She chuckled. “A legal one, fear not.”
That wasn’t what Wendell feared. He’d just learned the children were being sent off to Europe. What was in store for him and the future of White Pines promised to be just as dire.
“My plan is to ready the house and outbuildings for sale. Geoffrey and I have discussed a few options and met with a broker; at this time, we are looking into subdividing the property and selling it off as parcels.”
“You’re going to sell White Pines?” Wendell tried to keep his voice neutral, but his heart was already racing. He closed his eyes, willing one of his episodes to stay at bay.Not now,he thought.Just let me get through this meeting.
Candace seemed surprised by his question. “Well, they can’t stay here alone. And the proceeds will go to the children eventually, anyway, so why would I keep it?”
Why, indeed.
“A subdivision will likely take more time, but it will also be more lucrative. Not everyone wants the responsibility or can afford the expense that comes with a sprawling hundred-acre estate.”
Wendell couldn’t believe what he was hearing. They were going to cut up White Pines and sell it off like spare parts. Visions of lines bisecting Alan’s beloved property filled his head.
“My wish is to return to London as soon as possible. But our plan for White Pines will likely take time. It requires the combined efforts of surveyors, engineers, and the application for numerous permits with Saybrook’s town regulatory boards.” Here she paused. “That said, I have asked Geoffrey to come up with a contract that would keep you on as estate manager until that work is complete, the properties are listed, and the sales procured. There would be some changes, of course, to the detail of your work. But it would maintain your current position for the time being.”
Wendell’s head was swimming. “I see. You want me to stay on as White Pines is broken down and sold off.”
Candace brightened. “Yes. There’s really no reason for me to remain here during that time. With Geoffrey’s oversight, the real estate broker’s direction, and your management, I feel the estate can be settled while I am in London.” She paused, cocking her head slightly. “Would such an offer be of interest to you, Mr. Combs?”
Wendell met her gaze, trying to keep his own steady. His haven here would no longer exist. He gripped the wooden armrests.
Candace must’ve misunderstood his hesitation. “If it’s your salary you’re concerned with, please don’t be. Because of all your years of hard work here, I am also including a bonus once the sale is finalized.”
“Yes,” Geoffrey interjected. “It would be amiss not to mention that Candace has been extremely generous to you, Mr. Combs. We recognize that this tragedy impacts you as well, and eventually will require you to seek employment elsewhere, so Ms. Lancaster proposes a bonus of fifty thousand dollars in addition to your annual salary to tide you over once the place is sold.” He grinned as though this were wonderful news.
Finally, Wendell found his voice. “I would like very much to stay on at White Pines as long as possible.”
Candace nodded approvingly. Seeing the relief on her face, Wendell realized he had just agreed to help her do the very thing he feared most: get rid of White Pines.
“Then it’s settled,” Candace said, turning to Geoffrey. “I believe Geoffrey had drawn up a contract that outlines the terms as discussed. You may take a couple of days to think this over and have an attorney review it.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Wendell said, looking between the two of them. As awful as the proposal was, it bought him more time at White Pines.
“There is one last thing,” Candace said.
Wendell studied her expression, wondering what more she could possibly drop on him.
“We’d like you to be discreet.”
Enough was enough. A plume of defensiveness rose up inside him.
“What Candace means,” Geoffrey explained, “is that this is a private family matter. While the listing of the house will be public, of course, we ask that you not speak of any of the details we have discussed here today. Specifically, plans regarding the estate, the children’s future, or anything to do with Candace’s decisions.” He studied Wendell carefully to let it sink in. “Saybrook is, of course, a small community, and the Lancasters were rather publicfigures. There will be questions, curiosities… that sort of thing. Candace would like her business and family matters to be left out of any communications you might have, no matter with whom. Will you agree to that?”
Wendell did not know what to say. It was one thing to invite him here today and inform him that he was soon to be without a job. That he would need to stay on long enough to dismantle the very place that secured both his employment and peace of mind. It was another thing entirely to question his loyalty. Had he not just agreed to remain on-site and in his position for the duration while Candace took off overseas? And for a bonus that could never fill the gaping hole they’d just opened in his life? He was offended.
Suddenly, it occurred to him why: the girls didn’t know. Huge plans were afoot, and no one had told them a damn thing. Their lives had already been irretrievably upended, and yet they were about to be even more. Wendell gazed at Candace now, realizing he’d underestimated her.
He cleared his throat. “I have spent the better part of my working years taking care of this place and the people on it, both before and after I returned from Afghanistan. I gave you my word, and my word is good.”
Candace glanced at Geoffrey. “I believe we’ve reached an understanding.”
Geoffrey produced a one-page contract from his briefcase and presented it to Wendell. He even clicked the ballpoint pen before handing it over. “If you’ll give us your John Hancock here, we should be good to go.”
As Wendell signed the contract, he knew he was signing away the future of White Pines along with his own. If he hadn’t, they would have hired someone else to do the work. At least this way, he’d stay a bit longer. Do his best work, the way Alan and Annewould have wanted, even if it meant going against every grain in his being. There was some honor in that, he knew.
He set the pen down. “As I said before, my word is good. But I do have one question.”
