Free A Hearth in Candlewood by Delia Parr Page B

‘‘Just sit and wait? That’s what he expects? I’m supposed to live here, literally in limbo, until the heir decides it’s convenient to schedule a visit? I can’t do that. I need an answer now. I deserve an answer.’’
    Breckenwith’s gaze hardened. ‘‘I’m afraid you don’t have a choice in the matter. He could have had you evicted from the property,’’ he warned. ‘‘Instead, he’s graciously allowing you to stay. Between now and whenever he chooses to visit—which I presume will be no longer than a matter of months—you should be considering all of your options.’’
    She tilted up her chin. ‘‘The only option I find acceptable is to remain at Hill House.’’
    ‘‘As your lawyer, as well as your financial advisor, I’d strongly suggest that you carefully consider what you’ll do if you can’t stay at Hill House. Think about opening a business of some sort, if you like, or simply purchasing another home. You might want to think about building a home on one of the parcels of land you own. In other words, hope for the best but be prepared for the worst by having something in mind in the event you’re forced to leave Hill House.’’
    She rejected his suggestions outright. ‘‘I’d rather be more direct. What if I fight this in court?’’ she asked, despite her reluctance to have her situation made public, which a court battle would do.
    ‘‘You’ll lose.’’
    ‘‘You’re that positive?’’ she snapped.
    ‘‘Absolutely.’’
    She swallowed what was left of her pride and finally admitted defeat. ‘‘Fine. I’ll consider other options. Soon. But no one, I mean no one, can know about this . . . this problem. I won’t have Mother Garrett or Reverend Glenn upset on my account, and I won’t have gossipmongers gloating over the mistake I’ve made.’’
    He flinched. ‘‘I know my ethical responsibilities.’’
    ‘‘You’re right; I’m sorry. I’m just a little bit undone by your news,’’ Emma said and handed him back the packet of papers as a show of good faith.
    ‘‘Understandably so, which is why I thought it best to discuss this matter privately in your office, instead of the parlor. Despite the fact you found my suggestion to do so a bit, shall we say, arrogant?’’ he said with a slight twinkle in his eyes.
    She felt a blush steal up her neck to warm her cheeks. Unlike Jonas, who had never questioned Emma, Zachary Breckenwith challenged most everything she said or did, forcing her to reexamine her position or her decision, which made her strive all the more to be efficient as well as precise in her dealings with him. Unfortunately, he also seemed able to know what she was thinking, no matter how hard she tried to hide it. ‘‘There’s a fine distinction between arrogance and confidence, which perhaps I misjudged earlier,’’ she admitted.
    He smiled. ‘‘Understandably so.’’
    When he rose to leave, she urged him back into his seat. ‘‘I do have another matter I need to discuss with you.’’
    He sat back in his seat and cocked a brow.
    Briefly she explained the situation with Aunt Frances and her estrangement from her sons. By the time she finished, he was frowning. Deeply. Relieved that his concern for Aunt Frances obviously matched her own, she felt for once that he might be more ally than foe. ‘‘I was hoping you might be able to reassure me that her sons won’t be able to force her to leave, and I’m grateful you understand my position in offering her a place to stay.’’
    ‘‘On the contrary,’’ he insisted, instantly proving her perceptions of him to be wrong. ‘‘Given the circumstances that brought me to Hill House today, the worst thing you could do is embroil yourself in a family squabble, especially when you don’t know what James and Andrew Leonard are arguing about to such an extent that their mother felt compelled to run off to Hill House. Any sort of scandal or dissension that involves Hill House could