"I can manage," Marianne said firmly, still not looking at Alaric.
"No one should have to manage a damaged roof in winter," Alaric said. "I'll have materials sent over this afternoon."
"I don't need..."
"It's not charity, Mrs. Whitby. It's a landlord's responsibility to maintain the properties on his estate."
"The bakery isn't part of the estate anymore. You gave me the deed, remember?"
"Then consider it neighbourly assistance."
"I don't need assistance."
"Everyone needs assistance sometimes."
They were looking at each other now across the room full of fascinated villagers who were watching this exchange like it was a theatrical performance.
"Fine," Marianne said finally. "But I'm paying for the materials."
"We can discuss that later."
"We'll discuss it now. I pay my own way."
"As you wish."
"I do wish."
"Then it's settled."
"It's not settled until we agree on the price."
"Market rate."
"Fair market rate, not duke market rate."
"Is there a difference?"
"Dukes tend to overpay for things because they don't know better."
"This duke knows exactly what things cost."
"Since when?"
"Since five days ago when he started actually paying attention."
Someone in the crowd, it sounded like Thomas, whispered loudly, "they're flirting!"
"We are not flirting!" Marianne said, her face now bright red. "We're negotiating!"
"Aggressively negotiating," someone else added.
"All negotiating with Marianne is aggressive," Mrs. Morrison observed. "It's part of her charm."
"Can we please return to estate business?" Marianne asked, sinking lower in her chair.
The meeting continued for another hour, but the atmosphere had shifted. The tension had been broken by that exchange, and people seemed more willing to believe that this new version of their duke might actually be worth trusting.
As the meeting ended and people began to file out, Alaric noticed Marianne trying to slip away unnoticed. He caught up with her at the door.
