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And it was easy. She fell asleep, the sound of Peter’s breathing comforting rather than a distraction. She had a great sleep, the nervous tension of the day ensuring she fell asleep immediately, she was out like a light. It was objectively funny the following morning when everything went totally according to the script. Her maid opened the door, she heard the ‘eek’ of surprise and the door closing again. Elizabeth smiled as she imagined the maid off to spread the news that the Master was still in the Mistress’ bed.

The blood on her thighs, cleaned and washed away in front of her maid, was not that embarrassing. If this was a ‘proper’ wedding then it would be exactly the same. Peter had planned for everything and between her bathing and the laundry of both nightgown and sheet, there was not one sliver of doubt in the minds of any of the staff. Several of them were impressed that the old man still had it in him.

If only they knew.

--

“Elizabeth can I ask something of you?”

“Of course. How can I help you?”

“I would like to sleep with you every night.”

“Er, why? I mean of course I am happy to have you in my bed but I was led to believe it is not the normal behaviour of married couples.”

“I know. The truth is that I slept better with you beside me. I was less restless and I get a better sleep.”

Elizabeth felt a strange emotion bloom in her heart.

“I comfort you?”

“Yes.”

With a younger man, she would have sat in his lap but she made do by snuggling up close and kissing her husband gently on the cheek.

“I am pleased beyond words that I can provide you such comfort. I have worried that you have entered into such a one-sided bargain. Allowing you to sleep beside me is but a trifle compared to everything I owe you.”

The first month of their marriage was busy. Every day the two of them talked through the management of the estate. Part of the issue was the Baron was not strong enough to spend the days needed to take her round the estate. Instead the Steward was brought to the study and he explained to Elizabeth about the estate surrounding Napier Hall. Elizabeth left to deal with a domestic matter and the Steward was asked to remain by Lord Napier.

“I am two months away from turning 78 years old. My time on this earth is limited. I am asking you direct whether you will be as efficient and true to Lady Napier as you have been to me.”

Rather than be offended the Steward nodded. The question was not unexpected.

“I have heard Mr. Lawrence has appointed an Agent to deal with all the estates. My only surprise is the timing, I thought he would wait until you had passed.”

Napier smiled and nodded in turn.

“I might be able to bugger about for a season or two, but I would be out on my ear within a year. It will be strange taking orders from a woman, there is no doubt about that, but you have treated me and my family very well. The Mistress is a young lass and she will outlast me. Not only will I deal with her right and fair, I will teach my lad the same. The job will not be his if he cannot work for a woman.”

“Thank you Jeffries.”

“I know it is not my place and you will tell me no details, but what if there is a new master?”

“You may tell all who ask that there has been provision made so that the estate is secure. To you, and you alone, I mention the word ‘Trust’.”

Jeffries nodded, his smile broad and genuine.

“Thank you my Lord.”

The inhabitants of an estate, and those who depended on it for their livelihood, wanted nothing more than stability. This ensured it. He left, bowing to Elizabeth as he passed her in the hall.

“All dealt with?”

“Yes. He had already heard, without me saying anything about the Agent reporting to Lawrence. As he said, he could bugger about for a season or two but would be found out within a year. He is the third generation Jeffries to be Steward of these lands and has a teenage son who he hopes will follow him. That there will be some issues is not in doubt, but they will not be anything fundamental. I rarely visited the other estates, and have not in several years. There is a, perhaps best described as a roving Steward, that manages the four of them. They are all within half a day of each other. He has already been visited by the Agent and understands that theft or ignoring the wishes of the Mistress will not be tolerated. The Agent is due here next week and you will be introduced to him.”

“What is his name?”

“A Mr. Wright. I do not know which trade his predecessors plied but he is an educated man. He was the bailiff on an estate and was being taken for granted, his suggestions ignored. Lawrence heard about him and poached him away.”