Page 86 of Rejection and Redeemed

“Here you go then,” Joe said, pulling the walker closer to the bed.

Jacob stood up. “See you in a bit.”

Fran arrived backat the castle just walking in as Clairmont was descending the stairs.

“Welcome back, Francis. How was the hospital?”

“Busy. Rose Merchant died earlier. I need to let Uncle Berni know.”

“His Grace and your father, along with Christine and Fintan, are in the smaller dining room having lunch. I have just taken food up to Joe and Jacob.”

“Thanks. I’ll go and say hello and then see Jacob. Where’s Ezzy?”

“Lord Ezmond is out and about with Her Grace today. Why don’t you have lunch with the others, then His Grace and your father can fill you in on everything that’s going on.”

Fran thought for a moment. “Yeah that would make sense. Thanks, Clairmont. Are you all rested?”

“I am. I was fine with just the morning off,” the butler said, starting to walk towards the smaller dining room.

Fran touched his arm. “Good, but we’ve created more work for you.”

Clairmont scoffed. “It varies the days,” he replied, opening the door for Fran.

“Hey family,” Fran said, smiling at everyone.

Finn jumped up and hugged him. “You alright?”

Fran nodded and hugged him back before pulling back. “I am. I’ve just come from the hospital.” He looked at his uncle. “Rose died not long ago.”

“Bless her. She’s back with Ike now,” Berni said, as both Finn and Fran sat at the table.

Food was passed to Fran and he filled his plate before digging in.

“Everything is ready for her funeral. We’ll have it in three days,” Berni said. “I know she was loved by so many, but sheasked for a private funeral with just our family and she didn’t want a wake.”

“Rose wasn’t really a party person so that’s not surprising,” Frank added, before eating some peas.

“How’s Jacob?” Berni asked, putting his cutlery on his empty plate. “I’ve not been in to see him yet today.”

“So much better. He was over the moon having proper food and coffee. He also had a shower, but that exhausted him and he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Robbie said if Jacob can make it downstairs and outside tomorrow he could shift,” Fran groaned to himself as he bit into his roast beef, his very rare, perfectly cooked roast beef

“That’s good news,” Berni said.

“I love the fact you’re moving into the castle,” Finn said, grinning at him.

“It’ll be fun,” Fran agreed.

“I have a builder coming in tomorrow to start the building work for your suites.”

“Thanks,” both Frank and Fran said.

“I need to pack my house up.” Fran frowned a little.

“We can help you,” Christine offered.

Finn nodded. “We can totally help.”

“Do you know what you’re going to do with your house?” Berni asked.