Landed Estate

By Ben Kesp

Susanna Westby battles with family values, tradition, land and love in this historical mystery romance set in the 18th and 19th century. Family secrets have been kept hidden sparking unresolved family disputes over her home and estate at Point Pleasant, leading to deceit and murder, tangled with the intricate lives of the aristocratic classes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ben Kesp
• Release date: Sep 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370325764

Ben Kesp

Ben Kesp is a multi-genre author, writer, and brand name who lives in Ireland. Creativity for Ben is the freedom of expression and believes every individual has the right to read, express, and communicate. Reading and writing are powerful; entertaining, educating, and enlightening us.Ben Kesp es un autor multi-género, escritor, así como su propia marca, y reside en Irlanda. Para Ben, la creatividad es la libertad de expresión y cree firmemente que todo individuo tiene derecho a leer, expresarse y comunicarse. Para Ben, la lectura y la escritura son poderosas herramientas que nos entretienen, educan e iluminan.Ben Kesp est un auteur multigenre, écrivain et aussi sa propre marque, et réside en Irlande. Pour Ben, la créativité est la liberté d'expression et selon sa philosophie, chaque individu a le droit de lire, de s'exprimer et de communiquer. La lecture ainsi que l'écriture sont puissantes ; elles nous divertissent, nous éduquent et nous éclairent également.

Book preview

Part I

Years: 1786 - 1788

By Ben Kesp

Published by Ben Kesp

Smashwords Edition

Edited by Moira Cross

Book Cover Design by Ben Kesp

Copyright © 2016 Ben Kesp

All rights reserved. No part of this e-book may be reproduced in any form without the permission in writing from the publisher.

License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. This is a work of fiction, and there is no representation to people or events.

Landed Estate – Secrets

Characters

Susanna Westby - Point Pleasant House Estate, formerly from Castlefort House

Earl Southwell - Oakwood Castle Estate

Sam Villiers - Castlefort House Estate

Katherine Villiers - Castlefort House Estate, formerly from Point Pleasant House

Edward Ryall - Solicitor for the Villiers Family and later for Susanna Westby

William Burton - West House, formerly from Marone House Estate

Anne Burton - West House, formerly from Marone House Estate

Thomas Ryan - Estate Manager at Point Pleasant House

Delia Smith - Head House Keeper at Point Pleasant House

Rodger Ayers - Butler at Point Pleasant House

Mary O Mara - Head House Keeper at Castlefort House

Charles Maycroft - Butler at Castlefort House

Lady Amelia Southwell - Oakwood Castle Estate

Francis Westby - Point Pleasant House Estate

Lady Angela Westby - Point Pleasant House Estate, formerly Knock Abbey Castle

Captain Robert Villiers - Castlefort House Estate

Anne Villiers - Castlefort House Estate

Mervin Scott - Knock Abbey Castle

Sir Rodger Ale - Chief Magistrate/Inspector of Riverdale City

Honourable Alfred Scales - Judge

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.

Chapter 3

Susanna Westby is seated in the magnificent dining room of Castlefort House opposite her brother Sam Villiers and his wife Katherine the sister of her late husband. It is September 1787, a year since her husband’s death, and she is at Castlefort for a purpose. Her anger overshadows the need to cry and she is glad of it. She must remain strong in front of her brother and show no sign of weakness. Looking around her former home, past memories of happiness return briefly, casting out the darkness of her visit. She has not visited since her father, Captain Robert Villiers, passed away three years earlier. He had been granted Castlefort House and estate by the crown of England, and she moved to Ireland to live there when she was a young girl. Her mother, Anne Villiers, still lives, but dementia grips her mind like a vice. On the death of Susanna’s father, her elder brother Sam took control of the Villiers estate, something she strongly disagreed with. Unlike her father, her brother loves the lavish lifestyle over work and estate business. She often fears for the estate’s future and her preference would have been her younger brother Victor to take charge. On deciding to lease her husband’s estate, she approached Victor, but Sam intervened threatening to remove Victor from his current position and end all funds due to him from their father’s trusts. Her brother Sam is a strong and stubborn man and now she faces him in a battle over her husband’s estate. Her heart aches.

Locking eyes with her brother Sam, Susanna refuses to back down and be vulnerable to him. That is what he is hoping for. Any sign of weakness. She has travelled to Castlefort House to collect back rents that her brother has refused to pay since taking on the lease of lands at Point Pleasant. Sam Villiers enjoys the lavish lifestyle and has not offered her any assistance after her husband Eyre died. It disappointed her that her husband’s sister Katherine did not play more of a role in supporting her family. She has become swept up in the grandeur of Castlefort House and its formalities. Susanna clinches the arm of the chair and waits for Sam to respond. He will soon tire of forcing her to back down by intimidation.

Are you my sister or my landlord? he shouts with anger in his voice.

I am your sister.

Then why do you care more about this man’s estate?

I am a Westby and not a Villiers anymore. My husband is dead, and I have a family and an estate to look after. These are my responsibilities and I must manage the Westby estate as you manage Castlefort House, she replies forcing her voice to remain calm.

If our father was alive, he would never have it! Sam blurts out.

Our father is not alive. You demanded half of Point Pleasant from our brother Victor when I wanted to lease to him. That, along with your share of Castlefort Estate, should make more than adequate profits from leases and rents. Are you not managing as well as you thought?

He scowls at her.

Do not forget your place. You are a woman. Do you think you can run a large estate and house like Point Pleasant? You rejected the suggestion of marrying again to have a man run your affairs for you.

I do not need to marry a man to run my affairs. I am capable on my own and have good connections from Lady Angela.

It is not what ladies do and this family has a reputation. You should hear what they say about you at the gentleman’s club.

And do you defend me?

Defend you! I agree with them, but you are too stubborn to know your place. Let us hope William Burton does not give you hassle and cause you stress because, dear sister, you may not be able to handle it all along with your three young children.

That is a very nasty thing to say to your sister. Katherine, do you have anything to say on this matter? I am fighting for your family’s name and estate, Susanna raises her voice slightly at Katherine Westby who sits silently by.

As you pointed out earlier Susanna, I am also no longer a Westby, but I am a Villiers now, and therefore my loyalties are to Castlefort House and to my husband, Katherine calmly states to Susanna, taking rise and walking from the large dining room. Anger rises inside Susanna’s body and her stomach tightens. The woman infuriates her. She returns her stare towards her brother.

I have been very lenient with you over this past year. I now expect all monies owed to me to be handed over to Edward Ryall by the end of the week, and brother, if you miss any future payments, I will have the lease cancelled. This is my estate, and I am not going to be bullied by anyone in how to run it.

This is going to be a business arrangement and not a family relationship from here on. I will have the money passed on to you, Sam scowls. Now, do I need to escort you to your carriage?

Where have we gone so wrong? This is not what our father and Francis Westby wanted, she replies. They wanted unity and strength between the two families.

Her question is returned by a silent response. Rising from her seat, keeping her emotions controlled, she walks past her brother, stepping onto the large hallway and down the steps of Castlefort House to her awaiting carriage.

Chapter 4

The wood sparks through the dancing flames in the elegant fireplace offering some comfort from the coolness of the late September evening. She eases her chair closer to the fireplace all the time listening from her bedroom window for the sound of the expected carriage to reach the front drive of Point Pleasant House. Her friend Edward Ryall is due to arrive from Kilbrack to execute her new plan. No rents have been paid by her brother as he had promised. Susanna Westby contemplates her next move knowing her brother is not going to be co-operative. The house is winding down for the night with many of the house servants and estate hands in the kitchen. Her children are in their rooms sleeping unknown to the worries she carries for their future.

Her heart jumps and she starts from her chair at the sound of the gun shot. For a brief moment her limbs are powerless. The shouts of men outside reach her bedroom. The knock on her bedroom door puts movement back into her legs as Delia, her head house maid, enters.

M’am we have been attacked. Out in the stables, stutters the out of breath Delia.

Go to the children and gather them in one room, Susanna instructs grabbing her shawl that is lying on the bed post and wrapping it around her. Where is Thomas?

He is out in the stables.

Susanna’s heart skips faster with her quickened breathing in anticipation and fear as she races down the stairway. She continues towards the rear of the house and enters the kitchen. As she sees her faithful estate manager Thomas Ryan standing at the back door, she stops. The look in his eye tells her the news is bad.

Tell me, she demands.

M’am, I don’t think you should go out, Thomas answers her.

The need to know what happened pulls her body towards him.

Come with me to the stables, she instructs firmly and he obeys her.

Susanna follows Thomas to the stables. The yard lanterns are lit casting shadows in all directions. She eyes her estate hands patrolling the back yard of the house with guns in hand. They are nervous and on the alert. On entering the stables, the sight of the rich red blood flowing towards her from the light of the lamp cautions her to slow down. One of her estate hands is kneeling next to a horse lying motionless on the ground. The blood trickles in lumps from the gaping wound on its neck. She closes her eyes briefly and continues to move closer to the animal. On nearing it, the sight of a second horse in the nearby pen tells her it has suffered the same fate. Realisation hits her in an instant and she glances around the stables.

The remainder fifteen horses are gone, Thomas speaks as if interpreting her question.

Susanna’s temptation to grieve for the loss of her animals is overshadowed by anger. Kneeling down next to the fallen horse, she gently runs her fingers over its jaw.

What happened? she asks calmly as if not to disturb the dead animal lying before her.

We heard the sound of the animals from the kitchen. On reaching the stables, we saw local man Larry Magner running away from the yard. I fired a shot but missed. We found the two horses bleeding, and this one had broken its pen gate in terror, but collapsed where you see it now.

What of the rest? Did you see where they went?

We could hear them galloping on the hill leading from the front entrance, but they were well gone by the time we got ourselves together.

Rising to her feet slowly, she places her gaze on Thomas.

Larry Magner, what do you know of this man?

He does odd jobs for your brother M’am, but does not keep full employment. He is a drunk and somewhat of a nuisance in the locality.

Anger rises inside her on hearing the words. It confirmed her fears on first sighting