The Long Gallery, Chapter Eight and Nine (standard:drama, 1528 words) [5/6] show all parts
Author: Brian Cross	Added: Feb 27 2015	Views/Reads: 1789/1327	Part vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Daisy Truman inherits a country estate, but why has she been given precedence over others, and what lurks within the ancient walls of Harvest Hall?

Chapter Eight 

The figure in grey drifted out of the shadows. Emerging from the
gallery's dark depths it saw the woman and her friend leave. So, in a 
few days the Hall would bear new occupants – it would not welcome their 
presence. 

But the Hall would not be alone in resenting that presence, for there
were those outside its walls with an interest here. Particularly those 
with knowledge of what Joshua had concealed within – and those that 
hadn't had heard the talk. 

The estate would hold the interest of many, those whose greed would lead
them to pursue what the Hall withheld within its stout walls. And the 
woman was ignorant of what lay ahead – of that there was no doubt. 
Shortly she would regret taking up a mantle that wasn't hers by right. 
For all her fiery stance, she had neither the physical stature nor 
strength of character that the Hall demanded. She would soon become 
overawed and overwhelmed by all inside its walls. There was no 
compassion at the thought of that. The only compassion could be 
extended to Joshua Weston, the true owner of the estate. A genuine 
descendent of the family that had resided here for generations – that 
had the Hall's heart as its heart and possessed a feeling for the 
Estate in a way the new owner never could. 

But then she wasn't a direct descendent ... 

A whistle pierced the silence as the figure turned towards the gallery's
western end and travelled in that direction.   

Chapter Nine 

‘She's engaged right now. Can I get her to call you back?' Penny flicked
a glance at Daisy, saw blue eyes directed at her and narrowing. ‘Yes – 
yes, Mr Jeffries, I'll do that. I'll pass on your message directly.' 

‘I've booked in a party of twelve – from the Women's Institute,' Daisy
said replacing her phone resoundingly in its socket. ‘Tuesday at noon. 
Can you fit them in or shall I delegate someone else?' 

‘I suppose,' Penny mumbled, her lips drooping at the corners. ‘Although
that Mrs Nelmes is a pain in the backside ...' 

‘I'm sure you'll cope; now then ...' Daisy pressed her palms together,
leaned forward. ‘So what did Jeffries want?' 

‘Oh, come on, he's hardly going to tell me – solicitor and all ...'
Penny adjusted her red ponytail, a frequent habit of hers. ‘I guess it 
has something to do with the ...' 

‘Hall?' Daisy shook her head, for her, a gesture of impatience. ‘The
paperwork's concluded ...' 

‘Well, he wants you to call him pronto – ah – as soon as possible; those
were his exact words.' 

‘He can wait; I've work to attend to. Besides,' Daisy added, jumping to
her feet and adjusting her green blouse, ‘I reckon I know what I'm 
going to hear from him – and you know what? That's just made my mind 
up.' 

‘Say again?' 

‘I'll explain later. I need to check on the new boundary fencing before
authorising payment.' Daisy slapped Penny on the shoulder, left the 
lodge that served as the Reserve office and leapt into the Land Rover. 
She thought she knew what Jeffries had on his mind and her hunch was 
that he'd established contact with former staff. 

She realised Jeffries' tendency to attempt to exert his influence was
pushing her in the direction of the smarmy Frobisher-French but didn't 
much care. She resented his pushiness and hadn't a clue to his motives, 
whereas Frobisher-French was conducting a business. If he could provide 
services with the expertise that she lacked, then so be it. Anchor 
Estate Management would be presented with their chance. 


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