‘You kidding? We’ll aim to get clients from the Far East who’ll pay astronomical amounts of money to train a world-class racehorse.’
‘You mentioned staff?’
‘I did.’ He looked straight at her. ‘Megan I’d like you to manage the tours and the tearoom, obviously with a small team of staff.’
‘Why me?’
‘Because I trust you and know you’ll do a good job.’ Plus he wanted her under his watchful eye, truth be told, not behind a bar in the local pub being ogled at by the punters. He’d seen, on more than one occasion, various men casting lustful glances in her direction and objected to it. This way she would still be earning money, enjoying a rapport with colleagues, but in surroundings that suited him, basically under his own roof. Again, he was conscious of his possessiveness, but couldn’t help it. He excused this to himself as being protective of her. Megan was taken aback.
‘Oh, thank you… but what about The Templar?’
‘I’m sure Dermot can find another barmaid, and you’ll still see Finula. The Templar’s your local pub.’ Megan was pondering the idea when dinner arrived. Tobias led her to the top of the table. ‘Think it over,’ he told her, pulling out her chair. And fast, he thought. He aimed to get the whole operation running as soon as possible.
One of the reasons he arranged tonight was for Megan to become familiar with Treweham Hall and all it encompassed. He loved the idea of her working alongside him as well as it removing her from any unwanted attention. If Nick Fletcher dared to touch her again he’d kill him.
After dinner Tobias showed Megan the route of the public tour. He explained with eagerness where the public and private boundaries lay and the information cards that would be displayed in each room, depicting the history and items of artwork they contained. He had been given advice from English Heritage and the Historic Houses Association, who had been more than helpful.
Megan listened with interest, admiring his zeal. Everything he did was done to the max, she concluded. He was always giving his all and his energy was contagious. Suddenly she wanted to be a part of it.
‘Tobias, I’ll do it,’ she stated with conviction.
‘Is the right answer,’ he replied with a smile. ‘Come here, you,’ and he hugged her hard. ‘And now,’ he whispered softly in her ear, ‘to bed.’
Megan’s heart fluttered uncontrollably as he took her by the hand and led her to his bedroom.
