LANDED ESTATE

Chapter 1

Captain Robert Villiers moves uncomfortably in his seat knowing that before the night is over an unknown plan will be set in motion.  Seated by his wife Anne, he oversees the large table in the magnificent dining room of Castlefort House.  They are joined by Mr. Francis Westby and his wife Lady Angela Westby Scott of Point Pleasant House Estate.   He and his wife are good friends with the Westby family, but recent events caused his relationship with Francis Westby to sour.  Their wives are not aware of the indifference that has grown between them.  He admires Lady Angela who takes to using her full title especially on occasions when she is dining at notable social gatherings.  Her father is the Honourable Nathaniel Scott of Knock Abbey Castle, former residence of the Viscount Morris.  She is a woman of connections that have helped influence the Westby name within the locality.  There are not many notable families in the area and Robert knows how much she enjoys dining at Castlefort House and socialising with his wife Anne.

“It was a most exquisite meal you have prepared for us Mrs. Villiers. I really did enjoy it,” Angela states carefully wiping the corners of her mouth.

“Thank you Mrs. Westby.  It’s a privilege to be able to serve it,” Anne Villiers replies. 

The noise of the servants filing into the room interrupt her as they stand at one side waiting to clear up after the Villiers and their guests.  

“You know,” begins Captain Villiers as he shifts himself in his seat, “it’s so hard to get a supply of good food now. This county has been laid barren after all the wars.”

“In time, my good man, the land will replenish and food will be plenty. We are lucky that the King is looking after us so well,” Francis Westby answers.

“Yes, and he would have every right to.  We are looking after the land and keeping an eye on things for him here. We are fortunate in this area of what little of us there are around, that we are gathered in close proximity to one another.  I do hold one of the principal seats of the area after all; so I am somewhat more favoured.”

“Mr. Stackpoole has been a thriving force in the area.”

“He has rebuilt the local town of Kilbrack, and due to him receiving huge rents from Ingoldsby family of Earls Fort House, he has been able to do a magnificent job on the construction of the town pier.”

“A fine house, Earls Fort House. I heard it was one of the first houses to be built in this county.  1548 I think it was.”

“Yes, it was an achievement, built by a French man I believe. When Viscount Morris’s estate was divided and Earls Fort Estate was established, the Ingoldsby family did well, at a high cost, I must add. But then again, an officer’s salary in our majesty’s army is well paid,” Robert Villiers says turning to his wife.  “Why don’t you ladies entertain yourselves? Francis and I are retiring to the Parlour.”

Anne Villiers nods in reply to her husband and she leaves the dining room with Lady Angela.  The servants step in and begin clearing the tableware and leftover food.

Robert leads the way into the Parlour followed by Francis Westby.  He points to a seat by a large and elegant fireplace where Francis sits down making himself comfortable as Robert closes the door behind him.

“Cigar?” Robert asks.

“Please.”

Robert hands a cigar to Francis and one for himself. He lights them and sits on the opposite chair. “Now what is this plan you want to discuss with me?” Robert enquires.

“Well, as you stated earlier, there are very few people of our standing and wealth in the vicinity, and we need to make sure we protect the strength of our families and homes for the future, like Castlefort House and my house, Point Pleasant House.”

“I agree totally.”

“So you see where I am coming from?”

“Well, do continue.”

“We can strengthen our estates and wealth by a union of marriage.”

“Marriage, yes, I see where you are going.”

“I have a son who is of age who will be in need of a wife soon.”

“And my eldest daughter would be a perfect match.  Excellent suggestion!”

“I thought you would agree.”

“It will strengthen our families and control over the local area.  In time to come, we could have control over vast estates of this county.”

“And in the seat of politics, this house being one of the principal seats and Kilbrack House, I am sure we can find a way to enter there.”

Robert watches Francis Westby lean forward on his seat and take a slow puff from his cigar.

“There is more I want from this union of marriage.  When your daughter marries my son, she will bring with her the political seat to Point Pleasant.”

Robert eyes him keeping down the sudden urge to defend his honourable title. There are five provincial houses in the locality and only two assigned a seat in parliament.  Whoever holds the seat is favoured by the crown and holds the political sway in the county electorate. Realisation strikes him of the true meaning of Francis’s plan.  He is backed into a corner for he knows his old friend holds the trump card. Recent events have seen to that.

“What of my son Sam? He will not be satisfied with me for petitioning to have my seat in parliament transferred to my daughter on her marriage and passing it to Point Pleasant House,” Robert replies his voice rising slightly. “My son will be taking on the responsibilities of Castlefort House shortly.”

“You have two sons.  Are you sure the right son is taking over?”

“Sam is my eldest son.  He is ambitious and would never stand for it.”

“Perhaps too ambitious.  You will need to make him understand and show him how lucky he is still to have a grand house like Castlefort.  Do you wish him to know the truth?”

Robert remains silent. He places his cigar on the ashtray next to him, noticing his hand trembling slightly.  He feels old, and towards the end of his life, he is being forced into a position he is not comfortable with.  He nods in agreement.

“Why waste any more time?  Let us prepare for a wedding right here in Castlefort House.  My son Eyre Westby and your daughter Susanna Villiers,” Francis states smiling taking another puff from his cigar.  “The women will be thrilled when they hear the news.”

Forcing a smile, Robert Villiers extends his arm to shake his old friend’s hand.

Chapter 2

She wraps the black shawl tighter around her body from the coolness of the room.  The low autumn sun that filters in provides little warmth. Susanna Westby loses count of how many times she has paced back and forth the large dining room of Point Pleasant House.  Her mind is restless and she glances regularly out the large windows onto the drive way. 

For a brief moment, as the light of the afternoon sun catches the leaves of the mature oaks in the front garden radiating their golden colour, her mind reflects on an unforgettable moment six years earlier on the very same month that she married her husband Eyre Westby.  It was a union of marriage agreed by their fathers to strengthen the family’s wealth while ensuring a political seat in parliament. The leaves shone bright golden on that morning in 1780 on the trees surrounding Castlefort House and gardens.  The house was alive with activity as the wedding parties arrived.  Anyone of importance was invited.  Her parents, Captain Robert and Anne Villiers, greeted their guests in the large entrance hall of Castlefort House, and from there, the guests entered the gracious ball room that was filled with the aroma of freshly picked flowers of all colours.  Here, they were welcomed by her husband’s parents Mr. Francis and Lady Angela Westby.  It was a triumphant day in the eyes of the Villiers and the Westbys as the union did succeed for a brief time in unifying and strengthening the families. 

Susanna recalls her first visit to Point Pleasant House after her marriage listening to the wheels of the black closed carriage as it rolled against the gravel climbing the steep hill of mature oak and ash trees.  The two large white horses strained against the pull under the direction of their master who held back on the reins easing them to a trot.  The horses led the carriage through the grand black entrance gate leading to Point Pleasant House.  She gazed out the carriage window at the tree-lined avenue.  Her heart pounded with joy at the thought of beginning a life at Point Pleasant. Her new husband sat next to her and she marvelled at this fine noble man who would treat her well and she would want for nothing. 

The carriage eased its way to the front door of the gracious Point Pleasant House, situated on a hill overlooking Point Pleasant Estate that exceeded three thousand acres.  Lady Angela Westby stood by the front door waiting and was joined at either side by the house servants.  Susanna took in her surroundings, and the chorus of birds singing amongst the abundance of mature trees surrounding the house and walled garden was peaceful to her mind.  She greeted Angela Westby by kissing her gently on the cheek.  Angela’s nobility, confidence and standing unnerved her, but she was eager to learn from this great woman.

Six years have passed since her marriage to Eyre Westby, and the week gone by has been one of the hardest in her life as she laid him to rest. Her thoughts are on her husband that death has taken too soon leaving her alone with three young sons.  The responsibility of Point Pleasant Estate rests heavily on her shoulders.  The sound of rolling carriage wheels pulling towards the front of the house interrupts her thoughts.  It could only be her family friend and solicitor, Edward Ryall.  She stops pacing as she hears him enter the main hallway and waits for him.  He greets her, kissing her gently on the cheek.

“My sincerest sympathies again, but what you are doing is the right thing,” he says taking a seat at the long table.

Susanna sits next to him allowing herself to relax in his company.  

“I know it is the right thing to do.  With my husband dead, I am not able to run the estate on my own. It is the burden of the combined Westby estates and the future of their properties that are lying in my hands.  The responsibility for the family’s wealth rests with me until my sons are of age to manage,” she replies.

“You are a strong woman Mrs. Westby, like Lady Angela Westby before you.  God rest her.”

“It is kind of you to say.  She was a great mentor.”

“You already have the majority of Point Pleasant estate given in lease to your brother Sam Villiers of Castlefort House.”

“Yes, and he is family. I am now about to give the remainder of the estate to an outsider, and this is what worries me.”

“It’s a lease, and I can assure you, I would not recommend William Burton, if I knew he was not a fair man.  He is an extensive estate holder, largest being that of Marone Estate.  He is a respected and distinguished gentleman.  You will have no worries with him.”

“I take your word for this.  I worry of the responsibility and having to make these decisions.”

“You don’t need to worry Susanna.  You have three sons to look after and Point Pleasant House.  Let the estate be run by people who know how to do it.”

“I agree,” she replies allowing a smile of gratitude cross her lips as she lifts her head.  “I hear a carriage coming.”

Rising from the table, she steps to a dining room window and sees the approaching carriage come to a stop at the front door.  A large man alights.  Susanna watches as her butler escorts the man inside the house and she listens to their greetings.  She studies William Burton as he enters the room.  He is a large, well-built man who carries himself with an air of importance. A man whom she soon notices has little time for small talk.  Removing his hat, he takes her hand and kisses it gently. 

“Mrs. Westby, it is an honour to meet you and to visit this fine house, and I give you my sympathies on the death of your husband Mr. Eyre Westby.  A fine man I hear,” he says.  Susanna nods at his response. 

“It is very kind of you. Would you like some refreshments? I can have them arranged,” she offers.

“No thank you Mrs. Westby, I am a man of business. I would like to have a look at the house you are wishing to lease to me along with the land. If it is satisfactory, I will sign the papers and you will not have to worry about it for some time to come.  I have already viewed the land with Mr. Ryall and I am familiar with the area.”

“The West House, named after its location on the western side of the estate, is a large two-storey house and it is modelled on the design of this house but on a smaller scale. My husband’s father had it built in 1770.”

“Will you accompany Mr. Ryall and me to the house?”

“That I will Mr. Burton. The West House will be requiring furnishings; but I am sure you will be able to look after all that.”

“I got married two years ago in April of ‘84 to a lovely lady named Anne.  She will only marvel at the challenge of decorating the house.”

“Very good Mr. Burton. Shall we go?” she asks tightening her shawl around her shoulders.  She exits the house and enters William Burton’s carriage outside.

Susanna listens to the wheels of the carriage roll slowly making its way on the long avenue leading to the West House.  Looking ahead, the tall mature trees come into view secluding the house.  It was a beautiful location that Francis Westby had selected to build the West House.  Darkness falls inside the carriage once they enter the trees and she sees the house come into view.  The low autumn sun filters once more into the carriage as they exit the trees.  It is a long and spacious house with ivy covering its front walls and she knows William Burton will be satisfied with it.  She follows Edward Ryall as he enters the main hall and steps into the grand and empty reception room to his right.

“You have the family rooms upstairs and the servant rooms at the west end of the house,” Susanna Westby points out.

“Very good. I am pleased with the house and I know of the land,” William replies turning to Edward Ryall who opens the case he is carrying.  

“The papers,” Edward instructs, “the lease is from this year of 1786 until such time that Mrs. Westby’s two sons Eyre Junior and Sebastian Westby are of age to marry and take over this half of Point Pleasant.”

“You see,” begins Susanna, “my husband in his will divided Point Pleasant estate between his three sons, the west for Eyre and Sebastian, and the east along with Point Pleasant House to my eldest son Stuart Westby.”

William nods. 

“I understand the process and will be happy to sign the lease of these lands until that time comes.”

Susanna watches William Burton sign the papers on one of the window sills.  The grief for her lost husband holds a solid grip over her emotions.  She will mourn later when she has business taken care of.  William shakes Edward’s hand, and as she extends hers, he kisses it.  

“I will leave you Mr. Burton to settle into your new property.  I hope this business transaction will be a benefit to both of us,” Susanna says stepping out of the West House.

“I will have my driver bring you home Mrs. Westby. I am sure we shall see each other soon,” William answers.  

Susanna Westby nods slightly, allowing Edward to assist her climb into the carriage.  The carriage rolls gently out the avenue of the West House casting long shadows as the autumn sun settles in the west.