The Burlington Manor Affair

“Espresso delivery for Carmen Shelby,” Estelle called out from the office.

Carmen emerged from the bathroom. “Thanks. I need that.”

When she took up her seat, Estelle lingered. “So, did this Rex Carruthers agree to sign over his share?”

Estelle had gleaned the briefest outline of circumstances from Carmen after the reading of the will. It was enough to keep her fascinated.

Carmen reached for her coffee cup. “More or less. He wants to spend a few weekends there, to say goodbye to the place. That’s all it is.”

And me. Say hello, wave goodbye. That’s all it is.

* * *

REX PARKED HIS Maserati in his designated spot outside the workspace he rented for his business in Croydon. The rest of the lot was already full. He was running a bit late, because he’d been busy making

plans for the following weekend.

Climbing out of the car, he locked up and headed to the entrance. The building was simple and unassuming on the outside, but inside, Rex had created an energized environment for the small team of Slipstream staff. When he’d first hired them, he’d asked them about their most inspiring moments from Formula One racing. The two design engineers who were the core of the company listed three events each. By the time they started work, Rex had installed larger-than-life photographic prints of their favorite memories on the interior walls.

Rex often wished he could do the same on the outside of the building so that it would appeal to potential clients on first sight, but that wasn’t very practical. It was what went on inside the building that was important. Pretty soon he wanted to open up the place to visiting clients. It was on the to-do list. Right now, he had other things on his mind.

Like Carmen Shelby.

He had a lot to prepare for the following weekend. He wanted to help Carmen enjoy their time together more. He wasn’t worried about the sex. She really let rip then. All the barriers came down and it was spectacular to witness. However, she was often tense around him when they were chatting, or negotiating. She’d been most at ease while talking about the way things were in the past, when times were happy in the house. It would be good to recreate that, even if only for a short time. It would also be good to bring some atmosphere back into the old place.

“Morning, Jerry, how goes it?”

“Rex, good morning.” Jerry looked up from his workstation with a grin.

“You look pleased with yourself,” Rex commented.

“We’ve got news. Nikhil Rashid has taken the bait.”

“Aha, that is good news.” Rashid was an up-and-coming racing enthusiast, a wealthy investor and the sort of client they wanted to hook at an early stage. Rashid was looking to put together a Formula 3000 racing team and had contacted them about his design needs. “He’s ready to talk business?”

“Yes, he phoned in just after you left last week. I almost called you to let you know, but I knew you had a lot to deal with, what with your father’s estate to see to.”

“No worries.”

“He said he’d like to book a meeting, two weeks from Friday.” Jerry paused, and held up his hands. “Don’t worry. I said we’d go to him.”

“Excellent work.” That gave them plenty of time to perfect their presentation and organize the best display for their components. “We’re going to be busy,” he added.

In one sense it was great news. In another it was unfortunate timing. Aside from wanting to spend every moment with the lovely Carmen, he’d realized he was going to have to look into his father’s paperwork. Mrs. Amery had informed him the library at Burlington Manor was sinking under the weight of old ledgers and accounts. His father had used the library as his office throughout his life, and he rarely threw anything away. Rex didn’t want Carmen to have to deal with that when she took the place over.

He was also dealing with the unremitting challenge of breaking down the boundaries of the deal he’d set up. He wanted to get Carmen to see him in London. He’d asked her before they’d parted, but she’d refused, claiming she’d be too busy. It was a need that just wouldn’t go away, though. Why was that? Because he liked the idea of being with her, not just more often, but also after their negotiations for the manor were over. He decided she would be happy there, but he didn’t like the idea of a line in the sand after which he’d never see her again. As much as he wanted her installed as the mistress there, cutting all ties with her was becoming increasingly unrealistic.

Another greeting drew him back from his thoughts. Lance, the second engineer, emerged from the catering area with two large mugs. “The kettle’s still warm, boss.”

“Cheers. How are things with the little one?” Lance had become a father for the second time, three weeks earlier.

“Mother and baby are doing well, and I’m beginning to get used to minimal sleep patterns.”

“Good man. I wouldn’t want to find you asleep over your desk, though, so if you do need to take time off, flag it up.”

Lance nodded. “We’ve got a lot going on here right now.”

The entrance door clicked open again and Ayo joined them, several bags of take-out sandwiches clutched in his hand. He grinned when he saw Rex. Rex gave him a high five. Ayo—who more than lived up the West African meaning of his name: joy—could light up a room with his smile.