet. The look in his eyes still brought the colour to Rachels cheeks.

Och, go on with you! Anyway theres Ewan to consider too. Hes set his heart on farming at Nether Rullion as soon as hes old enough to leave school. He thinks hell marry Lucy and theyll live happily ever after. She chuckled. But seriously, Ross, surely it would be better for Ewan to learn about the vagaries of the different fields, the wet hollows, the parched knolls, the crops, and the seasons. He needs the chance to absorb all the knowledge you can give him, as young boys do. It will be good for him to watch the farm develop from the beginning, and to know we are doing it for him, and later with him.

I suppose youre right, Ross sighed. It doesnt look as though the house will be ready before Christmas now, though. The builders let Nick down badly. No wonder he sacked them.

Yes, Nick can use his authority and stand his own corner when necessary, Rachel said slowly. I feel Bridie will be safe in his care, but sometimes I wonder what will happen if he and Conan have a serious disagreement. Im not at all sure they both see the garage business developing in the same direction.

Well, thats their concern, my love. Theyre both grown men and we cant go on protecting our children for ever. Besides, I sometimes think Conan only thrives when theres a challenge. It makes him more determined.

Mmm, just like his father, Rachel murmured, her green-blue eyes sparkling.0