Free Tall Poppies by Janet Woods Page B

known.’
    â€˜Then be happy she didn’t survive long enough to find out.’
    â€˜Why are you here then, Sir?’
    â€˜I’m here at Mrs Sangster’s instruction. You’re probably aware that Mrs Sangster had a private income and one or two properties of her own.’
    â€˜No, I didn’t know, Sir. That sort of information wouldn’t be shared with someone of my standing, and should remain private. Major Henry wouldn’t like it being discussed with me.’
    â€˜Quite. However, I’ve already been through the matter with the major.’
    â€˜What matter?’
    â€˜There’s a sizeable cottage not far from here. It’s furnished, and is available to you for a peppercorn rent while you have need of it. Maintenance will be paid by the estate.’
    â€˜I don’t understand. Won’t the cottage now belong to Richard Sangster?’
    â€˜He will agree to the arrangement she made. There’s also a small allowance, and when combined with the wage you earn here, and the money you pay to help support them in the orphanage, it will be enough to provide for your siblings.’
    â€˜I still don’t understand.’
    â€˜Come now, Miss Carr. You’re an intelligent young lady, or so I’ve been led to believe. What don’t you understand about it? Mrs Sangster wanted to carry out a charitable act, and this is a grace and favour cottage.’
    â€˜But why me?’
    â€˜Because she feels  . . . felt, that you’d need help to meet your obligations over the coming years. If you marry during that time, then the agreement is null and void, as your husband would be expected to provide for you.’
    Choked up by the thought that Mrs Sangster would extend such a generous hand of friendship to her, Livia promptly began to cry. ‘I’m not worthy of this. There are people worse off.’
    â€˜Believe me, Miss Carr, your background was inspected thoroughly before you started work here. You are eminently suitable as a candidate for the charity offered by Mrs Sangster in her last will and testament. We cannot take into account your parents’ lack of responsibility towards you, only the consequence.’
    â€˜They loved us.’
    â€˜Children need more than love, my dear. They need a home, and that’s something you’re already aware of.’ Simon Stone extended his handkerchief for her use. ‘There is more, Miss Carr.’
    She mopped her eyes then gazed helplessly at him. ‘What more could there be?’
    â€˜Your brother will be the recipient of a scholarship if he proves to be educationally worthy.’
    â€˜I’m given to understand that he’s a clever boy.’
    â€˜Nevertheless, he’s not trying hard enough to produce results at the moment. To that end he will receive extra tutoring, if you will permit it. He will be expected to apply himself, of course.’
    Her sigh was tinged with relief, because this was the answer to her prayers, and at long last she could see a future ahead for her family. ‘I’ll try and make sure that he does. You’ve been thorough.’
    He nodded. ‘Last, but not least, there is the issue of Mrs Sangster’s wardrobe. She wants you to have her clothing. Not the jewellery, of course, which will belong to Richard Sangster. But she did give me this keepsake for you, so you’ll always have something to remember her by.’
    It was a gold ring with small white stones clustered around one yellow one in the middle. Livia smiled, remembering admiring it because it was unusual. ‘It’s a daisy, I think, and so pretty. I’ll cherish it. Didn’t Major Sangster mind?’
    â€˜He was informed of the arrangement out of courtesy, though his approval was not sought. He didn’t voice any objection either, which was his right. However, he’s made a request, which I will discuss with you in a little while. His