“Do that, lass. He likes to work alone, but this place is in sad condition, and more than what one man can handle at present.” Mrs. Douglas gave me a nod, gathered my lunch leftovers, and took them into the house.
Midday had come and gone, the lawns looked better as I strolled the grounds, and noticed Cairn trimming the edges of what had once been flowerbeds. He turned when I approached and watched in silence with one brow raised.
“I was thinking you could use some help. Is there someone, or a few people you’d be willing to allow in to give you a hand to put things to rights?”
“That would be costly, lass. Are ye sure you want to do that? I could use a few more pairs of hands to help out.”
I grinned, remembering how frugal the Scots were. I realized that I had truly developed an American lifestyle during my time there. If a job needed doing, and it was a big one, why not pay others to do it and cut costs by way of saving time? Yes, it was American, for sure. “Not to worry. Get two or three workers to give you a hand and assign them jobs that have priority.” I turned and then stopped. Over my shoulder I asked, “How long will it take to get the basics done?”
“Not too long, lass. With help, maybe a week or so, then I can handle the rest on my own.” He dipped his head, and I left him to it.
“Perfect, go ahead, then,” I said.
* * *
I’d walked to the front of the house when a car pulled to a stop in the drive. I guessed the gates had been left open and grimaced when a deathly pale looking man slid from the front seat and approached me. A thought flew through my head, and I nearly giggled. He reminded me of a vampire—thin, reedy, and pale. Good grief, I’d been in a room with a slew of these gaunt-like people when Cullen had taken me to dinner, and now I would be inundated with visits by them all. I knew it in my bones.
“Good morning, Miss Dragon.” He reached out a hand, and reluctantly, I shook it. The parchment paper sensation of his skin made me want to run screaming as far away as I could get from him.
“What brings you by today, Mr. . . . ?” I asked in a curious voice.
“Turnstill, Vernon Turnstill. I wondered if we might chat a bit about your dragons. You are the new dragon keeper of the Dragon family collection, are you not?”
His British accent was of the educated type. His clothing expensive, as was the Bentley he drove. He seemed to reek of old money. It was evident, he was a man of extreme means, and was possibly deadly, as well.
“What about the dragons?” I asked as we stood in the sun.
Perspiration glistened on his brow as warm sunshine beat upon us. I ushered him along the drive to the rear of the house and onto the shaded patio. It wasn’t in my nature to be mean. Hallowed ground, or not, I didn’t want the man to enter the house, or to get near the dragons. God only knew how Drake would respond.
Settled comfortably on the patio, I waited for him to begin. A soft breeze cooled the heat of the sunshine and created comfort for the man as we sat in the shade of the house.
“Your grandmother was a great woman, who took her position as dragon keeper very seriously. I’m sure you will do so as well, though before you become entrenched in that, I would like to know if you’re interested in breaking up the collection that the Dragon family has amassed over the centuries?”
His pleasant demeanor was short lived when I graciously smiled and said, “No matter what the offer, the dragons will stay where they are, and in my keep. It’s not up for debate, discussion, or anything of that sort.” I stood and waited for him to rise.
His face was a mask of patience that had started to slip as I caught the gleam in his narrowed eyes. I could tell he wasn’t happy with my abrupt response. Again, blame the attitude on my American brethren, who were all too willing to efficiently cut one short at the knees if it was deemed necessary. My dismissal of him and his query would most likely be taken back to others he knew, and that’s when my job would become more difficult. I had to find that book.
“Can we not at least discuss this before you refuse to hear me out?” Turnstill pleaded in a gentle tone.
“There’s nothing to discuss, I simply don’t wish to break up the collection, and that’s final. The dragon keeper’s job is to make certain the dragons stay in my family, to remain secure and cared for. I take that to heart, as by now, I’m sure you realize.
His lips pressed together, the only other sign of discontent, and he moved toward the drive.
We’d rounded the corner of the house when Cullen pulled up next to the Bentley. A nod to me and a chilling greeting for Turnstill was all that came from him. I gave Cullen a warm smile, turned to Turnstill, and thanked him for stopping by.
“It was good of you to come. You do understand my position in the matter, don’t you?
“Unfortunately, I’m afraid I do. Until we meet again, then?” His smile was polite, his manner frigid, and his pale eyes colder still.
He maneuvered the car out of the parking spot and drove from view as we watched. I sighed and said, “That was my first visit from the seekers’ group. He wants a dragon or more, which he won’t be getting. I made it clear, he didn’t like it, and I do believe I’ve made my first enemy, outside the family, that is.” I snickered at how Uncle Charles would have jumped at the chance to make money off the dragons.
“Lass, know that you did the right thing. You’ll be tested over and over while protecting the beasties.”
“I know.” I stared up at him and then said, “Come with me, I want your opinion.”
He followed me to the empty building and we entered together. Dust plumes rose as we walked the floors and checked out the rooms. More a cottage than a house, I explained my plans for the place.
“What do you think?”
“Are you sure you want to make this a secondary sanctuary for the dragons, Linty? Word will spread about it, you know.”
“Not if we’re surreptitious. I can say that I’d like to make it a guest cottage and leave it at that. Should someone try to take the dragons away, I can hide them here, right?”
“Don’t you think others will come up with that idea? They’ll not only search this house if the dragons are gone, but they’ll cover every inch of this property looking for them, leaving no stone unturned. Think it over, I believe it would be a mistake. Keep life simple, protect the beasts by keeping them as close to you as possible.”
“It would only be a secondary spot for them, should the house become unsafe, that is,” I insisted.
“You’re not listening, Linty. Give this serious thought before you go ahead and do something foolish. The dragons must be kept close to you, very close.”
“You’re right, I’ll give it more thought. It’s a shame to have this space wasted. I have no friends to invite for a visit, especially when they could very well stay in the house.” I chuckled. “That’s if I had any close friends.”
“Why don’t you? Have friends, I mean.” Cullen asked.
“I’ve been too busy working to cultivate business relationships on this side of the Atlantic. Many of my American college mates are married, or have incredible jobs that don’t allow them to travel much. I don’t worry about it, I have enough to fill my life without adding a bunch of visitors to the list.”
His brows hiked a notch when Evan Cairn appeared at the edge of the stone wall. “I see you’ve gotten the groundskeeper working his way through the overgrowth that’s nearly taken over the property. The estate will return to its original beauty at the pace he’s going.”
“I’ve told him to hire a couple of workers to help with the heavy stuff. Cairn agreed and the majority of the hard work will be done in a week or so. I look forward to the changes.” Wistfully, I gazed at the landscape and appreciated what had already been accomplished in the scant hours Cairn had put in thus far.
With a swift change of subject, I said, “I’m wary of allowing people into the house. When Turnstill arrived, I made him sit out back for fear of Drake’s response to him. You do believe
Drake is magical?”
I caught his surprised expression before he looked away and said, “I do.”
“Why look so startled then?”
“I was surprised you would think I’d know, he has strength and magic the other dragons don’t have,” he said with a shrug.
My laughter floated away on the breeze as childhood visits to the estate and my playful time spent with Drake sprung to mind. I hadn’t known then what he was. As I grew older, it became more and more clear he was special. These days I knew that he could talk to me. Through his whispers I’d become well aware of his thoughts and how he must intensely dislike being trapped in the jade encased shell that covered his true being. Should I let him loose? Was I nuts to consider doing so? Cullen’s words disrupted my thoughts, and I swung my attention toward him.
“You’ll likely want to free him, Linty. Tread carefully there, you may incur more trouble than you realize.”
“What . . .” I started to say when he grasped my arm and turned me to greet the man walking up the drive.
He stopped in front of us, his shoulder-length, light-brown hair tossed this way and that in the breeze that had turned into a steady wind. His intense blue-eyed gaze traveled the property and then landed upon me. His smile was dazzlingly bright, and charming, his height and breadth as great as his father’s.
“Lynn Tegan Dragon, I presume?” He stretched out a hand and I shook it.
“That would be me, and you are?” Having seen the likeness of his father in his looks, I’d been right to guess he was a Cairn.
“Daniel Cairn. My father is your groundskeeper. He called and asked me to come give him a hand. Where will I find him?”
The lilt in his voice was as charming and attractive as his smile. My interest piqued, I said, “I wasn’t aware that Evan had a son, but you’ll find him around the back. Follow the road past the house and beyond the stone wall. He’s clearing debris and shaping the place up nicely. Good to meet you, Daniel.”
“Thank you, I’ll see you later.” He took his leave with another captivating smile.
I watched him walk away, confidence in each step he took. As he rounded the corner of the house, I heard Cullen clear his throat and noticed he’d folded his arms across his chest.
“If we could get back to the conversation now that you’re done ogling him?” Cullen remarked with a raised brow and a serious demeanor.
Unabashed, I grinned and said, “Sure.”
“Any ideas on the location of the book?” he asked.
“I’m beginning to think it doesn’t exist. I spent the morning searching high and low for it, with no luck.” I glanced at my watch and said, “I must get back to it, if you’ll excuse me. Why don’t you come by later for a drink, we’ll talk then.”
Knowing he’d been dismissed, and from his expression, Cullen didn’t like it, he strode to his car. With a dark look in my direction, Cullen drove off.
Chapter 10
More dust and dirt swirled cloud-like about the room as I struggled to lift boxes from the many piles to the floor. Dust bunnies clung to the edges of the cardboard containers, as I dug through each one, before I moved on to the next. I’d searched dresser drawers, removed items from chests, and peered inside their empty spaces to see if a false bottom was part of them. Disappointment reigned, and my despair grew by the minute.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs, Mrs. Douglas’s voice preceded her, and I didn’t have time to get out of the room before she appeared on the top step.
“What are you doing in there?” she demanded.
“Having a look around, nothing more. Why?” I asked.
“Essie kept this room locked for a reason, she wanted no one to enter, and especially no one to rifle through her private things.”
Her words were sharp, the first time ever she’d taken such an attitude with me. I responded in kind.
My arms folded, I replied, “Well, they’re not hers any longer, are they?”
Abashed by her own words and my reply, Mrs. Douglas took a step back and apologized. “You’re right, of course you must have a look see. I’m sorry to have been sharp with you, Linty. I’m leaving now, your dinner waits in the oven. I’ll be away tomorrow, and back on Thursday. That’s all right, isn’t it?”
“Absolutely, I don’t mind at all. Mr. Smythe and Mr. Vaughn will be here for dinner on Thursday. Could you make roast chicken with vegetables for dinner?”
With a nod, Mrs. Douglas said, “Certainly. I’ll be goin’ then. Good night.”
I watched her take the back stairs and decided that I’d clean the room a bit more thoroughly later on. When she’d gone, I dragged the vacuum cleaner up the stairs and left it in the oak room doorway.
Showered and refreshed, I sat at the table with the envelope from Gran’s will in my hands. I’d thought Smythe had given me all the messages I was supposed to have from Gran. Color me surprised to have received another. A great deal had taken place in the time between the funeral and today, and I’d nearly forgotten it awaited me.
Cautiously, I peeled back the flap and slid the letter out. Upon opening it, I saw it wasn’t a missive from Gran, but an old document from years past. Dog-eared, and grubby, the parchment held a message that dated back to my greatest, and eldest grandfather who had been the first dragon keeper. Bits of parchment had broken off over the years and I knew if I didn’t handle it carefully, it might disintegrate completely. The centuries-old, yellowed paper lay flat on the wide envelope. Dating back hundreds of years or so, the instructions were clear, succinct, and I read them multiple times. My orders were certain, but the temptation was greater than ever.
Drake was to never be set free, nor were the other dragons. They were to remain cloistered together for safety, theirs, and humanity’s alike. Most importantly, I was forbidden to sell, give away, or barter them out of the family. This was a tall order. What if I never had children? Who would guard the dragons and keep them safe? The entire idea of dragon keeping had begun to weigh me down. Was this how Gran had felt? Had it driven her to the brink of madness? Had someone truly killed her, or had the dragons been too huge a burden in her elder years? Assaulted by question after question, I abruptly shoved away from the table, gently set the document aside and went for a walk.
I’d reached the rear stone wall that stood ten feet high and at the very least, had to have been two feet thick. I heard the sound of metal against crushed stone and waited to see who would walk through the wide opening.
The wheel barrow came first, pushed by Daniel, and followed by Evan. They resembled each other and their bearings were the same. The way they walked and talked, carried themselves, and laughed, left little doubt of their kinship.
“Good afternoon, lass, we’re done for the day. We’ll be back tomorrow with a few others to give us a hand.” Evan gazed across the yard and then said, “It’ll take some time to shape it all up again, though it’s lookin’ fair good, don’t ye think?”
I smiled at his accent and agreed. “It’s going to be splendid when you’re done, and maintenance will keep it the way it should be. Thank you for your hard work, both of you.”
“I’ve worked here for many a year, been part of the family, so to speak. Never once did I think I’d be banished from the grounds. This place is splendid and you must be proud to own it,” Evan said.
“I’m happy to have you here. Gran wasn’t herself and was very ill, that’s all I can offer in explanation. You’re back now and that’s what matters.” I stepped aside, let them pass with a wish for a good evening, and moseyed off.
Cumulus clouds, filled to the brim with unshed rain, loomed overhead as I wandered into, and out of, the forest to arrive at the valley where the Dragon family graveyard sat to the right. I skirted it and walked on into the field beyond. Heather grew in wild profusion, covering the area with its heady scent and fine purple color. I turned slowly and completely took in the surroundings until a sudden movement caught my eye from beyond the trees that bordered the fi
elds.
Furtively, a shadow moved quickly behind a thick stand of trees and bushes. Narrowing my gaze, I raised one hand to shade my eyes for a better view. Nothing, not a single movement. It might have been a trick of the light, but I thought not. This wasn’t the first time I’d been spied upon since I’d arrived at the estate and suspicion took hold of me.
I’d turned away when another sudden movement caught my attention. My vision locked onto the location, I saw the back of a man disappearing through the thick pines. I called out, gave chase, and tripped over a tree root as I entered the forest. My sudden fall took the air out of my lungs, leaving me momentarily breathless. I sat up, brushed pine needles from my clothes and gazed around. There was no one about.
In a nonchalant manner, I slowly made my way back to the house while aware of my surroundings. I glanced to and fro without moving my head in either direction. No footsteps, no sounds of brush crunching underfoot, nothing happened to cause me to break into a sprint or flat-out run once again. Unnerved, I cautiously made my way back to the house, locked the doors behind me and poured a glass of wine.
Why was I under surveillance? Could there be something else I needed to find out? Wasn’t my plate full enough without adding more to it? What the hell?
I opened the oven door, used a pot holder and slid dinner onto the table. Mashed potatoes, lamb chops, and green peas steamed. The aroma made my mouth water and I dug in with fervor. To hell with the dragons, the watcher, or the burden I now carried. Ravenous, I could think of nothing but the meal before me and made short work of it.
Satisfied, I leaned back, sipped wine and then headed upstairs to vacuum the rest of the oak room. I didn’t think I could take another day of grubbing around in the dust and grime that covered nearly all that was stored within the room. I removed the sheets that had been draped over various boxes and small tables, lamps, and such, and worked my way to the window layered with years of dirt. I scooted into my bathroom, wet a towel and hurried back to the window to give it a good wash. Even though streaks persisted, at least I could clearly see outside.
Dragon's Touch (Book 1 Linty Dragon Series) Page 10