Read Online Miss Farrow's Feathers by Susan Gee Heino - Free Book Online Page A

upward. “Assisting with the parrot? I was unaware there was anything wrong with the bird.”
    “Bartholomew’s fine,” Miss Farrow informed. “But it’s his language, of course. Papa decided we needed to bring in a trainer to reform him.”
    Mr. Perkins actually seemed interested. “I see. And have you had much success, Mr. Shirley?”
    “Some,” Max re plied.
    “Very little,” Miss Farrow chimed over top of his reply. “Bartholomew spouts his rubbish all hours of the day and we are yet to make heads or tails of any of it.”
    “But we are trying,” Max finished, determined not to let her malign his competence, despite the fact he admittedly had none—in the area of parrot training, at least. “These things take time.”
    “Well, I’m sure that his lordship appreciates all your effort,” Mr. Perkins said. “He will undoubtedly be happy to reunite with the bird once he’s arrived back at the manor.”
    Even Miss Farrow seemed surprised to hear this. “Reunite at the manor? Do you suppose Ni—the new earl will wish to keep his grandfather’s parrot for himself?”
    Mr. Perkins shrugged. “It would stand to reason he might. The bird was very dear to his grandfather, after all. True, his language is abhorrent, but for sentiment’s sake, I would imagine the new earl will want the bird back.”
    Miss Farrow chewed her lip. “Right away, do you suppose?”
    "I don't see why not, especially if Mr. Shirley has not been achieving success with his training."
    "But I have," Max argued, pointlessly. "Some."
    "Then his lordship will undoubtedly thank you," Mr. Perkins said cheerfully then headed for the door. "I will inform my employer of these new developments."
    His employer? Ah, so Mr. Perkins worked for cousin Nigel. Max wondered what Nigel would do if he knew just how closely his associate was attending his duties.
    "I'm sure we will be happy to see the new earl reunited with Bartholomew," Miss Farrow said, following her guest to the door. "And thank you so much for your visit today, Mr. Perkins."
    "Indeed it was my pleasure," the man said, turning to face her and give Max a dismissive nod. "And a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shirley. I must be about my business now, but I look forward to seeing you again, Miss Farrow."
    She gave no hint of looking forward to the same as she returned his nod. "Yes, thank you, Mr. Perkins."
    Once again Max was impressed by her coolness. She actually showed more emotion at the mention of the offensive parrot being dislodged from her home than she had at the veiled reference to her scheduled liaison with the bland Mr. Perkins. Who was the fellow that he should presume to know what Nigel would or would not wish to do with their grandfather's prized parrot? Especially if it the good reverend had been specifically entrusted with the bird by the old man himself?
    It was all very odd. Max would most definitely be interested in learning more about Mr. Perkins and this entire situation.
    " Mr. Perkins is steward at Lord Glenwick's estate," Miss Farrow kindly informed Max once the door was shut behind the man and they were alone.
    Ah, that explained things. Somewhat. But whatever happened to Mr. Hastey, the steward Max remembered from his own days at Glenwick? He very nearly asked, but of course that would have enlightened Miss Farrow that he had some connection to the place and he most certainly was not ready for that. Not now, when he was only just getting some solid evidence to prove his suspicions.
    "Ah, I see," Max said, although of course he truly didn't.
    Miss Farrow didn't seem to care one way or another, though. "If you'll excuse me, Mr. Shirley, I have, er, things to tend."
    He bowed politely and stepped aside to allow her access to the stairway. "Yes, I'm sure that you do, Miss Farrow."
    She frowned at him, then shrugged and scurried past, trotting upstairs to tend whatever it was she needed to tend in preparation for her evening's plans. He almost felt sorry for her, knowing