Clarissa: Historical Romance (Chronicles of the Hudson River Valley Book 1)
Page 2
“I’m sure we will require your assistance with the financial affairs as our Man of Business perished along with Horace and Margaret.” She paused and squared her shoulders. “I’ll have the maid show you to the West wing which has been prepared for you and your family. You should be quite comfortable there during your stay.” Even though privately she thought it couldn’t be far enough away from the East wing and her own rooms for her liking.
She rang for the maid while Robert and the family stood in awkward silence. Abigail almost snickered as she noticed that he combed his hair forward to cover his growing baldness and in so doing, only exaggerated his pinched face.
Once the family settled in, they shared a light supper before retiring early for the evening. Robert droned on about his recent investments and dropped names of senators and high-placed businessman at every opportunity. His bravado and self-righteous attitude oozed from every pore of his body. Abigail begged of a headache so as to end the dinner early.
Parting ways at the grand staircase, Abigail reminded Robert that the services were to be held at ten o’clock the next morning. As if in dismissal, she turned from Robert and nodded to Clarissa to follow her up the staircase to their rooms.
Clarissa nervously dodged the Tanner family as they made their exit to the West wing. “Gran, should I prepare a powder for your headache and bring it to your room?”
“No need my dear. I only used that as an excuse to not spend the evening with that despicable man. I noticed you ate very little at dinner. Are you feeling ill?”
“Oh no, Gran, I’ll be better when they leave. Uncle Robert gives me the creeps. My flesh fairly crawls when he’s around me. How could brothers be so different?”
“I only hope your father did not leave Lochwood Estate in the control of that miserable man. If he did, our futures will be drastically different after tomorrow.”
Chapter Four
T he family was all present in Horace’s study for the reading of the will. Robert sat smugly waiting to hear his name read as sole inheritor or at the very least, guardian to Clarissa, which would give him control of Lochwood’s finances.
Horace’s last will and testament turned out to be a simple affair. Lochwood Estate, named for the MacDonald’s Scottish homeland, consisted of hundreds of acres with orchards and pastures and an up-and-coming Thoroughbred farm for racehorses. It was complete with three stables, a quarter-mile track where the horses practiced which was very unique at a farm, as well as a surrey track where matched pairs trained to pull their buggies. The solicitor droned on with a list of numerous investments and notes due left by Horace, as he had been quite an entrepreneur.
Abigail was to inherit all including the debt. In addition, she was to be Clarissa’s guardian until she either married or reached her majority. The estate would become Clarissa’s upon her grandmother’s demise. Clarissa recalled Gran’s comment from the previous day when she’d stated, “I hope your father had the good sense not to leave Lochwood to his brother,” and knew they were both breathing a little easier. What was this about large outstanding debts?
Abigail had received the estate upon her husband’s death and her daughter Margaret was next in line as she was an only child. Now, because of Margaret’s untimely death, Clarissa was next in line to inherit after Grandmother Abigail.
The air in the library was charged with emotions running high. A gasp of surprise burst forth from the Tanner family that could be heard throughout the room. “What’s that you say?” shouted Robert. “I am the next male heir. I should be Clarissa’s guardian. The women know nothing of finances. I must protect my investments.”
The solicitor peered over his spectacles at the collective noise. “You, Sir, are not of MacDonald blood and therefore, Miss Clarissa is the rightful heiress after Mrs. MacDonald. I’m confident they will acquire assistance where finances are concerned.”
Clarissa and Abigail seated directly in front of the solicitor, turned in their chairs to see Robert storm out of the room followed by his family. “Why she is a mere chit who hasn’t even been presented to society yet. What does she know about running and managing all of the investments her father had a hand in?” In his haste to exit the room, he knocked over a chair adding to the commotion. He shouted out one last comment at the doorway, “This is the United States of America, not Scotland. I should have inherited Lochwood. You’ll hear from my solicitor.”
“Why I never,” commented Abigail as she watched the family exiting the room. It would be very uncomfortable working with Robert to review the status of the estate’s affairs. The sooner they got started, the sooner he could leave.
The solicitor bid them a good day and offered any assistance they might need in the coming months.
“Gran, did you know anything about Father’s will? I can only imagine how upset Uncle Robert is with me now. He seemed furious when he stormed out of here.”
“I’m pleased your father chose to follow our Scottish family rites, but I had no idea beforehand. Your father trained you as if you were his son, showing you every aspect of working with the horses. You will just need to apply yourself to the ledger part of the business, as I know you will. As far as I’m concerned, Lochwood is yours.”
“Yes, I know the horses well, but the investments, Gran. I haven’t the slightest idea of where to start.” She frowned and hoped Uncle Robert would be forthcoming enough to impart some of his knowledge of the investment world on her. It would certainly be to his advantage to see the railroad project through to completion.
The funeral services were simple as the couple was laid to rest side by side in the local cemetery of Mount Pleasant, New York. Clarissa and Abigail were composed until the church choir sang “Green Sleeves”, a favorite song of Margaret’s. The two women clung together in their grief.
~~~
Clarissa was suddenly feeling the weight of her new responsibilities although she had no idea the investments were so far-reaching. Nerves took over and a knot formed in her stomach. How would she manage this new task she had been given by her father? She had received the finest education money could buy and her father had encouraged her to be involved in every aspect of the horse farm, but the other investments were a complete mystery to her. Gran turned to Clarissa, “I suppose we had best get started reviewing your father’s books as I’m sure Robert will want to leave as soon as possible. He was none too happy when he stormed out of the library earlier. He has a quick temper, but I know he will want to see your father’s investment ledgers, especially the ones concerning the railroad project. He will come around after he has cooled off a bit.” She let out a sigh, which was her habit when she was frustrated.
Clarissa took Gran by the arm and helped her down the hallway to her father’s study, which now was hers. The fine wood-paneled walls glowed in the light of the low burning fire and lamps. Oddly enough, a sense of comfort surrounded Clarissa when she entered the study as if her father were there to greet her. She only hoped this feeling would prevail and help to temper Robert’s anger.
They sat side-by-side at the large desk looking over the last entries that had been made in the household ledger. It was as good a place to start as any. Abigail showed Clarissa how to record the recent purchases of food and funeral expenses to get an accurate picture of the funds that were available for operating costs.
The Tanner family added an extra four mouths to feed and Robert would insist that only the best four-course meals complete with wine be served while they were in residence. He was good at spending other people’s money.
It didn’t take long for Abigail and Clarissa to realize the bank account was low on funds. How had Horace been paying the bills up until now?
Horace had invested heavily in a steamship company during this golden age of the steam engine that conveyed both passengers and freight alike up and down the Hudson River. However, that paled in comparison to the largest railroad project of its kind to date, which would run the length of the Eastern seaboard.
They were also at the mercy of the unpredictable New England weather. It would be disastrous if a blizzard were to strike early, thus delaying the completion in September. Horace had a full portfolio of other small projects as well, never being one to place all of his money into a single investment.
Chapter Five
W ith the funeral behind them, Clarissa and Abigail settled into Horace’s study with Robert to start reviewing the business affairs of Lochwood Estate. On paper, Horace Tanner had amassed a fortune. In reality, they were nearly broke. Robert was shocked to find there were outstanding notes on every project. He was in need of a quick infusion of cash himself and had hoped he could borrow against his share of the railroad project. It was clear that wasn’t going to happen any time soon and he made his disappointment known to Clarissa as if it were her doing.
“I should have kept in closer contact with my brother regarding these affairs. I now see how he used my money to leverage other projects.” Robert paced the room, papers in hand, as he read on in his harsh nasal voice.
Clarissa listened to him drone on about how his financial situation was everyone else’s fault but his own. Her stomach was in a perpetual knot, which was affecting not only her eating and sleeping habits but her normally cheerful disposition as well. Even so, she forced herself to remain calm and continued making notes as Robert ranted.
“I must be repaid in full, immediately, do you understand?” Robert raised his voice for emphasis. He was so frustrated by this turn of events that he planned to contact his solicitor upon returning to Boston to explore the possibility of having the will overturned in his favor. True, it was not a Tanner family holding, but he was Horace’s brother, and this was the United States of America, not Scotland.
Abigail sat up a little straighter in her chair. “I certainly understand your position, Robert, and with your help, that will happen. I trust that Horace had good reasons for what he did.” Sighing, she looked at Clarissa who was absent-mindedly rubbing her hip and fidgeting in a chair near the window. Robert had not so much as given her the time of day since the scene in the library two days previous.
The sessions were long and arduous, many of them very late into the night as they dug deeper into the many accounts. After a long and tedious week of analyzing the estate records, Robert agreed to see the railroad project to completion as long as the money investors stayed in place. “I’m going to be in close contact with you in the coming months Abigail, as the railroad project comes to completion. I’ll expect to have my money from it immediately. I see no need for us to communicate beyond that point except through my solicitor.”
“As you wish, Robert, I agree, it is for the best. Clarissa and I will manage. You just keep your end of the bargain.” A sigh of relief escaped her lips and her shoulders slumped a bit.
Both Abigail and Clarissa were only too glad to see the family leave and wondered again how two brothers could be so different.
As the light of day was fading, Clarissa stared at the mounds of paperwork on her father’s desk. Upon Robert’s departure, the tension she’d felt in the library disappeared. Now, she finally had the opportunity to breathe freely as the strenuous week was at an end.
First things first, she decided. “I’ll just take a few moments to put this back in order, Gran, while it’s still fresh in my mind. I dare say I’ve never seen Uncle Robert so hateful before.” Stacking the documents in neat, tidy piles, she wrote notes on each one for future reference. “Go along Gran, if you like. You look as if you are in need of some rest. I can finish up here.”
Abigail smiled at her granddaughter with pride in her tired eyes. “You are so thoughtful, my dear. Try not to stay up too late. You need your rest as well. All of this work will be here in the morning and we can start afresh.”
Abigail had taken to leaning more heavily on her cane these past few weeks as if it were her life support. Clarissa worried about the toll this was all taking on her as Gran kissed her on the forehead before making her way to her rooms in the East wing.
The Tanner family left the following morning without fanfare to return to Boston, but not without some huffing and puffing about how they would get what was rightfully theirs. The atmosphere in the manor house seemed to lighten as if a dark cloud had passed over.
Several days later, Abigail and Clarissa were in the study when the maid announced a caller. “We’ll see him in the East Salon,” said Abigail as she and Clarissa exchanged looks of surprise when the caller’s name was given.
“Whatever do you think he wants to see us for?” asked Clarissa as they proceeded through the corridor to the East Salon.
“We’ll know in a moment. It can’t be good where Alex Kilpatrick is concerned. I haven’t a very high opinion of the man since he and Horace had a falling out so many years ago.”
Alex was standing with one arm resting on the fireplace mantel gazing around the room when the ladies appeared. “Good morning ladies, I trust it’s not too early to call?”
“It is well before the appropriate hour for social calls as you certainly must know Mr. Kilpatrick. What brings you to Lochwood?”
“Ah, yes, a…” he started slowly. “This is not a social call.” He moved from his casual position to a parade rest stance as the ladies seated themselves near the fire. “I have come to inform you that I have just purchased all of Mr. Tanner’s outstanding financial notes. I alone control the fate of Lochwood Estates now.” A sinister grin creased his face as he waited for their reaction.
Taken aback, Abigail stiffened as she sat up straighter and glared into his dark eyes. “You say you have purchased our notes? Do tell, Mr. Kilpatrick, how did you come by this financial arrangement?”
“My contacts are my business, Madam. Suffice it to say, you have ninety days to pay the notes in full or I will foreclose and Lochwood will be mine.” The gleam in his eyes could not have been brighter as he anticipated their answer.
Clarissa imagined he was twirling his mustache as she gasped and put her hands to her mouth. She turned to Abigail with a panicked look on her face. “Oh no, Gran…” but she was interrupted by an abrupt wave of Abigail’s hand.
“I see Mr. Kilpatrick. So, this is how it’s going to be. You and Horace have been rivals in business and love interests as long as I can remember. You must be feeling extremely pleased with yourself right now. I never thought you would stoop so low as to put an old lady and her granddaughter out in the cold.”
“Oh, come now, Madam, you could always go to Boston and live with your son-in-law’s family, Robert is it? I hardly think you will be out in the cold, as it were. Ninety days ladies, not a day more.”
Abigail reached for the bell pull to call for the maid. “I’ll show myself out,” said Alex as he turned on his heel to exit the room. “After all, I need to become familiar with my new home.”
Abigail was outraged by this predicament. Her mind was buzzing as she rose and made her way to her writing desk. How did Alex know about Robert and the Boston family, was there a connection she didn’t know about? “Clarissa dear, come, we must figure out a way to foil Mr. Kilpatrick’s plan. Ninety days is not much time.”
Clarissa’s head was swimming and she struggled to catch her breath after being hit with yet another shock. She slowly followed Gran to her desk. What next? What did they have of value that could garner such a large amount of funds? “I have an idea Gran. We could sell mother’s jewelry. I care not for diamonds and gold.” Her look was hopeful as she seated herself across from Abigail.
“That is so sweet of you, dear, but I doubt they would be a drop in the bucket to wh
at we require.” She removed her black hat and veil and made herself comfortable.
“The horses,” Clarissa said. “We have the horses. We could hold an auction of some of the horses…that is to say, not all of them, of course, some of the younger ones with great potential. I’ve learned a lot working with father and feel I could save the best breeding stock for us. I could set up a vigorous training schedule for some of the racers and surrey track horses too. That way, we would potentially accumulate more than enough funds to pay off the notes.”
“That is certainly a possibility. However, I have a different approach to the situation. Save the horses, they will be like money in the bank.” She paused and fixed her tired blue eyes on her granddaughter. “I think you should be presented to society and marry a rich husband.”
Clarissa looked as if Gran had slapped her across the face. How many shocks could she take in the span of four weeks? Marriage, really? She was horrified at the prospect of being dressed in fancy ball gowns and paraded before the foppish dandies of New York society. Abigail’s voice broke into her thoughts.
“We’ve time to have a wardrobe made and to plan your debut ball before the season gets underway, but we’ll need to hurry. Heaven only knows what society will think of us for not observing one year of mourning, but we cannot wait until next season. Mr. Kilpatrick has made that point clear.” Abigail had a faraway look and a small smile on her face. “I remember planning your mother’s debut ball. Such a grand affair it was.”
“Gran, seriously, I have no desire to get married. My life is here with the horses. I couldn’t possibly live out my days counting the household linens and planning dinner menus. That would send me to an early grave to be sure.”