Her father, not nearly as concerned, followed.
He then picked up the list that he had found in his top desk drawer, written in Caroline’s neat penmanship, outlining the schedule of what needed to be taken care of after the grapes were harvested and the juice sealed in the barrels.
He handed it to Hallaway. “Did you instruct your daughter to prepare this schedule and tell her what must be done in which order?”
Hallaway frowned, then looked at Caroline, his blue eyes full of confusion.
Sterling set it aside.
He then pulled out the parchment with the list of questions he had asked William.
“How much wheat was harvested last year and why do you believe we should plant more?”
Hallaway stared at him blankly and Sterling knew instantly that his estate manager could not answer so he asked the next question, and the next, and the next, without any response from the man he paid to manage his estate.
“Mr. Hallaway, I find that I must relieve you of your position as my estate manager. You have failed in your duties; therefore, you will no longer work for me.”
“No,” Hallaway argued. “I must tend to your grapes and make the wine.”
Sterling frowned. Did Hallway not grasp the precarious position he had put himself in? Yes, the grapes were important but so was the entire estate.
His mind was failing and he was forgetful of nearly everything except winemaking. That was what one of the men who took care ofthe vines finally confided in him.
“A senility,” another had said.
Something that both daughter and son had hidden from him.
He glanced at Caroline who understood the full weight of his words because she had lost all color, but he would discuss her transgressions with her later.
“You may go, Mr. Hallaway.”
He stood, as did Caroline.
“Not you, Mrs. Sutcliffe. We still have matters to discuss.”
For the first time since he came across the two, Hallaway appeared concerned.
“Go on, Father,” she said quietly.
“It has been a most interesting day,” Sterling said once they were alone.
He did not think Caroline could get any paler but she did.
If he were the same person who had arrived at Wyndview Farm, this matter would be dealt with in a cold, efficient manner, but he had changed, though a part of him wished that he would not have so that this would be easier.
“I toured the estate today, on my own. It is something that I should have done before now, but there was no need. Or, I did not believe that there was one since Wyndview Farm had been prospering under your father’s guidance.”
Sterling got up from his desk and walked to the sideboard and poured a glass of brandy. And offered her one.
“No thank you.”
“Are you certain?”
Caroline gulped and nodded.
He took a drink, his back to her.
He still loved her and hated that he did. How could he still care when he knew that she had lied to him for weeks.
