“That’s okay. I already have Tiffanie and me on a joint policy. I can keep that. That’s better anyway. She likes her doctors. This would be a bad time to change.”
“And you’ll come eat dinner with us,” Sara insisted from the doorway as she brought in fresh coffee for them.
“Oh, no. I can’t do that,” Ivan protested.
“I’m making meals for the three of us. What’s two more? Perhaps you can help me figure out what Tiffanie would be interested in eating?” Sara asked, handing him a cup fixed the way he liked.
The relief on Ivan’s face almost made Essie cry. “That would be amazing. I don’t have time to fix nutritious meals for her. I make a couple of dishes on the weekend. During the week when I get home late, I’m fighting a battle to concoct something that will tempt her to eat but won’t make her sick.”
“Sounds like that’s another pro. So far, the pros are winning. Here’s the big con. I won’t be able to offer you the same hourly rate if I’m employing you full-time,” Essie confessed. She accepted the coffee mug from Sara, giving Ivan time to consider that.
“I’ll get out of here and let you talk money. I’m off to research nutrient-rich meals for people battling cancer,” Sara announced and disappeared with her empty tray.
“What are you comfortable with?” Ivan said.
Essie shared the number she’d come up with after several hours of financial planning. “Would that work for you to pay bills and survive?”
“As a steady paycheck, yes. Can I ask you to give me two weeks’ notice if you decide to end our arrangement? I’d need to find a place and stack up work.”
“Definitely. And we’ll revisit your pay in six months.”
“That sounds fair, Essie.”
“If you decide to leave, could you give me the same two weeks’ notice? And maybe the chance to counter any better offer that comes along?” she requested. A whisper of movement almost made Essie turn her head. She forced herself to focus on Ivan as Edmund emerged from one of the bookshelves.
“Yes, Essie. You have my word,” Ivan said.
“Do you have any other jobs to finish, or should we consider today your first day?”
“I’m free and clear to start now.”
“Perfect. Let’s walk to the carriage house to see what repairs we’ll need to make there before you move in,” Essie said, standing. She laughed before adding, “And by we, I mean you.”
“I could work on that after hours.”
“Not a chance. That’s part of the estate. I’m guessing a couple of weeks to whip that area into shape. We’ll see what you think. Hopefully, we won’t find anything structural or serious. If so, we’ll make other plans for you to stay in the manor while it’s being fixed.”
Ivan walked forward with his hand held out. “Thank you, Essie. I promise to work hard for you.”
“Welcome to Ferguson’s Folly, Ivan. I’m excited to have you here.”
“Why did you wash your hair five times?” Zander asked as he struggled to tame her tangled hair.
“A bat flew into my hair! The blasted creature got stuck and flapped around. Those icky, leathery wings touched me!”
“That had to be scary,” Zander said in a muffled tone that made her study him suspiciously. Was he laughing at her?
“Awful! The absolute worst thing ever! He could have had rabies. You better not laugh!”
“Did the bat bite you or scratch your skin?”
“No. He pulled my hair and flapped around to get free,” Essie admitted. “Thank goodness Ivan had his leather gloves on. He grabbed him fast and freed his feet. When Ivan had him loose, he took the bat outside and released him.” She shuddered, remembering those red eyes like a vampire in the old horror movies.
“Sounds like Ivan has dealt with bats before,” Zander said. “Let’s grab some conditioner. I think your tresses need a mega-deep moisturizing treatment. A bat getting caught in your hair is a perfect excuse for a spa night.”
“That would be nice, Daddy. I have those funny masks people wear. You could use some help for your pores,” she said, eyeing his complexion.
Zander laughed. “Bring it on, Little girl.”
