Sebastian straightened in his chair. He had nearly forgotten about the mining rights in the tumult of everything else.
"Lord Vane's initial survey proved most promising," Mr. Thornton continued, producing yet another document. "The coal deposits are substantial…more substantial, in fact, than the preliminary assessment suggested. I have received inquiries from three separate mining concerns interested in pursuing extraction agreements."
"Already?" Lady Fordshire leaned forward, her eyes bright. "That was faster than I anticipated."
"Word travels quickly in certain circles. The survey results were quite favourable, and coal is in high demand." Mr. Thornton spread several papers on the desk. "I have taken the liberty of preparing a comparison of the offers received. The Blackwood Mining Company has proposed the most advantageous terms, a substantial upfront payment, followed by quarterly royalties based on extraction volume. Their reputation for fair dealing is well established, and they have a historyof maintaining good relations with the landowners on whose property they operate."
Sebastian studied the figures Mr. Thornton had compiled. The potential income was significant enough to transform Fordshire Park from a struggling estate to a genuinely prosperous one. Enough to give Lady Fordshire security for the rest of her life. Enough to ensure that Harriet's childhood home would remain in the family for generations.
"This is remarkable," he said. "How did we miss this for so long?"
"The original survey was conducted in 1762," Mr. Thornton replied. "Extraction methods at the time made the deposits impractical to access. The agreement was filed and, unfortunately, forgotten. It was only Lord Vane's thorough review of the estate documents that brought it to light."
"Sebastian found it," Harriet said, her voice warm with something Sebastian wasn't sure he deserved. "He spent hours going through dusty old papers looking for anything that might help."
"I was merely being thorough."
"You were being extraordinary." Harriet's hand found his again under the table. "You always are."
Mr. Thornton, perhaps sensing that the conversation had veered into territory outside his expertise, cleared his throat again. "If it would be acceptable, I would recommend pursuing negotiations with Blackwood Mining Company. Their initial offer is strong, and I believe we can improve the terms further with some careful discussion."
"Please proceed," Lady Fordshire said. "And Mr. Thornton…thank you. For all of this. For everything you've done to help my family through these difficult years."
Mr. Thornton's ears turned slightly pink. "I am merely doing my job, Lady Fordshire."
"You've done considerably more than that, and we all know it." Harriet's smile was warm. "The Fordshire family is in your debt."
"Hopefully not literally," Sebastian murmured, and was rewarded with a sharp elbow to his ribs.
"I believe that concludes the financial review," Mr. Thornton said, beginning to gather his papers with evident relief. "Unless there are any questions?"
"Just one," Lady Fordshire said. "The mining agreement…if we proceed, how long before we might see income from it?"
"The initial payment would be received upon signing, I would estimate within two months, assuming negotiations proceed smoothly. Thereafter, quarterly disbursements based on extraction volume, with the first such payment likely within six months." Mr. Thornton paused, his expression becoming more formal. "It would be, I should note, income belonging to the Fordshire estate specifically. The rights predate Lady Vane's matrimony, and as such, the proceeds would not be subsumed into Lord Vane's holdings."
"I wouldn't expect otherwise," Sebastian said. "The rights belong to this family. I merely helped locate them."
Lady Fordshire's expression softened. "You've done rather more than that, Lord Vane. But I appreciate the sentiment."
Mr. Thornton departed shortly afterward, leaving Sebastian alone with Harriet and her mother. The study felt different now, lighter, somehow, as though a weight had been lifted from the very walls.
"It's really over," Harriet said quietly, almost to herself. "The debt, the uncertainty, the fear of losing everything. It's actually over."
"It is." Lady Fordshire reached out and took her daughter's hand. "Thanks to you. Both of you."
"I didn't do anything," Harriet protested. "Sebastian…"
"Sebastian provided the means. But you provided the courage." Lady Fordshire's gaze was knowing. "Don't think I've forgotten how close you came to accepting Davies's offer. You refused him, Harriet. You chose principle over convenience, even when it seemed impossible. That took strength."
"It took stubbornness."
"Same thing, in my experience." Lady Fordshire rose, smoothing her skirts. "I should see Mr. Thornton out properly and discuss some of the finer points of the mining negotiations. You two should enjoy the afternoon. The weather is fine, and you haven't seen the east gardens yet."
She departed, leaving Sebastian and Harriet alone in the study.
"The east gardens?" Sebastian asked.
"They're where Mama grows her prize roses." Harriet's expression was complicated. "Papa designed them for her, years ago. She's never let anyone change them."
