Chapter Fourteen
It had beena long time since Alexander had visited the Kitt estate. Back when his father was still alive and he and Christopher were teens. He didn’t remember much of the details back then, but the estate that stood in front of him was surely worse for wear than afore.
The grass was unkempt, weeds climbed the walls and columns. The brick exterior of the house needed care. Pieces of brick and masonry had fallen or been worn away with time. The once whitewashed columns were now gray and dingy. The path that led up to the front of the estate was overrun with foliage that had crept onto the walkway, all but obscuring it from view.
Either Kitt couldn’t afford the upkeep of the property, or he didn’t care. Alexander assumed the latter considering how he wouldn’t accept any monetary compensation for the sheep, barring tonight.
Alexander expected Kitt to demand payment right away, which he would have to hold him off for a bit until he could obtain the necessary funds. He didn’t have them at this point in time.
A bleat sounded from the distance, the sound music to his ears. He was tempted to follow the call so that he could see how his flock fared, but the door opened and Kitt trilled his name.
“Ah, Your Grace,” he dipped down dramatically, mocking the greeting. “Welcome to Kitt Manor.”
Alexander ground his teeth, but otherwise ignored his irritation of the man, and tipped his hat at the louse. “Kitt. Ye summoned me.”
“I did, yes. Please, do come in.”
The man must definitely be low on funds if he didn’t have a butler. Mayhap he didn’t have time to hire one yet.
Inside, the state of the house did not fare much better than the outside. The musty smell assaulted Alexander’s nostrils and he had to do everything in his power not to cover his nose with a gloved hand. The place was in dire need of a good cleaning. Dust covered everything, including the sheets still covering some of the furniture. The grimy draperies made the parlor, where Kitt had led him into, appear even darker. The faded wood could use another coat of stain to protect it and bring it back to its former glory.
“I apologize for the state of the house. My housekeeper has not arrived yet. I am eagerly waiting on her appearance.”
Alexander said nothing as he waited for the man to get to the point.
“Sit, please.” He pointed to a faded blue wing-backed chair that could very much use a date with the upholsterer.
But the sooner he acquiesced to whatever Kitt wanted, the sooner he would get this over with so he sat and couldn’t stop the cough that erupted as dust kicked up and settled around him.
Kitt acted as if naught was amiss and sat in a chair on the opposite side of the unlit fireplace.
The chill in the room could be dispersed with a fire, but Kitt appeared to have no intention of getting one going.
“Ah,” Kitt clapped his hands together. “Where are my manners? Would you like a drink? Brandy or cognac?”
Alexander thought about turning down the offer, imagining the state of the drink ware, but thought better of it and gave a quick nod. “Cognac, please.”
Jumping to his feet, Kitt poured the drinks and after handing Alexander his glass, settled back into his chair.
“I feel as if we should toast.”
Alexander lifted a questioning brow. “Whatever for?”
Kitt chuckled. “Right, right. You most certainly do not feel these are celebratory circumstances.”
“Ye are correct.” He had enough of small talk. He wanted to get back home to Millwool. Back to Clarissa. “Shall we get down to business?” he asked impatiently.
Clucking his tongue, Kitt wagged his finger in Alexander’s direction. “So hasty, Your Grace.”
“I do have other matters to attend to today.”
Kitt sneered. “Ah, but none as important as this one, truly.”
Alexander sighed. The cretin had him there and he knew it. Bastard.
He sipped his cognac, studying the liquid as he twirled it in his glass, drawing out the time.
The louse could use a good throttling and Alexander would be happy to be the one to give it. But he also knew that would not get him what he needed. He sat silently, waiting for Kitt to say whatever it was he had beckoned Alexander here for.
