Harry chuckled. “Fair enough. Your groundskeeper told me he's seen lights among the trees and asked if I'd look into it. People have been known to use places like this for unlawful practices, usually without the owner’s permission or knowledge.”
Baxter nodded. "Clayton told me that he spoke to you, but there's nothing to be concerned over. What he saw was perfectly natural."
"Care to enlighten us?" Harry asked.
“I have delicate experiments ongoing among those trees, Mr. Hogan. There are security cameras everywhere, and a highly sophisticated alarm system. I would know if anyone but myself went out there.”
“May I ask what kind of experiments?” Harry asked.
"I studied botany and then became an herbalist. My family are all business tycoons, high finance, and they always dismissed my career choice as insignificant. When I came to live in the guest cottage on my grandparents old estate they were all happy to see me go. I think I was becoming an embarrassment to them."
"Where do the lights come in?" Bertie asked.
"Most plants need insects for pollination. The lights that Clayton saw were a special breed of fireflies that I introduced. It took them a couple of years to mature and become acclimatized, but they appear to be doing quite well."
"It's a free country. Everyone is free to choose his or her own career path," Harry said. "And what's wrong with botany?"
"The botany was bad enough, but I have my degree, so at least I could be introduced as Dr. Baxter. However, when I chose to specialize in horticulture, they thought I'd gone soft in the head. They said it was silly, that growing herbs and other plants is okay as a hobby, but not a suitable career for a Morton descendant."
"Rubbish!" Bertie exclaimed. "People should do what interests them and gives them satisfaction. I'll bet more than one member of your family has a therapist on speed-dial."
Baxter laughed. "Practically all of them and, as I reminded them - I'm also half Baxter. I don't need to work to support myself, which you probably know," he said. "Instead, I work for personal satisfaction and to help others where I can. I have more than I need and no descendants to leave it to."
"I'm sure there are relatives you can leave it to," Harry said.
Baxter nodded. "And they'd love to get it, but they can't handle what they already have." He shook his head. "My lawyers have a list of charitable and other worthwhile causes, which receive yearly anonymous donations." His lips curved in a rare smile. "I prefer to see money put to good use."
"By the way,” Harry said, “I suppose you've heard that your uncle's ghost has been seen walking among the old trees on the estate.”
Baxter laughed. "My grandfather and my uncle both loved those old trees. I like to think they'd be pleased that I'm following in their footsteps. As far as I'm concerned, they're both welcome to walk among the trees anytime."
"I've heard you resemble them both," Harry said.
“Perhaps.” With a smile, Baxter picked up his hat and walked away, whistling softly.
Bertie looked at Harry. "Do you think he's the ghost," she said.
"I'll never tell," Harry said with a grin as Baxter turned and waved at them.
Bertie laughed. "He's still too perfect."
