Page 18 of A Shadow Amongst the Roses

The steward nodded. “Yes, my lady. Temporary allowances were made.”

“Temporary,” Eliza repeated. “But the language here would make the reduction permanent.”

“It would,” the steward agreed. “That is the intention.”

“And the tenants were consulted?”

Nathaniel shifted. “They were informed.”

Eliza’s attention did not leave the page. “Informed is not the same as consulted.”

“No,” Ashwood said quietly. “It is not.”

Nathaniel glanced at him, irritation flickering before smoothing away. “The estate cannot be governed by committee.”

“Nor should it be governed by assumption,” Eliza replied, her tone even. “These holdings have remained productive because their tenants trust the terms under which they work. Altering those terms without dialogue invites instability.”

Thornhaven had survived several poor harvest seasons only because Adrian’s tenants had trusted the estate would keep its word even when circumstances became difficult. After his death, Eliza had worked too closely with stewards and tenant families alike not to understand how quickly confidence could fracture once people believed promises might shift without warning.

The steward frowned slightly. “With respect, my lady, such discussions can delay necessary reform.”

“Then perhaps the reform is not yet ready,” Eliza said.

Across the room, Eleanor set her teacup down.

She did not speak. She did not intervene. She did not look to Nathaniel. She looked only at Eliza.

Nathaniel cleared his throat. “Eliza, no one is suggesting harm. Only efficiency.”

“Efficiency without trust is costly,” Eliza said, already knowing the numbers would prove it. “You’ll see that reflected in the accounts within two seasons.”

Ashwood leaned forward slightly. “She’s correct.”

Nathaniel stiffened. “You agree?”

Ashwood met his gaze calmly. “I agree that destabilizing reliable tenants in the name of expedience often creates the very losses one hopes to avoid.”

The steward hesitated. “What would you suggest instead, my lady?”

Eliza turned a page. “That the allowances be extended for a fixed term, with clear benchmarks for review. That the tenants be consulted before changes are finalized. And that any permanent adjustment reflect shared risk rather than unilateral correction.”

The steward considered. “That would require additional oversight.”

“I’m aware,” Eliza said. “I can assist in drafting the language.”

Nathaniel opened his mouth.

Eleanor rose.

The room stilled at once.

“I think,” Eleanor said, her voice calm and unhurried, “that Eliza has answered the question that was brought before us.”

She moved toward the door, her steps steady. “If there are further points to consider, I trust they can be addressed now.”

She did not look back.

The steward bowed slightly. “Of course, Your Grace.”