Page 103 of From Unwanted to Duchess
EPILOGUE
Three Months Later
The September sun streamed through the windows of the drawing room at Ellery Hall as James stood beside Frances, watching Mr. Henderson from Somerset Trust make his final notes.
They had just completed a tour of the entire estate—the farms, the cooperative storehouse, the fields where the rotation system Frances had suggested was already showing promising results. Mr. Morrison had presented detailed accounts. Mr. Sweeting, representing the farmers, had spoken eloquently about the changes that had been implemented.
And now, as the four men stood in the drawing room, James felt something he hadn’t felt in a very long time when it came to matters concerning Somerset Trust—hope.
“Well,” Mr. Henderson said, closing his leather portfolio, “I must say, Your Grace, I am most impressed with what I have seen today.”
“I am glad to hear it,” James replied.
“The cooperative system is quite ingenious,” Mr. Henderson continued. “The farmers working together rather than competing with one another—it is a novel approach, and it is clearly yielding results.”
“That was my wife’s idea,” James said, placing a hand on Frances’s back. “She saw immediately what I had overlooked for years—that our strength lies in unity, not in isolation.”
Frances blushed. “I merely suggested it. James, Mr. Sweeting, and Mr. Morrison are the ones who implemented it.”
“And I,” Mr. Sweeting spoke up, stepping forward, “would like to say that Her Grace has been a true blessing to this estate. She has treated us farmers with respect and dignity, and she has worked tirelessly to improve conditions not only for us but also for everyone who lives and works here.”
“As has His Grace,” Morrison added. “He is very committed to making this estate what it once was—nay, better than it once was.”
Mr. Henderson nodded. “I can see that. And I will be putting in a most favorable report to the board.”
James felt Frances’s hand slip into his, squeezing gently.
“I must be honest with you, Your Grace,” Mr. Henderson continued. “There are some older gentlemen on the board who were very fond of your late father. They have been… shall we say, less than enthusiastic about the changes you have made. It is they who have put the most pressure on you regarding marriage and other matters.”
“I see,” James said carefully.
“However,” Mr. Henderson gave a slight smile, “there is a younger set now who do not see things the same way. We are more concerned with results than with maintaining old alliances. And the results you have achieved here are undeniable.”
“I appreciate your candor,” James allowed.
“I intend to recommend to the board that we ease the restrictions on your management of the estate. You have more than proven yourself capable.”
“That is welcome news,” James said. “Though I must confess, I intend to free myself from Somerset Trust as soon as I can.”
Mr. Henderson did not seem offended. In fact, he nodded. “I suspected as much. And I cannot blame you. The terms that were imposed on this estate were not very fair, to begin with. Your father, God rest his soul, was a poor businessman. Eventhough some of the people on the board were his friends and favored him, they did not trust his business acumen. And unfortunately, you inherited those unfavorable terms along with the estate.”
“Yes,” James said quietly.
“There is another gentleman,” Mr. Henderson revealed. “An earl in Somerset, who recently accomplished what you are hoping to do. He took out a loan from a merchant—a Mr. Cornelius Ashworth—who set quite fair terms. Much more reasonable than what the bank demands. I would be happy to put you in touch with him, if you are interested.”
Frances looked up at him in surprise. “You would recommend your employer’s rival?”
Mr. Henderson smiled. “Your Grace, I only wish to see young, promising gentlemen such as your husband succeed. Somerset Trust was established to help estates thrive, not to keep them in perpetual bondage. If His Grace can find better terms elsewhere, then I am all for it.”
“That is most generous of you,” Frances said warmly.
“It is merely good sense,” Mr. Henderson replied. “Besides, once His Grace has freed himself and made this estate the success I know it will be, perhaps he will remember the bank favorably and recommend us to others who might benefit from our services under more equitable terms.”
“I shall certainly do so,” James said, extending his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Henderson. Truly.”
They shook hands, and Mr. Henderson gathered his things. “I shall send you Mr. Ashworth’s details within the week. Good day to you both.”
After Mr. Henderson departed, Mr. Sweeting and Mr. Morrison bid their own farewells, leaving James and Frances alone in the drawing room.
