Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-One

An Unexpected Trip

That evening, Geneva joined Talia, Roman, and Gerald for dinner. She felt so tired, but she smiled and tried to put on a brave face for everyone. She listened as Roman praised them both on the outstanding operations of their estate.

Roman talked excitedly about the property that bordered the Henderson Estate. He also described the condition of the outbuildings as well as the quality of the land and pastures. Talia told her parents about the people they met and where they had lunch.

She presented the gifts from the tenants and her parents were surprised by unexpected wedding gifts. Talia also shared some news with her parents and Roman.

"Speaking of weddings, Mick spoke to me this afternoon," said Talia. "He would like to ask Myrna to marry him."

"Oh, how wonderful," said Geneva as she clasped her hands together.

"He wanted me to talk to you both on the prospects of cleaning up the old overseer's cottage and moving into there," said Talia.

Her parents paused as they thought for a moment.

"The cottage has been emptied for such a long time," said Geneva.

"Myrna could work during the day, and we could move a younger maid upstairs for the evening shift. Mick also told me that he doesn't think Calvin is ready to retire from the bunkhouse. Calvin was so proud of the delivery of the new colt that he helped with this weekend."

"Gerald, do you see any problem with those two kids moving into the cottage?"

"If they are willing to clean and fix up the cottage, I see no problem. As long as it does not interfere with their current duties, I see no problem.

"You tell Mick that he has our blessings. I also have something to discuss with you all."

"Did you want me to leave?" asked Roman.

"No, it is nothing like that," said Geneva. "While we were gone, I received a letter from my brother, Garrett. They want to come here this weekend. To be honest, I am not up for entertaining. I just haven't felt well since we have arrived back home."

"I understand, Geneva," said her husband,

Talia looked at her mother who appeared pale in her complexion. Her pale coloring made the bruises on her face more distinct.

"My brother, Garrett and I get together once a month to go over the books, and he takes care of any payments," explained Geneva to Roman. "Gerald, would the three of you be interested in traveling to York to bring the books to Garrett before the weekend."

"What do say, you two?" asked Gerald. "Are you up for another trip?

Roman looked at Talia and said, "We could go to the courthouse and inquire about the property next door."

"We could attend Ridge and Josie's engagement party, and Ridge could travel back with us," said Talia.

"Would you be ready to travel tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'll be ready. I'll tell Mick the good news and tell him we will be leaving tomorrow morning after breakfast."

"Talia, I will send a list with you for supplies. Thank you all for agreeing to this. I am sure with a few more days of rest I will feel better."

Talia was the first to leave the table. Geneva excused herself to speak to Lydia, the cook, and Nina, her seamstress. Roman and Gerald went into the library to continue to discuss Roman's observations of the estate's operations.