‘Are there any implications for the estate regarding death duties?’ asked Lord de Neville.
‘No, the law stipulates that if a minor is under 18 and a trust has been established, there’s no inheritance tax if the assets in the trust are set aside just for bereaved minor, i.e. Lara.
‘It is also dependent on Lara becoming fully entitled to the assets by the age of 18.’
‘She shall be a very wealthy young lady.’
‘Indeed, she will be Lord de Neville.’
‘I understand that Lara will continue to reside at Westmoreland but what should we do with the other properties?’ asked Mrs Humphries.
‘Raby Castle is situated on 200 acres of prime farming land, it is more than self-sufficient, and therefore I think the property should be retained. The London townhouse and the Nice villa are both being leased and generate excellent revenue. Therefore, I recommend the property portfolio be retained.’
‘Thank you Sir Horace, I agree,’ said Mrs Humphries.
‘As you all are aware Mrs Humphries is headmistress at St Leonards Girl’s School in Somerset. We are not only fortunate to have her as a trustee she will also be reporting on Lara’s progress, both scholarly and mentally at each meeting.
‘Miss Forsyth has made a request to the trust. Apparently, Lara’s father promised her a pony upon his return from America. Miss Forsyth requires a sum of £200 to purchase a suitable pony plus tack. Are we all in agreement?’
All trust members nodded their approval.
‘Good. Mr Harmsworth, would you be kind enough to transfer funds to the house account, please.
‘Well, I think we have finished business for this meeting. May I suggest we meet again in December unless there is urgent business that requires attention.’
The Countess and Princess
Chapter 6
Lisbeth was notified that the trust had approved the purchase of a pony for Lara to ride the grounds of Westmoreland. There were extensive horse trails winding through the estate, more than enough to keep a girl and her pony happy.
Lisbeth made her way to Westmoreland’s large oak barn where she knew Mr Bryant would be at this time of day cleaning the stables and providing fresh hay for the twenty thoroughbred horses owned by the de Neville estate.
‘Mr Bryant may I please have a word?’
‘Certainly, Ma’am.’
‘Firstly I think we should address each other by our Christian names at least while we are alone.’
‘Sounds fair to me, Lisbeth.’
‘Excellent, Peter. Now what I want to talk to you about is finding and acquiring a pony for young Lara.’
‘I see, do you have any particular breed in mind?’
‘I believe a Connemara pony would be an excellent choice.’
‘You’ve chosen well Lisbeth. The Connemara is an intelligent, manageable, and exceptionally kind pony. Perfect for a young beginner.’
‘The trust has allocated £200 for the pony and tack. Do you think that will be enough?’
‘That should just about cover it. So do you want me to go ahead and find a suitable animal?’
‘Yes please, I’m sure you’ll choose the right horse.’
A week had passed by when Lisbeth received a telephone call from Peter Bryant informing her of the purchase of a Connemara pony with a full tack for £180. Lisbeth was delighted. She wanted to keep it as a surprise for Lara but knew it would be difficult to keep the news to herself for too long.
The pony arrived at Westmoreland stables on Friday, September 7 and Peter housed it in a stall next to the most placid horse in the stables, Bonnie.
The next day the nanny suggested to Lara that they take a walk to the stables and say hello to the horses. This was a regular occurrence and one that Lara enjoyed immensely.
‘Nanny, take a look in this stall it seems there is a new pony.’
‘Oh isn’t it beautiful. I wonder if it’s a girl or a boy?’
‘Judging by its pretty face I’d guess it’s a girl.’
‘Can I pat it, Nanny?’
‘Why don’t I ask Mr Bryant to take it out of the stall then we can both pat it.’
‘Yes, that would be great.’
The caretaker put a bridle on the pony and led her out of the stall so Lara could get close. Both Peter and Lisbeth were touched by the affection Lara showed the pony.
‘What’s her name, Mr Bryant?’
‘Well, that depends on what you decide to call her.’
‘What does he mean, Nanny?’
‘He means that this is your pony darling. You choose a name.’
‘Mine, are you saying this is my pony?’
‘Yes that’s right, it’s yours.’
‘Mummy and Daddy promised me a pony when they came home from America. They must be home!’
Lara left her pony and ran out of the stables heading for the manor. She was sure her parents had returned from America – they weren’t in heaven after all. Lisbeth followed her into the house. The excited girl was running from room to room calling out for her mummy and daddy. Finally, she slumped on the floor crying.
‘Lara darling it’s all right Mummy and Daddy are still in heaven. They wanted you to have the pony so whenever you take her for a ride, you will think of them.’
‘I always think of them Nanny – I miss them.’
‘I know you do, we all do.’
Lisbeth stayed with Lara consoling her until she asked to see the pony again. They walked to the stables and up to the stall where the pony was once again housed.
‘I’m going to call her Princess, that’s what Daddy called me.’
‘That’s a lovely name she looks like a princess.
Lara and her nanny went riding through the estate at every possible opportunity, the young girl on Princess and Nanny on Bonnie.
Lara enjoyed her first year at St Leonards Girls School. She made many friends. However, her best friend remained Megan, who she met on her first day at school.
She was coping well with her lessons and she also excelled at sport. However, the orphan girl was still grieving for her parents.
December 1948
The students in Lara’s class put on a Christmas play for parents and family in mid-December. She played one of the three wise men and looked the part with colourful flowing robes and a full beard. Although she enjoyed being part of the pantomime, the young orphan was conscious that her Mummy and Daddy weren’t in the audience applauding. Her nanny attended, but it wasn’t quite the same.
St Leonards broke up for the Christmas holidays on December 20th and snow was falling when Lisbeth arrived in the estate’s car. Mr Spencer the Westmoreland driver opened the door for the young countess, and they made their way back to the estate.
‘So darling, are you looking forward to the holidays?’ asked Lisbeth.
‘I think so although I’ll miss seeing Megan and the other girls.’
‘Well, I have a surprise for you! Megan will be coming to visit us on Boxing Day and staying for a whole week.’
‘Really