Chapter Text
The Californian sun beats down on the red convertible sports car currently weaving through the LA traffic. Music blasts from its speakers, and the driver, Nicole Haught, drums her fingers on the steering wheel in time to the beat. She’s not a dangerous driver, more impatient, as she undertakes and overtakes as if the lanes are hers and everyone else will bend to her will. She takes the exit and heads towards the financial district, stopping and starting when lights demand it. Haught Enterprises comes into view, imposing in its size and lifting itself over the skyline, making sure everybody that passes knows people in there are important. Nicole shakes her head slightly as she pulls to a stop outside, tossing the keys to one of the valet guys waiting to meet her and not sparing a glance as she strides up the concourse and towards the revolving doors. She heads straight to the elevators, throwing a wink to the receptionist behind the desk and reminding herself to stop for the blondes number on her way out.
The Elevator arrives and Nicole steps inside, pulling out her phone, scanning her ID card and opting for the top floor. She leans back at the elevator springs into life, recognising her card and immediately skipping any stops along the way. Haught’s don’t wait, and that especially goes for Nicole.
The elevator reaches its destination and the doors open, the family logo staring at her on the opposite wall, ensuring everyone remembers where they are and who they work for at every given opportunity.
Nicole strolls through the carpeted corridor. Large, private offices run either side of the floor with assistants divided via partitions in the centre of the office, creating a huge hive of activity, all of which quiets the moment it is noticed Nicole has arrived. She stops for a moment, casting her eyes across the office space but never meeting anyone’s gaze.
“As you were” Nicole half mutters half orders as she continues on her journey towards the far office and to where her father and the lawyers are waiting for her. She knows she hasn’t done anything wrong, but is curious as to why she has been summoned today.
Her father’s secretary, an older woman called Angela, who has been in Nicole’s life as long as Nicole can remember, is sat at her desk, head down in a file.
“Where are your glasses?” Nicole asks in a teasing tone
“I’ve told you, I don’t need glasses” Angela replies, looking up at Nicole with that look that only she can give “it’s good to see you”
“You too” Nicole replies as she walks over to the desk and leans in to kiss Angela’s cheek “he in?”
“You know full well he is” Angela chides “and don’t rile him up, you know what he’s like when he’s jet lagged”
“Not my fault the man doesn’t know how to take a holiday” Nicole argues, stealing a large white grape from the fruit bowl sitting behind Angela and popping it into her mouth
“This is exactly the sort of thing I’m talking about… it’s all very well and good you dropping in, winding him up and then breezing out of here, but some of us have to deal with the consequences, and I’ve got Board papers to get out, I could do without him getting rattled by you” Angela says pointedly
“Sure”
“I mean it Nicole”
“And I heard you” Nicole grins, stealing another grape and swerving Angela’s hands as they try to smack her legs “I’ll behave… scouts honour”
“Good enough” Angela mutters “you look thin. Are you eating?”
“You know it’s not the done thing to comment on how someone looks?”
“So no then” Angela deadpans
“Hey now, I’ll have you know I’ve had three grapes today” Nicole teases, swiping another one and dodging the hand that tries to slap her away
“I mean it. Eat something”
Just as Nicole is about to answer, the door to her fathers office opens and her fathers lawyer, Peter, appears
“I thought that was you I could hear…” Peter smiles “fancy joining us?”
“If I must” Nicole retorts, winking at Angela and grabbing another grape as she passes the desk. She laughs as she hears Angela click her tongue in annoyance and immediately follows the gesture up with a wry smile and small shake of her head.
The office looks like something found at Harvard, rather than a modern block in downtown LA, and it always, always makes Nicole pause despite herself. Her posture straightens that little bit more, and she finally removes her sunglasses, knowing it will be the first thing he says when he eventually looks up. Sometimes it’s immediate, sometimes it takes upwards of 5 minutes, and the length of the wait always signifies exactly how much trouble Nicole is in.
Thomas James Haught looks up and smiles, and Nicole relaxes, knowing he’s body language and smiles better than anyone else in the world. He’s being welcoming, which means he needs something from her.
“Nicole” Thomas, or TJ as he prefers to go by, says with a smile “how are you?”
“Fine” Nicole replies, not cautiously, but certainly not easily
“Thank you for clearing what, I know, must be a busy schedule” TJ continues, unable to stop himself
“I’m assuming you’d like something, so perhaps we can cut the pleasantries and get on with it?” Nicole suggests, irritation clouding her tone
“Did you know your mother was a quarter English?” TJ asks
Nicole’s stomach lurches the way it always does whenever anybody mentions her mother. Nicole adored her mother, Madeleine, and it was torturous for Nicole to lose her so young. Disease offering no mercy to either of them as it cruelly took its toll, and with it, Nicole’s favourite person in the whole world.
“Of course” Nicole lies, reeling from finding out there was something she didn’t know, and angry she will never be able to ask.
“Well what might come as a surprise” TJ begins, knowing full well Nicole is lying, but allowing her the dignity to continue “that she was actually distantly related to a Lord… a man called William Gessington, who resided in a house in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside. Anyway, this Lord has now passed on, and it turns out, you are his only living relative, which means the entire estate is now yours.”
Nicole blinks two, maybe three times
“This means Nicole you now have extensive land and property in England that needs dealing with” TJ continues “and part of the terms of the will is that this is all dealt with in person. I have, therefore, taken the liberty of booking you onto a flight to London tomorrow morning. There is a car hire arranged for you to pick up from Heathrow airport and a drive 70 miles or so to the village of Market Chepston, where I have booked you a room in the local inn. You have a meeting with the lawyers the following morning to sign the deeds and then a meeting with a realtor in the afternoon to begin the process of selling it all off. The whole thing should take about two weeks. You can then return to your life, or lack thereof”
“I can’t just… go to England”
“Why?” TJ questions
“What do you mean why?” Nicole repeats incredulously
“I mean, why can’t you go to England? What have you got in your diary over the next two weeks that can’t be easily rescheduled? Do you have any urgent meetings? Anyone relying on you making a deadline in time? Any charity gala expecting you to show up? Tell me Nicole, what have you got going on in your life which means you couldn’t possibly do the one thing I have asked you to do?” TJ demands, not unkindly, but with an indifferent tone that could almost be cruel.
The silence that follows is deafening
“As I thought” TJ continues “that’s settled. Peter has all of the details and Angela has the plane ticket. You fly at 11am. Peter will pick you up”
“I don’t need a babysitter” Nicole spits, turning to the lawyer standing behind and following up with “no offence Peter” in a kinder tone
“Yes you do Nicole. Peter will escort you to the airport, and will go with you to the terminal to ensure you get onto the plane”
“He can’t come through the gates”
“Luckily there is a meeting in Monaco Peter is heading to, so he has a ticket that will get him into departures” TJ replies with a smug smile “you ARE doing this Nicole. I will see you back here in a fortnight”
“But…” Nicole starts
“Have a safe flight Nicole. Call me if you need anything”
“Dad”
“Goodbye Nicole” TJ cuts in once again, before he sits down at his desk and continues to read the papers he was looking at when Nicole walked in.
Nicole stands for a moment, watching him, trying to find any semblance of the man she used to adore, before greed and grief took over. She shakes her head and turns to go, not looking back, and ignoring the sigh that escapes Peter as he follows her out
Chapter 2
Notes:
I wasn't sure anyone would be up for this, and I'm thrilled to say I was wrong... Thanks so much for all the love so far, it gives me motivation to keep going!
Chapter Text
The wipers furiously batter away the rain sheeting down on to the windscreen as Nicole navigates the twisting country road. She had picked up the hire car at Heathrow and had successfully got herself onto the M4, leading her away from London and heading west towards the county of Wiltshire. It had been 6am local time when the plane had touched down, the pilot announcing the temperature as 6 degrees Celsius on a wet and windy Thursday morning.
Nicole had stopped at a service station to get a coffee and some breakfast and had continued her journey until she eventually took the correct exit and began steering carefully through the English countryside. She follows the sat nav instructions and eventually finds herself pulling into the sleepy village of Market Chepston.
The high street is quiet as she slowly drives through, noting a butchers, a newsagents and the church and cenotaph, the latter dominating the centre of this tiny community. As Nicole is about to leave the village, the sat nav announces she has reached her destination. Nicole notices a worn-out looking pub with a car park at the rear, so she follows the sign and pulls up into a space. There is an old stables block that has been turned into a seating area and a large garden that has a stream running along the back of it. The pub looks old and would be inviting if the outside has some work done to it. Nicole gets out of the car and stretches, wincing when she hears various pops and clicks in her joints.
She walks round to the trunk and gets out her luggage, congratulating herself once again for packing as lightly as she did. She removes two medium suitcases, slams the trunk closed and grabs her carry on, slinging the leather bag over her shoulder and manoeuvring the cases to the back door of the bar.
Nicole struggles through a door that feels smaller than average and is immediately irritated when she finds herself in a cold back corridor and a further two doors in front of her, one indicating a saloon and the other a snug. Nicole takes a risk and heads for the first door, flinging it open, pushing her luggage through, and immediately falling down the small step into the saloon.
A dark haired woman looks up from behind the bar, piercing blue eyes looking amused at the scene in front of her.
“Can I help you?” The woman asks, in a Canadian accent.
“Hi” Nicole starts “I have a booking here”
“Bookings through the snug” the woman replies
Nicole huffs out some air in surprise as the woman looks back down at the paper she’s reading
“Right” Nicole says, for want of anything better.
She pushes the cases towards the door she’s just fallen through and struggles back out into the cold corridor. She wheels over to the next door and begins another fight with the entryway, deciding not to let her luggage out of her sight. The same comically difficult action of getting through another small door ensues, with Nicole finally pushing herself and her bags into what is labelled ‘the snug’ and which looks exactly the same as ‘the saloon’. Nicole realises the bar area serves both rooms and watches in disbelief as the barmaid takes 5 short steps and stands in front of her.
“You couldn’t just serve me through there?”
“And miss all that? Not a chance” the woman replies dryly
Nicole takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, deciding the last thing she needs to do is give this woman ammunition
“I have a room booked?” Nicole starts
“I know”
“My name is Nicole Haught”
“I know that too” the woman replies “you’re the first guest we’ve had here in 3 years”
“That’s not at all concerning” Nicole retorts
“Check in is 3 o’clock” the woman says “you can come back then”
Nicole isn’t often speechless, but try as she might, she can’t find the words as she watches the barmaid turn and cross the bar area and pick her paper back up.
“Excuse me” Nicole tries, which elicits absolutely no reaction for the woman
“Look, can we just…” Nicole tries again, slightly louder
“HEY” Nicole shouts.
The woman slowly turns towards Nicole and locks eyes with her “you did not just raise your voice to me” the stranger says almost at a whisper
“I apologise” Nicole back pedals “I just got off a very long flight from LA and I’d really like to just get into my room and take a shower”
“And you can”
“Thank you” Nicole breathes out, relieved
“At 3 o’clock”
“Can’t we just…” Nicole tries
“No, we can’t just anything. The policy is 3 o’clock. I don’t make the rules, but I do have to adhere to them, so whether you like it or not, you cannot get into your room until check in time”
“But…”
“Wynonna” a man says in a drawl “I think we can help Ms Haught on this occasion”
“Keep out of this Doc” the woman, Wynonna, replies
“Wynonna” he repeats, almost as if he is easing her down from somewhere “what’s the harm”
“It’s the rules”
“Time was you thought rules were there to be broken” the man, Doc, retorts.
Nicole feels like she’s witnessing a very intimate moment between the two of them, despite them being at least 4 metres apart.
“Fine, but this is a one time thing. I’m not making a habit of it” Wynonna relents.
Nicole watches as Wynonna grabs a key off a row of hooks against the far wall and walks back towards her
“Room 4. Through that door, up two flights and hook a left” Wynonna explains as she slams the key down on to the bar and then heads back towards the paper
“Thank you” Nicole replies, taking the key and struggling back into the corridor, relieved she’s only here for a fortnight, and making a mental note to avoid the mysterious woman, Wynonna, at all costs.
***
By late afternoon, the rain has finally cleared and Nicole decides to heads out onto the high street, determined to get a proper sense of the place. She walks through the church yard and is pleasantly surprised when she reaches a small market square. Local shops line the space and Nicole wanders from place to place, appreciating the businesses on offer. The general store also acts as a post office and a stationers, and Nicole decides to buy a couple of local post cards depicting the village to send on to Angela and Peter. She visits the bakery and gets herself some lunch, taking a seat in the window and ordering a cup of coffee to accompany the Cornish Pasty she’s ordered.
Nicole is content to sit and watch the world go by, noting how busy the pharmacy seems to be and how a school must have just finished for the day, judging by all the children suddenly on the square. She smiles as she watches everyday village life play out in front of her and is struck by just how different it is to her usual routine. She’s finishing her coffee when a guy walks into the café like he owns the place. He’s wearing a dark green suit and a long raincoat, and as soon as he enters, the two women behind the counter have a change in demeanour. He strides towards the till and whilst Nicole can’t hear what’s being said, she can tell from the body language the older woman isn’t enjoying the exchange. Nicole watches the woman open the till and pull out some money, counting it out before reaching in for some more. The man watches on, an uninviting smirk on his face, which grows into a devious grin once the money is handed over to him. He counts the money and then places it into the inside pocket of his suit jacket, throwing a cursory goodbye as he strides out of the café. Nicole continues to watch the man as he crosses over the square and disappears into the news agents, getting a sense he’s heading into every shop to pick up cash.
She eventually leaves the café and continues to explore, deciding to find the solicitors office and make sure they have an appointment set for the morning.
Gardiner and Gardiner sits at the far end of the square, opposite the church and besides a small bookshop. Nicole smiles at the receptionist and explains who she is and why she is there, and is immediately introduced to one of the partners, Mercedes Gardiner, who explains her younger sister, Beth, will be handling Nicole’s case. Once she’s confirmed the 10am start time for the morning meeting, Nicole decides to head back to the pub and grab a drink, content to sit quietly and read a book whilst she waits for the dinner service to start.
***
Nicole is tucked up in an old winged back leather chair by the fire when she hears the sound of the barmaid demand someone leave the pub. Nicole places her bookmark down and leans to the side of the chair, looking back into the bar area and to where the shouting has come from. Nicole is surprised to see the same man from before, standing at the bar and demanding Wynonna pay him what he’s owed. The back and forth between the pair remains heated, until eventually Doc appears behind Wynonna with a hand full of cash.
“See, it doesn’t have to be so difficult Wynonna” the man snarls “why do you always have to be so obtuse?”
“Bite me Bobo” Wynonna spits back, which earns a laugh from her opponent.
“Put a muzzle on her for gods’ sake” Bobo says to Doc “She’ll scare what little custom you have”
Despite the whole exchange lasting no more than three minutes, Nicole feels herself breathing out a sigh of relief once Bobo leaves the pub. She waits for a couple of moments before she picks up her empty glass and heads over to the bar, unsure as to whether she should acknowledge what she’s just witnessed
“Another?” Wynonna asks as she furiously wipes the rim of the glass she’s holding.
“Please” Nicole smiles “Can I get you one?”
Wynonna stops what she’s doing and looks up in surprise
“You wanna buy me a drink?” Wynonna asks sceptically
“Is that allowed?” Nicole replies cautiously “You just look like you could do with one is all”
“Is that meant to be a compliment? Because honestly, it needs work” Wynonna deadpans.
Nicole laughs in surprise and sits on the stool in front of her
“I wasn’t trying to compliment you, but when a shitty man comes into my place of work and starts throwing his weight around, I always feel the need for a whiskey afterwards… thought you might like the same”
“Wynonna” Wynonna says, offering her hand.
Nicole smiles as she takes the pro-offered hand and shakes it, pulling her wallet from her back pocket and laying it on the bar
“So… what do you want Red? Middle of the road or the good stuff?”
“Always the good stuff. Life’s too short to drink bad whiskey” Nicole replies
“I’ll drink to that” Wynonna mutters, pulling down a bottle of Aberfeldy and reaching for a couple of glasses “before I pour this, you’re good for it right?”
Nicole smiles at Wynonna and pulls out a credit card, laughing at the low whistle Wynonna lets out when she clocks the JP Morgan bank card.
“I’m good for it” Nicole assures smoothly
“Well alright then” Wynonna shrugs, pouring two healthy measures of whiskey and handing one to Nicole. Wynonna clinks their glasses together and then takes a sip, looking at the remaining liquid and nodding appreciatively.
“That is nice” Nicole offers, nodding to herself as she sits with the taste
“So… tell me something?” Wynonna says “and nothing personal… I don’t do deep shit”
“So, what, like a secret?” Nicole asks, slightly startled
“Sure, why not” Wynonna shrugs
“Okay… well, I had an affair with my professor at college”
“What was the age gap? Was he old?”
“She was 7 years older, and I was 24 at the time, so not too bad”
“Still your professor” Wynonna says pointedly
“Yes. Still me professor” Nicole agrees
“What was she a professor in?”
“Linguistics” Nicole replies with a grin, which grows once she hears Wynonna bark out a laugh
“Fuck off, no she wasn’t”
“She was” Nicole assures, laughing along with Wynonna. The door to the pub opens and a couple appear, nodding at Nicole as they stand beside her at the bar
“Evening Patti, Norm… usual?”
“Yes please” The older woman says.
Nicole watches as Wynonna pours a pint for the guy and a gin and tonic for the woman, listening to the easy conversation they have as she does so. There is a kindness to Wynonna that Nicole hadn’t yet seen as she asks this older couple about their grandchild, offering a smile as they fill her in on the latest visit. Wynonna watches them shuffle off to a table furthest from the door and then turns her attention back to Nicole, and with it, the sharpness that is innately present.
“Your turn” Nicole says
“For a secret?” Wynonna asks
“That’s right, I told you one, now it’s your turn” Nicole continues, smiling when she hears the door to the snug open and another older gentleman appears
“I’m wanted in Texas” Wynonna admits, matter of fact
“You’re wanted in Texas?” Nicole repeats “Why? What did you do?”
“Nuh hu, you only asked for one” Wynonna replies with a shit eating grin “Mike. What can I get you?” Wynonna continues, as she winks at Nicole devilishly and then disappears off to serve her patrons.
Chapter Text
Nicole wakes slowly the following morning, jet lag and hang over doing its worst to her as she reaches for her phone and turns the alarm off. She and Wynonna had spent a couple of hours chatting easily before Nicole realised she needed to stop drinking and take herself to bed lest she pass out at the bar. She had enjoyed getting to know Wynonna and appreciated the woman’s self-enforced ‘no deep shit’ rule, allowing Nicole to relax into the banter and easy small talk.
She eventually drags herself from the surprisingly comfortable bed and heads for a shower, relieved when the jets have some force behind them. Nicole isn’t usually one for breakfast, however she realises she ought to try and soak up the remaining whiskey in her system, so once she’s dressed in jeans, a white t shirt and a grey cashmere sweater, Nicole grabs her jacket, locks her bedroom door and heads down to the snug, and to where a cooked breakfast awaits.
Doc smiles politely as Nicole takes a seat at one of the tables, offering her a coffee and taking her breakfast order. She leans back in her chair and is content to watch village life play out in front of her. The street is quiet, and she smiles to herself as she watches couple of older ladies chatting to each other outside one of the houses.
Nicole has never been one to stop moving. Whilst she doesn’t actually work in LA, she’s content to fill her days with brunches and dinners, rarely spending a day alone and a constant stream of one night stands to keep her occupied. She appreciates the solitude this village has offered her so far and can see why people would choose to spend their time in the quiet community.
Nicole finishes her breakfast in good time and heads through the churchyard and out onto the square, relieved the rain hasn’t made an appearance. As soon as she enters the solicitor’s office, Nicole is met by the same receptionist, who smiles shyly at Nicole whilst she takes a seat in the waiting area. Nicole makes a note to revisit the woman once she’s concluded her business, pleased with the idea she may not have to be totally alone for the duration of her stay.
“Ms Haught?” an unfamiliar voice says, interrupting Nicole from her thoughts “I’m Beth Gardiner, would like to come this way?”
Nicole follows Beth through the reception area and into a small office. There are books on two of the three walls and a large desk, which Beth Gardiner sits behind. Nicole is surprised to find the man she had watched collecting money yesterday occupying one of the two seats opposite the desk.
“Ms Haught. My name is Robert Svane, and I was William Gessington’s Business Manager” the man explains as he offers his hand for Nicole to shake
“Nice to meet you Robert, and please call me Nicole” Nicole replies, offering the last comment to Beth Gardiner as well
“So, Nicole, what exactly do you know about the Gessington estate?” Beth asks
“Very little. I know there is a house and land, but that’s about it”
“It’s a little more than that” Robert says with a smile Nicole doesn’t trust “There is a large house, gardens, and extensive land, but there are also 3 farms, 4 shops, 9 houses and the pub you are staying in. They were all William’s, and they now fall under your ownership”
“I understand you intend to sell, is that right?” Beth continues “as luck would have it, we have a buyer interested, so if you’re happy for me to go ahead with that, I’d be happy to get this all off your hands as soon as possible”
“Oh, okay, thank you” Nicole offers, surprised the process is already underway “I’d like to see the properties and understand their value before we go ahead with any sale and if I can take a look at the accounts for the businesses I own, that would also be helpful”
Nicole immediately clocks the glance Beth Gardiner sends towards Robert
“Of course. Perhaps Robert can set up meetings with the renters over the course of the next few days for you”
“No problem” Robert replies, and Nicole gets the distinct impression it is, in fact, a problem.
“Do you have a current valuation for everything? Or are they individually priced?” Nicole asks
“It’s a job lot, but we can break it down property by property if you’d prefer?” Beth offers
“Yes please. I’d like to know exactly how much everything is worth before I decide what we’re doing with it. I would also like the portfolio of the person interested in buying”
“Well, that bits easy” Robert laughs “I would buy it from you”
“You?” Nicole repeats, surprised
“Yes. I have the capital, and I would like to continue to run the businesses the way we have been for the past five years… I don’t want to bring undue stress to the community”
“How honourable” Nicole says, for want of anything else to say, “Is that why you were collecting rent in person yesterday?”
Nicole notices the slight twitch in Robert’s moustache and immediately realises he has a tell
“Of course, you’re currently staying in the pub aren’t you”
“Well yes, I am, but I was also in the coffee shop yesterday afternoon and saw you in there. I assume you went into the newsagents for the same thing?”
“Indeed” Robert replies “and I have the cash in the safe in my office ready to hand over to you. I didn’t want to bring it this morning in case there is nowhere safe for you to keep it”
“Thank you, that’s very thoughtful, however I prefer to work via bank transfer. It keeps the lines very clean and its easier for me to keep track of everything” Nicole continues, getting a sense this meeting is not going how Robert had intended
“People here don’t really like change” Beth tries to reason
“Okay, well let’s set those up meetings with everyone and I can talk to them all individually, I don’t want to upset anyone, however the estate is far larger than my family and I were led to believe, and I think I will be here longer than expected unpicking it all” Nicole replies “Which brings me onto the house and grounds. I would like to take a look”
“Now?” Beth asks
“Unless you’re busy? I can go on my own if you two have plans?”
“Not at all” Robert assures “I can drive us all up there if you like?”
“Perfect” Nicole says with a smile that she knows doesn’t reach her eyes.
***
Nicole feels a sense of unease as she takes the back seat of Robert Svane’s obnoxiously large car. She listens quietly whilst he and Beth Gardiner discuss the supposed work that’s required and the more they talk, the less interested Nicole becomes in their opinions. Robert hits the indicator to the left and pulls up in front of a pair of old gates, one of which hangs from its hinges and the other not faring much better. Robert lets out a sigh and sharply presses the horn on the cars steering wheel.
“Sorry about this Nicole, I told them to be ready for us”
“Them?” Nicole repeats, absentmindedly.
An old cottage sits to the right of the gates and Nicole watches as the front door opens and a gentleman appears. He’s wearing a plaid shirt and a tired look, and Nicole snaps her head back to the front of the car in horror as Robert Svane hits his horn once again
“Is that necessary?” Nicole asks as the older guy moves a bit quicker towards the huge iron gate
“It is if you want this done quickly” Robert shoots back with a smile.
Nicole undoes her seatbelt and opens the door, unable to sit and watch as the man struggles to pull the gate open for the car
“Let me help you with that” Nicole offers as she jogs over to the gate
“That’s okay, I’ve got it” the man replies gruffly
“I’m not suggesting you don’t” Nicole offers “but it’s easier with two right?”
The man turns to look at Nicole and eyes her up, his moustache twitching and giving away a slight lift of a smile
“I’m Nicole” she says, offering her hand to the man
“Randy Nedley” the man, Randy, answers as he takes her hand and gives it a curt shake “I’m the groundsman”
“Well it’s a pleasure to meet you Randy, thanks for your help with the gate” Nicole replies with a smile. She walks back towards the car and opens the door, sliding in and softly pulling it too behind her
“You know it’s his job to open that gate” Robert says, an edge to his voice
“Staff will already be feeling uneasy Robert, I think it’s better they meet me in as kinder setting as possible, don’t you?” Nicole retorts, ignoring the huff of indignation Robert lets out in reply.
Robert steers them up a long driveway strewn with potholes, where overgrown hedgerows and trees sit either side. Nicole estimates the driveway is at least a mile in length, the oversized greenery making sight of the house impossible. They round a slight corner and finally the property comes into view, taking Nicole’s breath away at the sight.
A 17th century mansion sits nestled within the English countryside, 7 perfectly placed French windows are evenly spaced across the central entrance with another 7 on both wings either side. The main door is reached via 12 stone steps that run across the front of the main building. There are 4 visible floors, plus what Nicole assumes is a basement. The brickwork is mottled and almost green, however Nicole knows enough to recognise the red brick coming through the mildew.
She lets out a low, appreciative whistle as they get closer, and as soon as the car stops, she jumps from the vehicle to take the building in, in all its magnificent glory. There is no doubt the place needs heavy investment. Some windows are shattered, the roof is falling away on the left side of the building and a couple chimney breasts have fallen away on the other side, however Nicole is immediately smitten
“I’d estimate between £15-25 million to restore it, and that’s not taking into account the mess of the land” Robert says from beside her. Nicole hums her response, deciding to filter Robert out of her consciousness as she takes the house in.
Robert runs up the steps and to the large wooden door at the front of the house. He takes out a set of keys and chooses a large black one, sliding into the lock and struggling to turn it.
“Damn thing needs replacing” Robert mutters and then smiles triumphantly when he hears the mechanism click into place. However, when he pushes his weight against the heavy door, nothing happens. Nicole watches in amusement as he struggles once more with the lock, getting more and more agitated as the door refuses to move.
“Perhaps we can try the back?” Beth suggests nervously
“We shouldn’t have to” Robert snaps in frustration
“Well this isn’t working, so shall we at least try?” Beth snips back and Nicole gets the distinct impression she’s caught up in some sort of domestic.
Robert descends the stairs and continues to mutter to himself as he leads them round to the right of the building and through an archway that sits under the first floor, and into a stone courtyard. Nicole ignores Robert and Beth griping at each other and looks up to the exposed sky, realising the house is essentially the shape of a square, with this courtyard in the centre
“This is beautiful” Nicole whispers to herself in awe at the exact moment Robert starts banging on another door he’s fighting with
“Waverly, open the damn door” Robert yells across the yard, and it is only then Nicole notices a flurry of moment from one of the windows by the back door
“What’s going on?” Nicole asks just as another voice shouts “Fuck you Bobo”
“I swear to GOD Waverly” Robert replies just as loudly “open the fucking door”
“NO”
“Waverly Earp, if you don’t open this door right now, I promise you I’ll…”
“What Robert? What will you do huh?! You and I both know you’re full of shit” the voice challenges
“Okay, perhaps we can all just take a beat” Nicole suggests, which is ignored by everyone, including the mysterious Waverly
“I WILL act on this Waverly, and you damn well know it” Robert threatens.
The silence that follows is broken by Robert throwing his fists against the door and repeatedly banging
“Okay that’s enough” Nicole says sternly
“Don’t push me Waverly” Robert continues
“I said ENOUGH” Nicole shouts, which seems to get everyone’s attention “perhaps I can try?”
“THAT WOMAN is beyond reason…”
“Well this isn’t working is it…” Nicole bites back “just… take a step back and let’s see”
Robert reluctantly steps aside to allow for Nicole to get close to the door. Nicole knocks gently and waits for a response. Which doesn’t come.
Nicole takes a deep breath and knocks again, ignoring the huff of air Robert lets out. Nicole hears some shuffling from behind the door, and takes her chance
“Hello, Miss… my name is Nicole… I’d really love to talk to you about all this, see if we can figure out what’s going on”
“I know damn well what’s going on” the voice shouts back “and I’m not giving up without a fight”
Nicole is completely perplexed by the whole situation, so takes another deep breath and pushes on
“Okay, and I hear that, but I don’t actually know what’s going on, so maybe we can start with you opening the door and you can tell me your side?”
“I have rights”
“And no one is trying to take those away from you” Nicole replies “but I can’t help if I don’t know what’s going on”
There is another long pause, and Nicole can feel her patience starting to wear thin
“OPEN THE DAMN DOOR” Robert booms from behind Nicole, making her jump
“Can you guys just back off please” Nicole snips
“I told you Nicole, there’s no telling her”
“Okay well shouting at her isn’t helping is it, so just… take a walk or something” Nicole tries to reason
“I don’t have time for this… WAVERLY EARP OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR” Robert shouts
“ROBERT” Nicole yells, matching Robert’s volume “I asked you to back off… just leave me here, I’ll walk back to the village”
“It’s 3 miles away” Beth cautions, startling Nicole in to remembering she’s still there
“That’s not too far… leave me here and I’ll call you later Beth okay?”
“You know what, fine. YOU deal with her” Robert barks “Beth. Come on”
Nicole watches Robert stride through the archway, Beth scurrying behind him and Nicole has never felt more like she needs to extract herself from a situation more. She takes a deep breath and turns back to the locked door, knocking gently
“Ms Earp… they’ve gone” Nicole says
“Have they though?” The voice replies irritated
“Well I’ve just heard the car move away, so I think so… do you think you could open the door and tell me what this is all about?”
There is shuffling behind the door and then what sounds like four locks are turned. The door opens as far as the security chain allows it. A face comes partially into view and Nicole curses her lesbianism as her body involuntarily reacts to the jaw line she’s faced with.
“Hi” Nicole smiles, “thank you”
Waverly shrugs and clenches her jaw, which immediately sends Nicole’s brain into short circuit mode
“So obviously we’ve got off on the wrong foot, so if it’s alright with you, I’d really like to try again… My name is Nicole”
“Waverly Earp” Waverly replies, reluctantly
“Do you know who I am?” Nicole asks
“I’m an historian, of course I know who you are” Waverly says with a frustrated tone
“Okay, so you wanna tell me why you won’t let me into my own house?” Nicole asks
“Ask Bobo”
“Well he’s not here, so I’m asking you”
“I’m busy right now” Waverly retorts, which makes Nicole sigh louder than she intends
“Look…” Nicole starts before being cut off
“I’ll come to the pub tomorrow morning” Waverly instructs more than asks “you can buy me breakfast and I’ll explain. I’m not ready yet”
“Ready? What do you need to be ready for?”
“I need to present my business case. I’ll come tomorrow morning and do that”
“Business case? What?” Nicole repeats
“I told you, I’m not giving up without a fight, so I’ll present my business case and then you can decide what you’re doing”
“What I’m doing? With the house? I’m not sure I understand” Nicole continues
“Like I say, I’ll present it all to you tomorrow. But I’m busy right now, so if you don’t mind leaving, I’d appreciate it”
“Hang on… I really…”
“Tomorrow then” Waverly says, before unceremoniously slamming the door in Nicole’s face
Chapter 4
Notes:
Thanks so much for all the comments and kudos, its amazing to return to this pair and have so many of you along for the ride...
Chapter Text
Nicole is sitting at a small table sipping a coffee the following morning when Waverly Earp appears in front of her carrying a suspiciously large folder. Waverly had breezed into the pub, and disappeared through the bar without looking around, which had at least given Nicole a chance to finish what was on her plate before she had to don her businesswoman persona.
“Good morning, Ms Haught” Waverly says as she offers her hand for Nicole to shake “I think perhaps you and I got off on the wrong foot yesterday, I’d like to rectify that if your amiable?”
“Hello again Ms Earp” Nicole replies, taking the pro offered hand and shaking it firmly “I think that is an excellent idea, would you like to join me here? Or shall we move through to somewhere a bit more comfortable?”
“Let’s move through, and please, call me Waverly”
“Nicole” Nicole offers with a smile.
They make their way to the other side of the bar and take up position at a table Nicole is fast realising is her preferred spot. The wingback chairs face each other round a small table, with an unlit open fire to the right of them.
“How are you finding England so far?” Waverly asks as they settle down.
“The area is beautiful, but it’s a little colder than I’m used to” Nicole says with a slight laugh “I’m hoping to get out a see a bit more in the next couple of weeks, but I have a feeling that all depends on our conversation”
“Oh, I don’t know, I can walk and talk if you need a guide” Waverly replies, returning Nicole’s smile “there are some really beautiful walks round here, and actually, a lot of them are on your land… which is kind of what I want to talk to you about…”
Nicole leans back in the chair, content for Waverly to take the lead on the conversation.
“Okay then, why don’t you start from the beginning and tell me how we ended up where we did yesterday afternoon” Nicole suggests, smiling her thanks to Wynonna, who has appeared with a jug of water for them both.
“First of all, I apologise for that. Bobo and I… Sorry, Robert, and I have a history, and I hadn’t actually realised you were there yesterday”
“Would you have let us in if you had?” Nicole asks.
“Honestly, no” Wavery replies “You have to understand when I say history, I mean he and I don’t get along, and I don’t trust him, or Beth, really, anymore. I’m sorry you were caught in the middle of it yesterday, but I don’t want him in the house, and I wouldn’t have opened it up just because you were there too”
“Why don’t you trust him?”
“Because of what he did to Willy, and what I think he’s intending to do to the Estate you’ve inherited once you’ve agreed to sell it to him”
“What do you mean what he did to Willy? You mean William Gessington?”
“I do… I worked with Willy for the last four years of his life. I was brought into the house as a researcher and a sort of curator, as it were, and at first Robert and I got along fine. Willy had a few people who worked for him, and I was tasked with cataloguing the history of the house and his family. I had been with him for maybe 18 months when it became apparent, he was ill, and whilst many of us tried to help keep the house running, in mine, and a lot of people’s opinion, Robert was determined to drive it to ruin. He argued Willy was incapacitated and as there were no relatives that we knew of, and Robert was the sole business partner, he managed to convince the powers that be that Willy wasn’t of sound mind. He took over running the Estate, and didn’t do anything to keep it going. He raised rents on the farmlands, businesses and houses, he stopped the restoration of the East Wings roof, he cut off the heating as he said the house was too expensive to run… I went away on a work trip for a museum I was freelancing for, and when I returned, Bobo had fired the rest of the staff and Willy was living in squalor…” Waverly explained “I tried everything to get him out of there, but there was little I could do”
“Jesus” Nicole muttered quietly “I’m sorry that happened…”
“Thank you, it has been a very difficult time for many of us… No one likes watching their loved ones slip away, but for it to almost accelerate in front of you when you’re powerless to stop it… it’s a cruelty I wouldn’t inflict on my worst enemy”
Nicole nods her head in understanding and lets the sentence settle between them for a moment, allowing it the space it deserves.
“So how do I fit in to all this? What is it you want from me?” Nicole eventually asks.
“I know Robert wants to buy the Estate from you, he’s had property developers in and out for months, but that’s not what Willy was working on when he became ill. Willy had employed me because he wanted to open the house and grounds up to the public. I have been researching the Gessington family history for years, and they are a fascinating group of people. The house came into their possession in 1723 and has remained with them ever since. Willy didn’t have children, but, by some miracle, I found your lineage and sent it to Beth. Bobo was about to sell it out from under everyone’s feet, making 3 farms bankrupt, forcing the local businesses to close, and turfing out 9 families from their homes, some of whom have never lived anywhere else and many who worked and cared for Willy up to the end… I understand you’re a businesswoman Nicole, but I’m asking you to read this proposal I’ve put together, and just consider the idea of not selling, and instead investing in Willy’s final wishes”
Nicole realises she had begun to lean forward whilst Waverly has been speaking, and so she forces herself back into the chair and takes a moment to digest the information Waverly has presented to her.
“It’s my understanding the whole Estate needs heavy investment… Do you have figures in there?” Nicole asks, indicating the folder sitting on the table between the pair.
“I don’t. I’m an historian, not an economist. But I’m not naïve, Nicole, I know it’s a huge project, and it’s an all-consuming one at that” Waverly admits “all I ask is you read the business case, and you think about it. And if you are not the person to take this on, I ask you at least do Willy the courtesy of selling to someone who can recognise the potential we have here. There are businesses like the National Trust, or English Heritage that can either take it on, or find you someone who can…”
“You two need anything?” Wynonna suddenly asks, appearing as if from nowhere.
“No thank you nonna” Wavery replies with so much affection it surprises Nicole.
“Just holla if you do baby girl” Wynonna says with a wink.
Nicole watches the interaction with a smile, noticing the quick squeeze of the shoulder Wynonna offers to Waverly.
“Okay, well… thank you Waverly” Nicole begins “it’s a lot to take on board, but I promise I will read your business case and be in touch”
“That’s it? That’s all you need?” Wavery asks, surprised.
“Actually no. I’ll need access to the house. I’m assuming you will hand me those keys in your purse and let me begin the process of assessing what it is I have inherited”
“Will you let Bobo in there?”
“Yes, but no one will be going in without me accompanying them. I will also need to allow contractors and consultants access. I need to know what I’m working with”
“That’s fair” Waverly concedes as she reaches into her bag and pulls out a huge set of keys, laying them on the table between them.
“So, I will read your business case, get the house assessed and after all that, I’ll take a view…”
“You don’t want hear about the history or about the people this will affect?” Waverly frowns “surely you need to know about them?”
“Not really” Nicole replies
“But its informative” Waverly presses.
“That may be so, but it’s not particularly helpful for me”
“Knowing about people isn’t helpful?”
“Not really, no” Nicole says “I can’t get emotionally invested, otherwise I can’t make an objective decision”
“But there is only one decision” Waverly counters.
“According to you, but that’s because you’re emotionally invested”
“I am NOT” Waverly protests.
“Yes, you are” Nicole replies with a slight laugh.
“Well alright, maybe a little, but that doesn’t mean I’m unable to make an objective decision”
“That’s exactly what it means” Nicole argues “You are too close to this. Robert is too close to this, and I would hazard even Beth is too close to this. All of you are running on personal desire rather business acumen”
“Well excuse me for caring about my job”
“I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, I’m just saying it’s a thing” Nicole highlights.
“You’re not saying it’s a good thing either”
“That’s true enough” Nicole concedes “I’m not sure if it is a good thing”
“So, we should all just… what? Not care? Is that what you’re saying?”
“I’m not saying that at all, but I am saying there is a decision to be made which is entirely mine, and I have to remain neutral in order to get it right”
“Right for whom?” Waverly snaps.
“Me” Nicole answers simply “I appreciate this affects you, but I can’t take that into consideration”
“You can’t… you can’t take that into consideration? The fact people will lose their jobs, their homes, their livelihoods. You can’t take that into consideration?”
“No, I can’t” Nicole replies “I can’t think about any of that. I have to look at all this objectively, and make a decision based on what makes the best business sense. If that is investing millions of my own dollars to realise the dreams of a man I never met and have no affiliation with, then okay. However, if it’s selling up quickly so I can return home, then so be it. I will only know that once I have looked at the accounts of every business, been into every property, and walked the grounds of the estate. Until then, I have to remain impartial”
“Are you planning to meet with the tenants in the houses?”
“Not especially. I would like access to the properties, but I don’t need the tenants there at this stage”
“You… you’re going into their homes, but you don’t need to meet them?”
“Not at the moment, no. Look, Waverly, this is a small village. Everyone knows who I am and why I am here, so I don’t need to tell people what I’m up to, it’s obvious. If I decide to make changes to their situation, I will, of course send them notice in good time, however, right now, nothing is changing for them”
“Nothing is changing… Jesus, you have absolutely no idea what it’s like to live with something this big hanging over you do you? Are you at least going to offer them assurances?” Waverly asks incredulously.
“No Waverly, I’m not” Nicole replies, slightly irritated “I absolutely understand this can be disconcerting for some people, but I am not the enemy here. I have inherited an estate and have been tasked with selling it. YOU have turned up on my doorstep and have raised concerns and offered an alternative solution. I am not legally obligated to listen to either, however I will, because I am not a monster. I am already doing more than I had originally planned, so I ask you at least do me the courtesy of allowing the process to be ran my way”
“You know no one will actually talk to you right? I appreciate this is how you work, but no one likes Bobo, and no one trusts Beth anymore” Waverly snips, her frustration evident
“Okay, well I’ll let you know how I get on, and if I need your help, I’ll get in touch” Nicole bites back, desperately trying not to rise to Waverly’s mood change and failing miserably.
“You will need my help” Waverly says confidently.
“We’ll see”
“We WILL see” Waverly retorts.
Nicole watches Waverly stand, gather her belongings quickly and march over to the door.
“Call me when you realise I’m right” Waverly says, before she flings the door to the pub open and disappears out into the street.
Nicole walks over to the window and sighs as Wavery storms away. She turns back towards the table and picks up the enormous folder Waverly left and as she begins to make her way back up to her room, Nicole knows one thing.
She will never, ever, call Waverly Earp for help.
Chapter 5
Notes:
Thanks so much for all the comments and kudos, it means the world!
D x
Chapter Text
10 days.
It had taken precisely 10 days before Nicole had to swallow her pride and admit that she did, in fact, need Waverly Earp’s help.
As someone who isn’t used to being wrong, it’s a particularly bitter pill to swallow. Since Nicole had graduated top of her class with an MBA in Business from Stanford, she had seldom needed anyone’s help to get a deal over the line. She had quickly risen through the ranks at her family’s empire and by the age of 31, she was leading on projects bringing in tens of millions of dollars. Nicole’s greatest strength was her ability to read people. She knew when to push and when to hold back, and she almost always got the outcome she wanted by listening to her gut and following her instincts.
Nicole had enjoyed what she did and was content to remain at the Haught empire right up until the moment her mother got sick. She had taken an immediate sabbatical, and had remained by her mother’s side until that fateful night in September when she watched the most important person in her life slip away. Nicole had been, and remains devastated by the loss, and any love she had for the world her family had created was destroyed the moment she had to say goodbye. Nicole had, at first, tried to return to work, but it was too painful. She just couldn’t fathom how the world kept spinning when it had lost the very best it had, and when Nicole was faced with having to make decisions on deals her mother had started, she felt that leaving was the only viable option. She had packed up her office, kissed Angela on the cheek and had gone, throwing a cursory explanation to her father as she went and not sparing a glance at the hole she herself was leaving.
Nicole had met with Beth and had requested meetings with the three farmers currently working the land she owned. One had feigned illness, and the other two claimed they were too busy to come into town, citing harvest as the main reason for their unavailability. When she had suggested she go to them, it had also been met with resistance. Nicole had then tried to meet with the business owners in the village and had again been given excuses as to why it wasn’t something that could be easily set up.
After a particularly infuriating meeting with the local café owner, Nicole skulks back to the pub and requests a large whiskey, changing her order to an orange juice once she realises it’s 10.38 on a Tuesday morning. She looks around the snug and her eyes land on Waverly Earp, sitting at Nicole’s favourite table reading a book. Wynonna had explained 5 days ago that Waverly was moving back into her room at the pub, and Nicole had been trying to avoid her ever since.
Nicole remains at the bar grumbling to herself for a good 15 minutes, until finally, she swallows her pride and heads over to the wingback chairs, and to where Waverly Earp is quietly sipping a tea with a look that suggests she already knows Nicole is about to ask for her help.
“Waverly, may I speak with you for a moment?” Nicole asks, trying to keep her frustrations in check.
“You need my help?”
“No” Nicole bites back, which is met with one perfectly shaped raised eyebrow “Well okay, yes I do, but if you’re going to gloat, I can just put the whole damn thing up for sale and be done with it”
“I’m not gloating” Waverly replies “I just like it when I’m proved right”
“That is literally the definition of gloating” Nicole snips “And honestly, I don’t have time, so…”
“Okay, okay… I’m sorry. Truly, I am… let me help” Waverly offers as soon as Nicole turns to leave “What do you need?”
“I’d like to talk to the farmers, and I need to see inside the houses. Since our conversation, no one is cooperating with Beth or Robert”
“Well, they’re scared of Robert, and they no longer trust Beth” Waverly explains, not unkindly “the likelihood is they don’t want to speak to you without someone they trust there”
“And let me guess… that someone is you?”
“Yes” Waverly agrees “Who would you like to see first? The farmers all work until sunset, and sometimes later, so they will be later appointments, but I may be able to get you into two of the houses this afternoon…”
“That would be a great help, thank you Waverly” Nicole says with a genuine smile “I have contractors coming to look at the hall this morning and a roofer this afternoon, but I can be free from about 4pm”
“Let me see what I can do”
“I haven’t…erm… I haven’t read your business case yet. Just to let you know. I’m going to listen to all the options and then I read it…”
Waverly looks at Nicole for a moment and Nicole has an overwhelming feeling her very soul is being scrutinised. Waverly’s green eyes continue to take Nicole in and leave Nicole feeling the most seen she ever has without words being exchanged.
“Thank you for telling me that” Waverly eventually replies “Let me phone Levi and see if we can get to his place tonight, and I’ll go and knock on Margaret and Annie’s doors, they are usually both in around this time of the morning”
Nicole nods her thanks again and takes her leave, exiting the pub and walking over to the Gardiner’s offices. She smiles as she approaches the receptionist, wondering to herself if she should suggest they get dinner one night, and then thinking better of it. Nicole is here to do a job, and getting distracted by someone would not be a wise move.
“Hi there Stephanie, is Beth available?” Nicole asks.
“She’s in with Robert Svane at the moment…” Stephanie replies.
“Would you mind asking if I could join them, this concerns both of them” Nicole requests, showing her dimples in the hopes they help persuade Stephanie to interrupt.
They have the desired effect, and Nicole is soon shown into Beth Gardiner’s office and taking a seat opposite the solicitor.
“Robert, I’d like to make an appointment with you to hear your offer” Nicole starts “and Beth, I was wondering if there is a room here I can use? The house is in no fit state to host meetings, and I’d rather not use where I’m staying if it can be avoided?”
“We have a Board room you can use” Beth offers “I’ll ask Stephanie to hold it for you… when would you like it?”
“Is tomorrow okay with you Robert?” Nicole asks “and please do say if it’s not, I don’t want to put you under pressure”
“Tomorrow is perfect, thank you Nicole” Robert replies “I’m pleased to get my chance to explain my ideas in full”
“Beth, I will also need to book the space for Thursday and Friday if that’s okay?”
“We don’t really use the space at all, so how about we let you have it for the duration? That way you can come and go and not worry about booking in advance”
“Are you sure that wouldn’t be an issue?” Nicole asks “it would certainly help me out”
“It’s no problem, I’ll let Stephanie know and I’ll send an email to Mercedes” Beth suggests as she begins composing an email on the computer in front of her “is there anything else you need?”
“Actually yes, I have surveyors coming to the house this morning, and a roofer this afternoon, but I think I need to connect with someone with a bit more knowledge of how one goes about selling such a large Estate, do you have any suggestions?”
“I believe someone at the National Trust has shown an interest, it may be worth reaching back out to them, let me find you her details hang on… here we are… yes, someone called Rosita Bustillos came and met with William at the tail end of last year, I think she had some information about how he could go about selling if he wanted to… would you like me to put you in touch?”
“Do you have a number as well as an email address?”
“I do, yes, let me forward it to you…” Beth says, never taking her eyes from her screen “there, you should have it”
“Fantastic, thank you Beth” Nicole offers genuinely “Sorry to interrupt your meeting, I’ll work with Stephanie to get another time for you and I to sit down together”
“Actually, Robert and I have finished, so I have a bit of time now if that suits?” Beth replies and Nicole clocks the way Robert shifts in his chair at the suggestion.
“That would be great, thank you” Nicole smiles “Thank you Robert, I look forward to hearing your plans tomorrow”
Robert stands slowly from his seat and reaches for his hat, which had been sitting on the desk between him and Beth.
“Tomorrow then” Robert says with a smile. Both women watch him leave and it isn’t until Nicole is sure he has left the corridor does she turn back to Beth.
“How long have you and Robert been together?” Nicole asks with a smile.
“We’re not” Beth replies quickly “we tried it for a while, but it didn’t really work for us…”
“I’m sorry to hear that” Nicole offers.
“Don’t be, it was my decision in the end, and it was over a year ago… we didn’t… work well together”
“I see… Beth, is there a conflict of interest going on here?” Nicole asks “and please, just be honest with me. I can’t work with people I don’t trust”
“There isn’t from my point of view, but… I get the impression the locals don’t believe me when I say that, and this is so tied into them, I can’t see you progressing with me on your team” Beth answers honestly “I wish it were different, however, this is a small place and rumours tend to stick…”
“That’s my feelings as well… Do you think Mercedes will be treated with the same regard?”
“No, I think she has been kept away from it, and Mercedes and I don’t see each other much outside of work, which will help matters… there’s no animosity, but we spend almost every weekday together, so we tend to live our lives apart when we’re not working…” Beth explains “Do you want to talk through anything before we make the change over?”
“Actually, I wouldn’t mind just talking my options through with you… if you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not in the least” Beth smiles “so… tell me what you’re thinking”
“Okay, well, I think realistically there are 3 options on the table. 1, put the entire estate up for sale and sell to the highest bidder. 2, sell to Robert, and 3, seriously look into Waverly Earp’s idea of restoration. The problem with number 1 is it may take a long time to complete the process, and I don’t know how long I can stay around. The problem with number 2 is its bound to be less money than number 1 would give me, however that’s sort of countered by the fact it would be quick. And I’m completely blind at number 3. It may be a popular choice with locals, but realistically, I can’t be the one to lead that project, so I would need to sell to a company that specialises in that sort of operation, which will take time, and no doubt give me the least return… Is there anything I’m missing?”
“No, I think that’s about the size of it. Although, there is a fourth option”
“Which is?”
“You taking the project on yourself” Beth says “I know you just said you don’t want to do that, but is it wise to discount it?”
“I wouldn’t know where to start” Nicole laughs.
“I understand. However, I would counter that’s because you haven’t explored option 3 yet. If I were you, I’d speak with Ms Bustillos and ascertain if there is scope in the project. If there is, you could certainly look into turning this entire area into a profitable business. I’ve read Waverly’s business case, and whilst it lacks details such as financials, it does make a case for investment. Look at somewhere like Chatsworth House. They did it, and it’s incredibly successful”
“Sorry, I’m not sure I know what Chatsworth House is”
“It’s an Estate in Derbyshire. Once you’ve spoken with Rosita and heard from them personally what they were discussing with Willy, it might be an idea to visit Derbyshire and see what they’ve achieved…” Beth explains “so whilst I agree, the likelihood is you will choose between options 1, 2 and 3. I think it’s important you also consider option 4”
Nicole nods her head as she takes onboard Beth’s advice.
“Thank you Beth, you’ve given me a lot to think about” Nicole offers as she stands from the chair.
“Sorry about that” Beth jokes “I’ll begin transferring your case file over to Mercedes and her team this afternoon. I’m sure they’ll be in touch in due course… and Nicole… even though I will no longer be working with you directly, I know this case inside out, so please do use me as a sounding board if you feel you need it”
Nicole nods and leaves the office, stopping by the reception desk to check Stephanie knows she will be using the Board room for the remainer of her time in the UK. Nicole looks at her watch and realises she will be late meeting the surveyors if she didn’t pick up her speed, so she hurries across the road and to the pub car park, getting into her hire car and driving quickly over to the house, replaying her conversation with Beth in her mind as she does so.
***
“So, what we’re looking at here is almost certainly a completely new roof” the workman says to Nicole, offering a small smile as an apology.
“The entire thing? You’re sure?” Nicole asks.
“I’d need to get up there and look to see if there are any salvageable slates, but taking into account the age of the place and the fact it doesn’t look like there has been any proper building maintenance over the past, I’d reckon, 60 years, your safest option is to do a complete re-tile. Adding the fact some of the roof has come away from the left and those two chimneys have seen better days…”
Nicole sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose “How much are we talking?”
“Well, I’d have to measure up and get a quote over to you, but I reckon you’re looking at least 100 grand”
“And say I decided to do that, is it something you can do quickly?” Nicole presses, already knowing the answer will be vague.
“We’ve got some other jobs on, and it’ll take at least a good month to do it all… I wouldn’t be comfortable saying right now… but I reckon we could get it done in about 3 months’ time, weather permitting of course”
“Okay, well thanks for your help erm…?” Nicole offers
“Michael” the man replies.
“Of course, sorry, Michael. I really appreciate you coming out at such short notice”
“No problem Ms Haught… I always wondered what she looked like, and I must say, she’s a beauty of a house…”
“Thank you” Nicole smiles “I certainly think so”
She waves the contractor away and lets out another sigh, heading up the stone steps and into the house. Nicole closes the huge oak door behind her and turns back towards the entryway, walking through a second, smaller doorway and into a once opulent hall.
The ornately tiled floor has seen better days, and an open fire sits to the left of the room. Two marble columns flank the entryway, a ten-foot gap between them offering a makeshift third entrance into the house. The windows sit opposite the fire, with a huge round table sitting on a large rug in the centre of the room. Small wooden chairs with decorative seats sit either side of the three windows and an oil painting covers the space above the fire. The wallpaper is coming away, revealing the damn seeped into the plaster, but there is not a doubt in Nicole’s mind that this hall, and the house beyond it is special.
When she had first looked round the house, she had been accompanied by Robert, who had walked through the property with an air of indifference. He highlighted the cracks in the tiles, the mould and damp through-out the property, the damaged floors, the paintings and wallpaper hiding crumbling plaster and reeled off lists of jobs that would come up on the survey. Nicole had followed Robert around and agreed with most of what he was saying, but there was a small part of her that could see the potential. The house is in a state of disrepair, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t options. Nicole turns left through the hall and continues through to what was once a large sitting room and is now more of a storage room. White sheets are draped over various pieces of furniture and artwork on the walls, and the shutters over the windows are closed, shrouding the room in semi darkness. Nicole walks the 50 feet of the room and continues on into what was once a dining room, the damaged wooden floors continuing from one room to the next.
Nicole walks through a doorway on the far left hand side of the dining room and continues into a dark hallway leading to some stairs down to the kitchen. The windows aren’t shuttered down there, indicating this was where the help would work from when the house was used as a residence. Most of the ground floor is taken up with either a kitchen, a pantry, or various storage rooms. Willy hadn’t done a lot with the house, however, at the very far end of the ground floor corridor, rooms flanking either side, he had installed a modern day kitchen, with running water and electricity. One of the first things Nicole had discovered was the wiring of the house was such that you could switch off the majority of the household electricity and keep on the parts Willy lived in, which included this tiny kitchen, a makeshift lounge above it and the library above that on the second floor. Willy’s bedroom had sat next door the library, which gave Nicole a better understanding of how close Waverly and Willy had become in his final years, imagining Waverly shouting through to him any interesting stories she uncovered.
Nicole pulls out a bottle of sparkling water from the small fridge and opens it as she heads back towards the entrance of the house. She’s just locking up when her phone rings and indicates Rosita Bustillos is returning her call.
“Ms Bustillos?” Nicole asks instead of a greeting, locking the second of the two entrances and heading down the stone steps towards her car.
“Ms Haught? How are you? I must say, I was delighted when I got your message”
“Why so?”
“We have been coveting Gessington Hall for some time and were working with its previous owner on options before he passed” Rosita replies “what can I do for you?”
“Well, you may have noticed I’m not English, and I’d love to get some advice on what some of my options are regarding the Hall. I’ve been told you may be interested in taking it on?”
“Very much so. Perhaps you and I could meet and I can explain how it all works? How does Thursday morning suit? I’m based in London, but will be visiting a property just outside Bath, so I could combine a visit?”
“That would be wonderful, thank you” Nicole replies “I look forward to hearing all about your plans on Thursday. If you can come to the Hall, I’ll be here waiting, and you can have a look around”
“Perfect, I’ll see you around 11am?”
“Sounds good, thank you Ms Bustillos” Nicole offers genuinely.
“I’m looking forward to it Ms Haught, have a nice evening”
Nicole smiles as she disconnects the call and turns the key in the ignition. After a week of very little movement, Nicole can finally begin to see a shift, and perhaps, if she’s really lucky, she’ll be home within the month.
Chapter Text
“Sorry I’m late” Nicole offers as she jogs towards Waverly, who is waiting outside a terraced house on the main street of the village.
“It’s no problem” Waverly assures with a smile “so I have access to both Margaret and Annie’s houses, this one is Annie’s and Margaret is three doors along”
“Are they all on this row?” Nicole asks as Waverly slots a key into the front door and pushes her way in.
“They are, yes, and whilst the layouts are the same, the houses are all vastly different”
Nicole and Waverly are immediately inside a front room, the house continues through to a small dining room, with a staircase sitting in between. Beyond the dining room there is a kitchen, which looks out onto a garden. The house is meticulously clean, but there is a distinct odour to it that Nicole can’t quite put her finger on.
“So obviously this is the lounge… there are two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs” Waverly explains.
“Is it just me or…”
“There’s a terrible damp problem” Waverly interrupts “Annie was reluctant to let you in because of it”
“Why?” Nicole asks.
“Because she’s proud Nicole” Waverly says after a beat “and she’s embarrassed. She’s lived here for 47 years and she doesn’t want to admit she should probably move if she wants to keep her health”
“Right… sorry, I was… well I wasn’t thinking…”
Waverly nods her agreement, but doesn’t say more, instead leading Nicole through to the kitchen, which is again, incredibly clean, but could do with updating.
“Annie loves her garden… you can see how much time she spends on it… it’s south facing, so gets a good deal of sun” Waverly continues, saving Nicole from her embarrassment.
“It’s beautiful” Nicole agrees standing slightly behind Waverly, realising for the first time quite how small Waverly is compared to her.
Waverly turns to look at Nicole, taking a slight step back when she sees how close they are.
“Sorry, was just trying to see the whole length” Nicole offers, taking a step back herself.
“Don’t worry, I just wasn’t expecting to have you so close” Waverly dismisses with a laugh “Would you like to see upstairs?”
“Yes, thank you” Nicole agrees, stepping aside and allowing Waverly to lead the way. They climb the stairs and stop on a small landing.
“Bathroom is directly in front of you, and there are two bedrooms”
“Does Annie live with anyone? Or is it just her?” Nicole asks as she opens the door to her left that reveals a small bedroom with a single bed.
“She and Eric were married for 48 years, they raised their son, Andrew, here and when Eric passed a couple of years ago, Andrew moved back to the area to be closer… I’m not quite sure where he lives though”
“And she’s lived here for how long?”
“47 years. It was their first, and only, marital home” Waverly explains “Eric worked as a gardener at the house, which is how they got a reduced rate. They wanted to buy it, but William said no…”
“Why?”
“I’m not sure to be honest… I always got on well with him, but I met him towards the end of his life… I believe he’d mellowed considerably by then”
Nicole nods her head and looks back towards Waverly, noticing the peeling wallpaper in the main bedroom.
“Is it me, or is it cold in here?” Nicole continues, feeling a slight chill as she walks further into the room.
“The windows need doing, they’re single glazed” Waverly explains, indicating towards the window overlooking the pub.
“Okay… thank you Waverly, this is so helpful” Nicole offers with a smile “shall we see Margaret’s? Or is it in a similar state?”
“It’s similar, but she and Paddy moved in about 30 years ago, so the windows are more modern, and Margaret’s daughter-in-law has done a fair bit to modernise it. Same situation as Annie though, a widower who raised her family here… I wish Willy hadn’t been quite so… I don’t know, selfish, I suppose, and had agreed to sell when they were all in a position to buy… it feels a little bit like they have been treated unfairly for being good, solid tenants” Waverly says as they descend the stairs and walk back through the house and out into the street. Waverly closes and locks the door, and then turns back to Nicole, smiling up at her “so what do you think? Would you like to see Margaret’s? Or move onto Levi’s farm?”
“I think I’ve seen enough and if that’s the one that needs the most attention, I’ll know where to start when I ask the surveyor to go in” Nicole replies “are you sure you can spare me the time? I don’t want to take advantage of you Waverly”
Waverly laughs lightly and shakes her head.
“Honestly Nicole, I’m happy to do it. I love this place and the community I have here, I’d much rather you see what I see… and since Willy passed, I’m freelancing so I keep my own hours. This sort of thing gets me out of the house… I’ll just pop to Margaret’s and stand her down and leave her Annie’s keys”
Nicole smiles gratefully at Waverly and then watches her walk quickly to a house a couple of doors away, knock and then let herself in. She turns back towards the house and is surprised to see Wynonna standing behind her, a grin on her face.
“Watching my baby sister walk away I see” Wynonna drawls out suspiciously.
“What? No” Nicole denies slightly quicker than necessary.
“The lady doth protest too much” Wynonna teases.
“Do you want something?”
“Fancy joining us for a cards night tonight once we close up?”
“Who’s us?” Nicole asks sceptically.
“Me, Doc and Waves… and maybe Jeremy”
Nicole curses her insides as they twist slightly at the mention of a guy’s name.
“I’m not sure I’ve met Jeremy”
“Oh… he and Waves are super close” Wynonna explains “but he’s terrible at cards so not a threat”
Nicole turns her attention back to the street and smiles as she watches Waverly walk towards them, her long hair blowing behind her as she strides along the path.
“Sure, why not” Nicole agrees, turning her attention back to Wynonna “but I have a full day tomorrow, so I’ll be cashing out by 2am”
“As if you’ll have anything left by then” Wynonna says with a laugh “sup baby girl”
“What are you up to?” Waverly asks with suspicion.
“Tapping up Red here for a games night”
“You don’t mean games, you mean cards”
“Same thing” Wynonna retorts with a shrug.
“It absolutely isn’t” Waverly dismisses dryly.
“Either way, she’s in” Wynonna continues “and pray tell, what are you two doing on this miserable Tuesday afternoon?”
“We’ve seen Annie’s place and now going to catch Levi and Fish on their dinner break” Waverly explains “which reminds me, we should get going. Are you happy for me to drive?”
“Yeah, sure” Nicole says as Wynonna barks out a laugh.
“You sure about that?” Wynonna asks “she’s a devil behind the wheel”
Nicole suppresses a smile as she watches Waverly slap Wynonna on the forearm hard enough to echo around them.
“Ignore her” Waverly instructs.
“That hurt” Wynonna moans as she rubs her forearm.
“There’s more where that comes from if you don’t start behaving” Waverly threatens before softening slightly and dropping a kiss to the offended arm “shall we?”
Nicole has never suffered from whiplash, but she finds herself wondering whether this is what it feels like.
She follows Waverly across the street and into the pub car park, stopping outside a bright red Jeep parked haphazardly next to her sensible rental car.
“This is your car?” Nicole asks with surprise.
“Yes” Waverly replies as she looks up from her bag, a set of keys in her hand “why?”
“Nothing I’m just… wasn’t expecting a jeep”
“What can I say… I’m full of surprises” Waverly smiles, as she opens the door and jumps in.
Nicole laughs slightly, watching Waverly settle behind the wheel and turn the engine over. She opens the passenger side door and slides in. As soon as she’s in position Waverly reverses quickly. She turns and watches as Nicole scrambles to close the door and get her seatbelt on.
“Hold on tight” Waverly grins, winking at Nicole before pressing the gas and flying out of the car park, laughing delightedly as she sees Nicole grab the door handle.
***
The drive to the farm takes about 15 minutes, and is through the other side of the village and out into the countryside. Waverly is animated as she talks, using a hand to gesticulate wildly around them as she points out local landmarks and explains the stories that go with them. They eventually pull off the road to the right and down a single-track lane.
Waverly drives with the confidence of someone who knows they’re not coming up against any other vehicles, and Nicole is almost tempted to ask if Waverly’s speed is on purpose, or just something she can’t properly control. They eventually take another turn off to the left and Nicole notices rows of little tin shelters across the acres in front of them. Pigs wander around the man made paddocks, all a healthy size and all with their own plot of land.
“Excuse the smell” Waverly says as they hurtle towards a farmhouse in the distance “these guys are outdoor bred and organic, so the smell lingers a little…”
“It’s fine” Nicole assures “so they just do pigs?”
“Pigs and chickens… they are housed the other side of the farmhouse, you’ll see they’re free to roam and have loads of space too… I’m a vegan, so this isn’t my vibe, but Levi and Fish are ethical farmers, and the stock is treated well”
“I’m sorry Waverly” Nicole says “I had no idea you were vegan, I would never have asked you to do this had I have known. We can turn back if you like, and I’ll ask Mercedes to get a meeting set up at another time”
“It’s fine… I’m not militant about it, and honestly, I’m not going to judge these guys because of how they choose to survive. If they were doing the intensive farming thing, I would have a real issue, but these guys genuinely love what they do, and they do it with care” Waverly replies, she leans over and squeezes Nicole’s knee quickly “honestly, don’t worry”
Nicole nods, reaching for Waverly’s hand and returns the squeeze slightly “Well I appreciate it none the less”
Waverly almost skids to a stop outside an old farmhouse, the smoke from the chimney rising up and disappearing into the sky above them. The weather has taken a pleasant turn and as the sun begins to set behind the little cottage, anyone could be forgiven in thinking they’d walked into the frame of an old-style postcard.
Waverly jumps from the vehicle and slams the door, immediately heading towards the red door that’s settled between two windows. There are muddy work boots outside, sitting beside a worn out welcome mat, the rainbow that used to sit proud, now faded from all the use. As soon as Nicole stands beside Waverly, the door is being pushed open and Waverly is calling out to the two men who live in the cottage, finding them sitting in the kitchen immediately inside.
“Guys, this in Nicole” Waverly offers as she unwinds her scarf and lays it on the back of one of the wooden chairs around a large table.
She wanders over to a dark-haired man and kisses him softly on the cheek, before moving to the other and doing the same. Nicole watches as the friends greet each other, smiling slightly as Waverly walks over to the sink and reaches for the kettle. The ease in which she moves around the space has Nicole realising quite what a friendship Waverly has with the two men, and Nicole finds herself having to remember she is here on a business trip, and not for a cosy drop in with old friends.
They sit with their cups of tea, and discuss the farm, its outgoings, its income and exactly what the set up is between them all. Nicole is surprised to learn she is the major share holder of the farm and takes a large cut of the profits. Whilst neither men say it, Nicole can’t help but think how unfair it all seems, not only charging them rent, but taking such a big cut from the business. When she asks if there is anything she can do, they both shake their heads and reply not anything realistic, which Nicole finds almost sad. The men clearly love what they do, and do it as well, however the money William has been taking from them has left them with a lot of work and little to show for it.
Once the tea is drunk and the conversation comes to a natural end, Nicole bids farewell and moves back out into the yard and towards the jeep. The sun has set, and the stars are beginning to dot the sky and Nicole could swear she’s never seen a sky like it. Waverly joins her a couple of minutes later, and looks up herself, taking in a breath and smiling when she catches Nicole looking at her.
“It’s beautiful isn’t it” Waverly says more than asks.
“It is… It’s so… quiet. Don’t get me wrong, my house in LA is out in the Hills… its remote, but not like this”
“I get that” Waverly nods “when we lived in Purgatory, I felt the same thing… I was on my own all the time, and I was lonely, but here… here, I never am. I’m just… at peace”
“That’s it” Nicole agrees, turning to smile at Waverly “I feel at peace”
Waverly looks up at Nicole and matches her smile, she holds the eye contact for a beat longer than necessary, and then turns back towards the car.
“So… am I allowed to ask what you’re thinking?” Waverly says cautiously “Or would you rather talk about something else…”
“I’m not sure what I’m thinking to be honest” Nicole replies “I think there is an awful lot to consume, and I’ll need to see the books for the business before any real decision can be made. It might be that it’s just not viable to keep going…”
“What?” Waverly says as she pulls away from the yard and begins to drive them back to the village “So you’d just… what? Sell the land?”
“Possibly. I won’t know until I see an actual breakdown of accounts. It may be that whilst the ethical farming is admirable, no seller will want to take it on if it’s not worth it. Selling the land might be the quicker, and honestly, better option”
“You know what Bobo wants to do here don’t you? He wants to sell off the paddocks, rip down the hen house and build an intensive pig farm” Waverly challenges as she speeds them through the country lanes.
“That’s unfortunate” Nicole concedes “but it’s not something I can control”
“Well, you could, you know, NOT sell it to him” Waverly almost mutters.
“That’s true, but if I sell it to someone else, they may tear the whole thing down and build… I can’t stop people from doing whatever they want with the land once it’s theirs”
“No… Couldn’t the boys buy it from you?”
“If the margins are as they have said, I doubt they’ll be able to afford it… they’ll have to buy me out as well if they’re to fully own it” Nicole reminds Waverly “I don’t know. We’ll see. I’m meeting Robert tomorrow to hear his proposal, and I’m meeting with a woman called Rosita Bustillos on Thursday to talk about options around the house”
“Rosie is coming here?” Waverly asks with surprise.
“Well, she said her name was Rosita, but yes, if that’s who you mean?”
“Sorry, yes, that’s who I meant… Do you know what time she’s arriving?”
“I’m meeting here at 11am. Why?”
“No reason, we just… well we got to know each other pretty well last time she was here, and I just didn’t realise she’s coming back” Waverly replies “Sorry”
“You don’t need to be sorry” Nicole offers kindly “I didn’t realise you… well, I obviously didn’t know. Sorry if it’ll be awkward”
“Not at all” Waverly says quickly “it was a fleeting thing; I’m just surprised she’s agreed to come back to speak to you. It’s a good thing. Means you’ll hear someone else tell you about the potential”
“I can certainly see the potential Waverly, it’s just everything else that comes with it” Nicole explains “Once I’ve listened to Robert and seen Rosita, I’ll speak with Mercedes and go through the other businesses expressing an interest in the Estate… after that… we’ll see…”
“I don’t envy you Nicole” Waverly admits as she pulls the jeep into the car park and parks across two spaces.
“I thought you’d love to be in this position”
“I’d love for you to pick me, but I don’t envy you having to sort through this all… it’s definitely not as easy as I had originally thought”
“Well… it is what it is… So… see you at games night?” Nicole says as she climbs from the car and walks towards the back entrance of the pub.
“Cards night. Games night is way funner” Waverly corrects “and yes, see you later”
“Thanks again for today, Waverly, it’s been so helpful” Nicole offers with a smile as she stops at the door to the snug.
“You’re welcome, Nicole… I’m glad I could help” Waverly smiles. She gives a sharp nod and walks towards the stairs.
Nicole watches her go and lets out a sigh, aware she is beginning to really enjoy spending time with the woman disappearing round the corner.
“Watching my sister walk away again Red?” Wynonna says from behind her.
Nicole spins round and squints, annoyed that Wynonna has caught her twice in the space of four hours.
“No” Nicole lies again “What’s the special tonight?”
“Fish pie” Wynonna replies with a grin “You still on for later?”
“Actually, I’m pretty beat. Think I’ll skip it tonight” Nicole explains “next time for sure though”
“This have anything to do with you being unable to tear your eyes away from baby girl?” Wynonna asks, her face serious, but not unkind. Nicole holds Wynonna’s gaze for a moment before she answers.
“Not at all… I’m just tired and have a busy couple of days coming up”
“Well, that’s a shame… I’ll hold you to next time” Wynonna says after a beat “You want food?”
“No, I’m good thanks, I might come down later…”
Wynonna nods and passes through the door into the snug. Nicole takes a moment to herself, second guessing her decision to pass up on the evening. She shakes her head and walks towards the stairs, aware that if she is to remain impartial, she needs to keep herself away from Waverly Earp. As she opens the door to her room, Nicole can hear Waverly next door, singing along to some sort of pop music as if she hadn’t a care in the world and Nicole realises, not for the first time, that staying away from the brunette, may be easier said than done.
Chapter 7
Notes:
Thanks so much for sticking with this fic! Your kudos and comments are always such a tonic!
Chapter Text
Nicole was up and out before 9am the following morning, deciding she needed to have a walk around the village before meeting with Robert at 11am. She walks through the church yard and into the small market square, heading into the café she now knows she owns. She orders her coffee and a pastry and decides to sit in the window and check her emails, preferring the busy café to the quieter pub. There is the usual check in emails from friends, a couple from the Art Gallery Nicole is a Board member of and one from her father. Its short, and to the point. Nicole reads it quickly and then closes her app, deciding to ignore his demands for an update.
“Morning Nicole” a voice says from behind her. She turns and finds Levi standing there, his floppy dark hair falling into his eyes and a smile on his face.
“Good morning Levi” Nicole replies, returning the smile “would you like to sit?”
“Only if I’m not imposing?”
“Not at all” Nicole assures quickly “I’d like the company”
Levi nods slightly and takes the chair opposite Nicole, taking a sip of his coffee and ripping off a piece of what looks like a blueberry muffin.
“How are you finding England?” Levi asks.
“I like it very much… I’ve spent time in London and Edinburgh before, but this is the first time I’ve been out into the countryside, and I must say, it’s beautiful”
“I’ve lived here all my life, so I may be biased, but I’d have to agree”
“Did you always want to be a farmer?”
“God no, I’m a baker by trade, but when my dad got sick, I gave it up and came back to help out. Fish is much more into it than me… It was one of the things my dad liked best about him. He really got farming and wanted to get as involved as possible. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate it, it’s just… well it’s not bread” Levi chuckles.
“That’s so interesting” Nicole offers “So you took over from your dad… that’s admirable Levi”
“It’s been in my family for generations, I couldn’t have not, you know”
“Yeah, I get that… up until I lost my mother, I worked at the family firm… Just couldn’t face going back once I lost her”
“I’m sorry” Levi says softly.
“Thank you. You too Levi” Nicole replies with a sad smile “So do you bake now?”
“Not really. Occasionally if there’s a birthday or we’ve had a quieter day, but more often than not, at the end of the day, I want to soak in a long hot bath and go to bed early”
“I also understand that” Nicole laughs “your farm really is beautiful, but I imagine an awful lot of work”
“Technically, it’s your farm” Levi corrects with a smile “but thank you. Its in a great position, that’s for sure, and we’re lucky really, dad had already moved to organic farming before we took over, so we haven’t had to work as hard as some round here”
Nicole hums her acknowledgement, and then takes a sip of coffee, enjoying Levi’s company.
“So, tell me… where does one go to get the best cake round here?” Nicole asks conspiratorially.
Levi laughs loudly and then leans over the table to match Nicole’s whisper “There’s an artisan bakery in Bath called Didicakes which is pretty good… if not a little…”
“Pretentious?” Nicole suggests.
“I was going to say pleased with itself” Levi replies “I prefer places like this, good, decent homemade cakes”
“I do like it in here” Nicole agrees.
“Isn’t this place yours too?”
“Technically yes, but I haven’t actually met with the team properly yet, so we’ve not started those discussions” Nicole explains “I wanted to get an idea of the scale of the land owned before I look at the businesses in town”
“Well, if you need anything else from us, please just let us know. You’re welcome any time Nicole” Levi offers.
“Thank you, Levi, that’s very kind, and I’m sure we’ll be meeting again soon”
“Just… can I ask one thing of you Nicole?” Levi asks tentatively “And I don’t expect an answer, just… can you just think about what Bobo is wanting to do before agreeing to anything. My family worked so hard to be good, ethical farmers, and what he’s proposing will undo all of that work… just… please just really think before taking any action”
Nicole looks at Levi for a moment before nodding slightly “I can’t promise I won’t sell to Robert, but what I will do is promise I will take everything into consideration before making any decisions. And I will talk to you personally as soon as one is made”
Levi stands up and smiles slightly “that’s all I ask. Thank you, Nicole,… have a good day”
“You too Levi” Nicole replies as she watches him turn and head towards the door.
Nicole smiles to herself as Levi returns his used mug and plate to the waiter as he passes the counter, offering a smile and a goodbye as he goes. She tidies her own table and then does the same, pausing at the young man behind the till.
“Hi, I was wondering if the manager is around?” Nicole asks.
“Not at the moment, she’s at the bank, I think… Can I help?” The man offers.
“Not to worry, I’ll pop back” Nicole says with a smile. She puts her jacket on and heads outside, reaching for her sunglasses as she walks across the square.
As she gets to the church yard, Nicole bumps into Waverly and an older woman coming the other way. Waverly is carrying what looks like an empty shopping bag and their arms are linked and as Waverly gesticulates wildly with the other hand, the older woman laughs loudly, clearly enjoying Waverly talking animatedly. Nicole pauses for a moment and waits for Waverly to look up and see her, which she does moments later, her face splitting into the most stunning smile Nicole has ever seen.
“Nicole, how are you? Are you feeling better?” Waverly asks as they get closer.
“Better?” Nicole repeats “what do you mean better?”
“Nonna said you weren’t feeling great last night which is why you missed poker night”
“Oh, I see” Nicole says with a slight laugh “I’m fine, thank you, I just had the beginnings of a headache, so thought I ought to skip it… Hello, I’m Nicole Haught” Nicole offers to the lady standing in front of her.
“Oh gosh, where are my manners, I’m sorry. Annie, this is Nicole, Nicole, this is Annie McKenzie, we were at her house yesterday”
“Ah of course, hello Annie” Nicole recognises “thank you so much for letting me have a look round yesterday, I was quite jealous of your garden”
“Oh, thank you” Annie says cautiously “I’m glad you liked it”
“I liked it very much… Well, I won’t keep you, but it was lovely meeting you Annie, and I hope to be seeing you again soon”
Annie nods, but doesn’t reply, so Waverly clears her throat and squeezes Annies’s arm slightly.
“Bye Nicole, hope your meeting goes well” Waverly offers kindly.
“Thanks, have a good day both” Nicole replies with a smile, suppressing it growing bigger when Waverly rolls her eyes slightly and then winks.
Nicole continues through the grounds and rounds the corner to the Gardiner and Gardiner Offices. She opens the door and smiles at Stephanie behind the reception desk, waggling the key to the Board room indicating Nicole knows where she’s going and doesn’t need Stephanie to end the call she’s on. She walks through to the back corridor and passes Beth’s office, waving when she catches the brunettes eye.
Once she’s settled in the large room, Nicole heads over to the coffee machine in the far corner and begins to make herself a coffee, turning back to face the room when she hears a knock at the door. Robert Svane smiles through the glass and enters as soon as Nicole signals she’s ready for him.
“Morning Robert, would you like a coffee?” Nicole offers as she turns back to the machine and collects the cup she has just made.
“No, thank you” Robert replies “I’ve just finished one”
“Great, then lets sit shall we?” Nicole suggests, taking a seat at the head of the table and leaning back slightly in the chair. She smiles as Robert hands a folder over to her and takes a seat a couple of places to Nicole’s left.
“I wanted to explain my ideas by way of a business case. I think its important you know what I want to do with the Estate rather than just hear my offer” Robert begins “we can, of course, skip that if you’re not interested, but I’ve lived here for almost my entire life, and I feel it’s important you know what will happen once you’re gone”
“I didn’t know you were a local Robert” Nicole says with surprise.
“My parents moved to the county when I was 3. My father was a tree surgeon by trade and his company would work on the Estate every so often… despite what… some people may think, I am very much committed to this area and the people who live here”
“I don’t doubt that Robert” Nicole assures, unsure if she believes either of them.
“So… Let’s start first with the businesses in town. I intend to keep them as they are. They run well, and they turn a profit. The rents are quite low, so I would put those up, but only to market value, so it shouldn’t make too much of a difference. The same with the houses. I’m not interested in turfing anyone out of their homes; however I would increase the rents slightly to make it slightly more profitable. And I should say, the increase would not be market value to Annie or Margaret. It would be unfair to them as I know they wouldn’t be able to afford what the house is worth. I would keep their rents low and will not make any changes to their houses whilst they continue to live there” Robert explains, and Nicole is surprised at how sincere he sounds.
“Okay, what about the pub?” Nicole asks.
“Now that I would change. There is real potential, that I don’t believe can be realised with its current tenants. I would close the pub, get some contractors in to modernise the rooms and the back of house, I would landscape that garden and then I would sell it to a commercial brewery at a profit. The place has the potential to be a real hub for both locals and tourists, but with Wynonna and her… whatever he is… there is no way people feel like it’s a place they want to spend time” Robert continues, and whilst she absolutely disagrees with his assessment of Wynonna, she can certainly agree the business needs huge investment.
“The main house needs at least 15 million spent on it to make it liveable. I can’t afford that. I would sell it to the National Trust and let them deal with it all”
“You wouldn’t want to turn it into accommodation?” Nicole says with surprise. Robert looks up at Nicole and inhales deeply.
“No, I wouldn’t. Again, that’s not what I think is best for the house. It’s a beautiful place and deserves to be opened up for everyone. I don’t have the sort of money it will take to do it, and to be honest, I’m not driven by that sort of thing. Let the experts deal with it” Robert replies “I am not the monster I have been made out to be Nicole, I’m a local businessman, that’s it. There is no ulterior motive, or conspiracy here”
“I wouldn’t assume that there was Robert, I’m just surprised to hear that from you. At no point have you indicated you wouldn’t sell it off for development”
“No one has ever taken the time to ask me” Robert replies with another sigh, and Nicole feels chastised, despite the fact he is not aiming his frustrations at her.
“I understand” Nicole offers, aware she doesn’t want to open up a discussion on how he has been treated by the locals “please, do continue”
“My interest is in the land you own. You have three farms, all of which are not very profitable and 2 of which have huge amounts of land. The first thing I would do is revert back to traditional pig farming. It would increase the amount of animals by almost 50% and thus turning a bigger profit. I would also increase the chickens by the same amount. I would keep the bullocks on Mattie Pearly’s land and sell off the arable land to a local housing developer, who is proposing building at least 2000 new homes. I would also, therefore sell half of the land from the Clanton farm to a developer who specialises in retail. Essentially, we would extend the village out, and make it a town. And that, basically, is my intention. Now, I know you could do all of this yourself, however, we both know that will take time, so my suggestion is I buy the Estate in its entirety for 25 million pounds. This takes into account the work that needs to be done on the houses, the investment into the farm and the turnaround on the pub. I recognise this is a fairly low offer; however, I am a cash buyer and am ready to sign the paperwork”
Nicole leans forward in her chair and takes sip of her coffee, choosing her words carefully before she responds.
“Thank you for this Robert. I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to draw this up and the clear and detailed explanation of your intentions. I would very much like to sit with this plan and digest it a little more. Are their figures in here for the businesses?”
“There are, yes, as well as valuations on land owned”
“That’s useful, thank you” Nicole replies as she stands “thank you again for coming in, and I’ll be in touch in due course regarding your offer”
“Thank you, Nicole. I appreciate you taking the time. Can I ask when you intend to reach a decision?”
“End of next week I’d say I’ll be in a position to move forward” Nicole confirms with a smile. She holds out her hand and smiles wider when Robert takes it and gives it a firm shake.
“Until next week then” Robert offers as he reaches the door and nods his farewell. Nicole watches him go and then lets out a breath as she sits down.
She flips open the business case Robert has given her and skims through the numbers presented on the page. Whilst she agrees with some of the suggestions, there are a few she is morally opposed to, and the thought of selling Levi and Fish’s farm to Robert knowing what his intention does not sit well with her. Nicole closes the document and stands, taking her coffee cup with her as she leaves the conference room and heads towards Beth’s office. She knocks tentatively and waits until she hears a voice telling her to enter.
“Hi… you got a minute?” Nicole asks as she pokes her head round the door.
“Nicole, hi… of course, please, come in” Beth replies with a smile “is everything okay?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. Robert has just presented me with his ideas, and I’m a little… well, taken aback”
Beth smiles a little wider and nods her head.
“He’s a bit of an enigma isn’t he” Beth offers “would you like to go for lunch? We could head over to the pub and grab a sandwich, and you can tell me what you’re stuck on”
“That would actually be really great, thank you” Nicole says with relief.
Beth locks her computer and stands from her desk, smoothing down her skirt before she heads towards the door. She grabs her bag hanging on the coat rack in the corner of the office and follows Nicole out into the hallway.
“So… what’s got you all confused?” Beth asks as they begin to cross the road.
“I’m just so surprised he wants to sell the house to the National Trust… I thought he and Waverly were at logger heads about that, and I can’t for the life of me see why she’s so upset with him if he’s always intended to do that” Nicole offers as she holds the door open for Beth.
“Well to be honest, I’m not sure that’s always been the case, but Bobo is very good at adapting to his surroundings…” Beth explains, smiling at Doc as he pulls out a bottle of white wine from the fridge and looks at Beth for confirmation she will have her usual.
“What can I get you Nicole?” Doc asks as he pours a small glass of Pinot Grigio for Beth and places it down in front of her.
“I’ll have a pint of Moretti please Doc” Nicole replies with a smile “are you serving food?”
“Of course. Take a seat and I’ll bring your drink over with some menus” Doc suggests.
Nicole leads Beth to her preferred table by the fireplace and takes a seat.
“So, are you saying Robert has changed his mind because he thinks I won’t sell to him if he develops the house?”
“I’m saying he is a clever businessman, and he’s aware Waverly can get people on side fairly easily” Beth says “and that’s not meant as a criticism, its just… she has a way about her”
Nicole smiles as Doc places her pint down in front of her and hands them both a menu.
“Give me a shout when you’re ready” Doc offers before he disappears back round the bar.
“Look, Waverly is right about the house, it’s a piece of history and should be managed properly, Robert knows that really, and I think he just needed to be reminded of that… the rest… well I don’t think he will change his mind on the other stuff in there” Beth explains, indicating to the business case Nicole has placed in front of them.
“I didn’t even know selling it to the National Trust was a viable option”
“It’s not really. When he says sell, he means they’ll pay a nominal fee for it, and he may as well just give them the place. But Rosita will be able to tell you more about that tomorrow when you meet her”
Nicole hums her acknowledgement and looks down at the menu, deciding on a ploughman’s for lunch without really taking in the rest of what’s on offer.
“What would you like?” Nicole asks Beth.
“I’ll have the chicken caesar please”
Nicole nods and heads to the bar, placing their order with Doc and ordering some water for the table. She’s about to rejoin Beth when the door to the pub opens and Waverly walks in with a tall brunette. She stops when she sees Nicole and looks away for a moment before bringing her eyes back and smiling slightly.
“Nicole, hello again” Waverly offers “this is Rosita Bustillos”
“Rosita, hi, how are you” Nicole says, holding her hand out for Rosita to shake “are we still on for tomorrow?”
“Absolutely, I’m looking forward to it… unless… unless you have time this afternoon? My appointment in Bath was brought forward, so I have some spare time”
“I’ve just ordered lunch, but I can be about this afternoon if its better for you… I’m just sitting over there, so let me know what you’d prefer” Nicole replies, turning and nodding at Waverly slightly before returning to Beth.
“Everything okay?” Beth asks as soon as Nicole sits down “do you need to go?”
“Not at all. I may go to the house with Rosita this afternoon, but I’m not sure what she and Waverly have planned”
“I think you probably do know what they have planned Nicole” Beth laughs lightly, and Nicole curses the stab of jealousy she feels in her chest.
“Okay, I’ll rephrase that” Nicole smiles “I don’t want to get in the way of that, so I’ve said we’ll eat lunch, and Rosita can just let me know if moving to this afternoon is better”
Beth laughs again and takes a sip of wine, smiling when Nicole mirrors her actions and take a pull from her lager.
“Have you thought any more about my suggestion you go to the Chatsworth Estate?”
“I have actually, I’ve looked at options and think I might book to go next week and stay a couple of days”
“Well I know of a great pub with rooms you can stay at if you’d like a recommendation?” Beth offers.
Nicole’s eye is caught by Waverly and Rosita disappearing through to the back corridor, keeping her eyes on the closed door for a moment before turning her attention back to her companion.
“That would be great, thank you Beth” Nicole says with a smile, trying and failing, to think about anything other than the hole in the pit of her stomach that has appeared.
Chapter 8
Notes:
Thanks for your patience whilst I get this written, your comments and kudos are so appreciated!
D x
Chapter Text
Nicole and Beth are just finishing their lunch when Rosita appears beside them, holding a jacket she didn’t have before she had disappeared upstairs with Waverly.
“Nicole, if you’re still open to it, I’d love to take you through some options this afternoon?”
“Oh sure, of course. Give me ten minutes and we can go to the house” Nicole suggests, and if she is inwardly celebrating that Rosita and Waverly clearly didn’t do what she had first feared, well that’s just between Nicole and her big old lesbian heart.
Rosita nods her head with a smile and moves through to the bar area, taking a seat at a window and looking out onto the quiet street.
“Well looks like a was wrong on that one” Beth says with a smile “that must be a relief”
“A relief? What? Why?” Nicole replies slightly flustered.
“I may not be on your team any more Nicole, but that doesn’t mean I’m not perceptive” Beth smiles “and honestly, I don’t blame you, she’s magnetic”
“That’s not…”
“Yes, it is” Wynonna says from behind them.
“Where the hell did you come from?” Nicole asks, turning towards the brunette “and you’re both way off”
“No we’re not” Wynonna dismisses “the only person in this village that can’t see it is my baby sister. You want anything else?”
“No” Nicole replies “and it’s not what you think”
“Yes, it is” Wynonna continues, almost bored “you want this on your bill”
“Yes please” Nicole agrees, defeated “you sure she doesn’t know? I don’t want it to become weird”
“She has no idea” Beth assures “and I say that with some experience”
“Oh no, she knew about you Beth” Wynonna says “she was just kind”
Beth’s mouth opens to reply and then closes again with a sigh.
“Okay, look, I think it’s probably best if we all just…” Nicole starts.
“Hi guys” Waverly suddenly interrupts and Nicole is equal parts relieved and mortified.
“Hey” Nicole says a little too loudly “how… I mean, hi”
Waverly looks between the three women, a confused look on her face “hi… you okay?”
“Yes” both Nicole and Beth reply at the same time as Wynonna says “well I am” dismissively.
“What’s going on?” Waverly asks, a slightly wary tone to her voice.
“We’re all fine” Nicole tries with, what she hopes, is a reassuring smile “Wynonna has just been winding me up and you came into the tail end of it, that’s all… I’m about to go to the house with Rosita, so I better get going”
Waverly looks unconvinced as Nicole gets up from the table and smiles again.
“Thank you for joining me, Beth, it was really helpful to talk through this morning with you. Waverly, I hope you have a good afternoon” Nicole offers before she turns to the woman on her left “Wynonna… always a pleasure”
“See, your voice says you’re lying, but your eyes give you away” Wynonna retorts as Nicole walks past her and towards Rosita.
“Sorry about that” Nicole offers “shall we go in one car?”
“Actually I’ll take mine too, I’m heading straight back to London, and it’s on the way”
“Great, okay, well let’s get going” Nicole says with another smile.
The two women head through the snug and out the back door towards the car park. They both walk to their vehicles and Nicole drives out first, glancing in her rear view mirror to make sure Rosita is following behind her.
Whilst Nicole has driven to the house on many occasions, she is still slightly in awe of how much land is hers, when the marker for it comes into view. The falling wall on the roadside is a symbol they have reached the boundary of her estate and the trees that line road indicate the land behind is not farmland. Nicole finds, not for the first time, herself wondering how much it would cost to rebuild the damaged wall.
Nicole takes the left and turn up to the gates and pulls the car to a stop. She switches off the engine and gets out, heading to the gates and pulling the one not hanging from its hinges open enough to drive through. As soon as Nicole had taken management away from Robert, she had met with Randy Nedley and asked him to stop coming out to open the gates whenever she arrives, insisting she was perfectly capable of opening them herself.
Nedley appears at the window and nods to acknowledge Nicole’s wave. She walks back to the car and continues up the driveway, pleased that she is now able to navigate the potholes that litter the road. The house comes into view and Nicole steals her breath, smiling to herself as she comes to a stop and still unable to believe this place and its land is actually hers. Nicole knows the sensible thing is to sell up to Robert and hope he means what he says about doing business with the National Trust, however she finds herself intrigued with what Rosita may have to say.
“It still takes my breath away” Rosita says as soon as she gets out of her car “she’s such a beauty”
“She really is” Nicole agrees.
They head up the stone steps and to the large doors and Nicole is silently pleased she manages to open them up first time round, having learnt there is a knack to the locks.
“So how do you want to do this?” Nicole asks.
“How about floor by floor? I’ll talk you through what the rooms were used for and how we would restore them to their original designs” Rosita suggests “it will take most of the afternoon, but it will give you a sense of the work involved and maybe explain why we wouldn’t be able to offer a fraction of the estates worth if you did decide to sell to us”
“Sounds good” Nicole agrees as they walk through the large oak doors and into the hallway.
Rosita is true to her word and escorts Nicole from room to room and from floor to floor. They start in the ante room and move through to the left, Rosita explaining whilst in later years it had been used as a sitting room, the original design showed the room as a large dining room with a table big enough for 40. They take the stairs up to the first floor and follow the corridors past a library, a huge music room, a lounge area and a nursery. The lounge runs across half of the building and looks out towards the back of the property and to the fields beyond. A sun terrace sits outside it and offers the most spectacular views of the countryside. The third floor is taken up with bedrooms as well as two washrooms, and the top floor contains smaller, servants quarters, as well as the area William had taken as his own. It has a small modern bathroom and many of the spaces are filled with archive boxes and files. Waverly had explained on Nicole’s first visit this is where she had worked with William supervising. Rosita is fascinating to listen to as she explains how the house was used, which historical figure had visited in the past and as they make their way down the small servant’s staircase into the kitchens on the ground floor, Nicole’s head is full. Rosita is patient with Nicole’s questions and by the time they have finished the tour and are walking through the courtyard and out into the grounds Nicole can clearly see the Estates potential.
“So, we can also do the grounds if you like, but to be honest, everything I’ve learnt about them has been from Randy” Rosita offers as they look out across the driveway and the land surrounding it.
“I think I’m good, thank you, this has been so helpful to see how it used to be and understand how big this project is… so I guess now we talk figures?”
“I will find the offer we started with William and send it over, but if I remember rightly, we were proposing buying it from him for a fee of about £50,000. We would then employ our experts to manage the renovations with a view to opening up within 5 years”
“That’s a long project” Nicole says, surprised at the length of time Rosita is expecting it to take to fully restore the house.
“It’s a big house, and our restoration team isn’t huge” Rosita smiles “do you have any other questions?”
“Not at the moment I don’t think… there’s a lot to digest and seeing the paperwork will be very helpful to get everything straight in my head”
“Well in which case, I’ll email over the details, and we can go from there” Rosita offers, heading towards her car.
“Actually, I do have one question…” Nicole shouts back, walking to catch up with Rosita “In your opinion, could this become something like Chatsworth House?”
Rosita looks surprised by the question and leans against the door of her car, folding her arms and taking a moment to think before replying.
“In theory, yes. Chatsworth isn’t one of ours, so I don’t know how it all works with money, but if you’re asking if you could make Gessington into a viable business, then yes, potentially you can. Have you been to Chatsworth?”
“No, not yet, but Beth suggested I look into it before making any decisions… I guess I’m just interested in what you think. You’re the expert, and honestly, I’m a little blind here, but I’d be lying if the idea of turning this into a business doesn’t intrigue me” Nicole offers.
“Chatsworth is more than a business; it’s a livelihood for hundreds of people. It’s a very successful, local empire. It takes a huge amount of work, effort and money to run and is almost a one of a kind. If you’re asking if the National Trust can do that to Gessington, then the answer is no. We don’t have the infrastructure or the time to invest. However, if you’re asking me what I’d do if money was no object… Then yes, I’d look at the Chatsworth Estate and see if it’s something that is viable here”
“Thank you Rosita, you have been so helpful” Nicole says “One more question, and then I promise I will let you get going…”
“I’m happy for questions Nicole” Rosita laughs lightly “I could talk about what I do all day long”
“If I did go to Chatsworth and look at their model, and I decided to try and do something like that here, would you be willing to share the details of your workforce with me? If I renovate, I’d like it done properly, and as you know, I’m no expert…”
Rosita supresses a smile as she pushes herself off her car and opens the door
“I tell you what… go to Chatsworth, see what you think. Figure out if this is something you are interested in taking forward, and then let’s talk”
“That doesn’t sound like a no” Nicole smiles, holding the door for Rosita as the woman slides into the driver’s seat.
“Its not a no… but it’s also not a yes…” Rosita laughs lightly “It was great to meet you Nicole… let’s keep in touch”
“Absolutely, thank you Rosita” Nicole offers “drive safe”
Nicole closes the door to Rosita’s car and takes a step back, waving as Rosita pulls away and disappears down the driveway. She walks back to the house, her brain on overdrive as she begins the process of locking up. She gets back into her car and pulls her phone out of her pocket, bringing up google and typing Chatsworth Estate into the search engine. Pictures of a grand house fill her screen, and she recognises it from various British films she’s watched over the years. She leans back in her seat and contemplates her next move, drumming her fingers on the steering wheel as she thinks about her next move.
“Fuck it” Nicole says to herself, pulling up a number on her phone she hasn’t dialled since she’s been in the UK. The dial tone plays out for a couple of beats, and then a familiar voice answers with a sigh.
“Don’t be like that” Nicole says into the receiver
“How am I supposed to be? You left without a word, and I have to find out from Angela you’ve gone to sell an old house in England”
“That’s not quite what happened”
“Are you in England?” The voice asks, and whilst Nicole can’t see the face, she can tell there is the beginning of a smile on it.
“Yes”
“And are you currently trying to sell an old house”
“On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to get on a plane and come here” Nicole deflects
“Why would I do that?”
“Because you love me” Nicole offers with a grin “and you want to be a good friend”
“Nicole, I am a good friend. I don’t need to fly across the Atlantic to prove that”
“True enough…”
“Ask nicely and I’ll consider it”
“Can you please come to England and help me figure out what the hell I’m doing. I miss you, and I need you here to help me”
“See, that wasn’t so hard was it… I’ll be on the first flight out”
“Thank you friend, I appreciate you so much” Nicole says sincerely
“I know. I’ll email details once they’re confirmed, and I’ll see you at Heathrow do you need me to bring you anything?”
“No, thank you… just you. And maybe a jumper or two… its cold here” Nicole says “hey Dolls…”
“Yeah?”
“I love you buddy”
“I know you do… I’ll see you in a couple of days” Xavier replies, a smile evident in his voice.
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