No good at all.’
‘When will he get here?’
‘He’ll land this morning. I imagine he’ll be here in the afternoon sometime.’ She hesitated a moment as she considered her son. ‘He and Owen didn’t see eye to eye, you know. They were very different people. Owen loved the land. His whole life was about his estate and how to preserve it and look after it and love it. Owen really loved it. But Taran is more of a city man. He doesn’t appreciate nature like his father did.’ She put a hand to her lips, suppressing a sob. ‘God, it’s so bloody awful talking about Owen in the past tense.’
Daisy brought her coffee to the island and took the stool beside Lady Sherwood. ‘I know. It’s just horrible. I’m so sorry.’
‘Owen was a wonderful man and a good father, but he expected Taran to be like him and was disappointed when he wasn’t. Even when Taran was a little boy Owen tried to mould him. He couldn’t understand that a child from his loins could be so different from him.’
‘Perhaps Taran was like you?’ Daisy suggested.
‘Yes, you’re right. He’s much more mine than Owen’s. Poor Taran, as a boy he was given endless tennis lessons and golf lessons as Owen tried to turn him into the sporting hero that he was at school, but Taran just wanted to draw and build things. You know, he made the most wonderful model houses out of wood. That’s what he really enjoyed doing.’
Daisy thought of her father and the model buildings he loved to make. ‘Being creative is a gift,’ she said.
‘I agree. Owen should have been proud. Taran’s talent was obvious very early on. But he had his eye on his farm and everything Taran did that foretold a different kind of future panicked him. He wanted Taran to take over after he . . .’ Her eyes overflowed again with tears.
Daisy put a hand on her arm. ‘I’m sure he will honour his father’s wishes,’ she said, although she wasn’t sure at all. She barely knew him. ‘I can’t imagine not loving this place. It’s so beautiful.’
Lady Sherwood smiled at her gratefully. ‘I’m so glad you’re here, Daisy. Isn’t it lucky that we lent you the barn? Fate, I think. Because I’m not alone. Oh, I have Sylvia, of course, and she’s a nice presence to have helping around the house. But you’re different. You’re a friend. I’m very glad you’re here.’
‘I’m glad I can help. If there’s anything I can do . . .’
‘Your company is all I require.’ Lady Sherwood took a sip of coffee and grimaced because it was cold.
‘Let me make you another one,’ Daisy suggested and Lady Sherwood didn’t dissuade her.
She sighed wearily. ‘I have to arrange the funeral. A cremation is what he would want. He’s got such a large family with all those sisters, it’s bound to be a big affair. I’m not sure I can stomach it. Then there’s the will. I’m glad Taran is coming. I can’t deal with all that on my own. I don’t understand anything about the estate, or the farm.’
‘Don’t worry about that now. Taran will take care of the business side, I’m sure. As for the funeral, I’m very happy to help. I’m an organized, efficient person when I put my mind to it. We can do it together, if you like. A problem shared is a problem halved.’
Lady Sherwood’s eyes filled with gratitude. ‘You are a godsend, Daisy. I would really appreciate that. If you wouldn’t mind. I’m not sure where to begin.’ She gave a little smile. ‘I’m thoroughly spoiled, you see. Owen took care of everything.’
‘We’ll book the crematorium first and take it from there.’ Daisy brought Lady Sherwood her coffee and sat down beside her.
‘I don’t want anyone besides close family at the crematorium. I don’t think I want to share that moment with other people.’
‘I understand.’
Lady Sherwood put a hand on Daisy’s arm. ‘I’m keeping you from your work.’
‘Please don’t worry about that. I can’t draw all day and anyway Bridget Williams can wait for her bulldog.’
‘I’ll have to arrange a service in the church for Owen’s friends, and so the local people can pay their respects. Owen was dearly loved.’
‘He really was. My parents and grandmother speak very highly of him.’
‘That’s nice to hear.’ There was a long pause. Lady Sherwood stared into her coffee and Daisy wondered whether she was going to leave this one to get cold as well. ‘What