Page 9 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
With measured steps, Higgins approached the desk, unfolding the documents and laying them meticulously in front of Adrian. His hands moved deftly, a testament to his years of experience.
“These tenants have already paid their monthly rent,” he said, reading off the list of names. “There were only two who have not. I have already sent them a letter on your behalf, inquiring that all goes well with their finances, and asking them to contact you if they need assistance, or a little more time to pay.”
Adrian grinned at the steward.
“Perfect,” he said.
Higgins continued.
“And these are business partnership offers you have been sent,” he said. “I shall read them to you. If you hear one you wish to partake in, I shall place the paper down for you to sign.”
Adrian nodded.
“Very good,” he said.
Adrian listened attentively, his acute hearing compensating for the sight he had lost. His sharp mind captured each word, mentally sorting and analyzing the information presented. A ledger might have been just paper and ink to others, but to him, it was a tactile reminder of the responsibilities he bore.
“Thank you, Higgins,” he said. “Respond to Lord Tallson about his wine exportation merger proposal. Tell him if he will consider negotiating the partnership profit split, I will consider his offer. And to Lord Granger, tell him that I already have a profitable investment with another gentleman in the technology trade. Tell him he is welcomed to make an offer and come on as another partner.”
Higgins shuffled the papers again, patting his master on the shoulder.
“As you wish, Your Grace,” he said cheerily.
With patience, he gave Higgins instructions where necessary, his commands clear and decisive. Each decision was calculated, weighed against the future of the estate, the well-being of the staff, and the comfort of his household.
His hand moved in practiced strokes as he signed the necessary documents, guided by Higgins' steady hand. Despite his blindness, his signature was always consistent, a testament to his indomitable spirit and perseverance.
Higgins then turned the discussion towards the current state of supplies and upcoming invoices.
“The supplies of grain and other food items are running low,” he said. “Several invoices from the city merchants are also due.”
“Place an order for the necessary supplies, Higgins,” Adrian commanded, his voice resonating with authority. “And as for the invoices, settle them promptly. Ensure that all our debts are cleared.”
Page after page of records, accounts, and invoices were laid bare before him, each requiring his personal attention and discerning judgment. The decisions were never simple, yet Adrian always approached them with a level of attention and diligence that was admirable. The responsibility of overseeing such extensive property was a daunting task, but it was one that he undertook with unyielding dedication.
The ticking of the antique grandfather clock echoed in the room, marking the passage of hours. Soon, the sun reached its zenith, casting a warm glow that filtered through the study's stained-glass windows, bathing the room in an array of colors. With each passing moment, the confines of the room seemed to close in on Adrian, the usually comforting scent of old parchment and polished wood growing stifling.
Higgins gave one final bow, patting Adrian on the shoulder once more.
“I shall get started overseeing this straightaway,” he said.
Adrian nodded, smiling gratefully.
“Thank you, Higgins,” he said. “I could never do this without you.”
The steward chuckled softly.
“It is a pleasure to be of service, Your Grace,” he said.
As the steward left the room, Adrian sighed heavily. Feeling a need to escape the weight of his responsibilities, if only for a little while, he dismissed the steward, promising to conclude their discussion on the morrow. Stretching his muscles, stiff from the long hours of sitting, he made his way out of the study.
His feet carried him to the courtyard, the crunching gravel underfoot marking a familiar pathway. There, he found Patches, his faithful canine companion, sprawled lazily under the shade of an old elm tree. The image of the dog, his tongue lolling out as he panted in the afternoon heat, brought a genuine smile to Adrian's face.
“Patches,” he called, kneeling down to run a hand over the dog's warm, scruffy coat. The dog's tail thumped against the ground, his amber eyes bright with affection. The bond between them was profound, forged through countless hours of shared solitude and mutual understanding.
With Patches at his side, Adrian felt a soothing calm wash over him. The dog's unquestioning companionship, his silent understanding, provided a comforting balm to Adrian's troubled thoughts. As they ventured further into the sprawling gardens, the burdens of the morning's discussions and the lingering uncertainties about horse riding seemed to dissolve in the warm sunlight, replaced by a moment of tranquility that he desperately needed.
As he walked, Patches' familiar presence by his side, Adrian felt a peculiar sense of anticipation stir within him. The world outside was not as daunting as he'd grown to believe. The prospect of horse riding, of experiencing the exhilarating freedom he once had, did not seem as impossible anymore. It was a small step, one might say, but for Adrian, it was a leap towards confronting the ghosts of his past.
