Page 21 of The Duke’s Christmas Redemption

“The Earl of Westbridge’s estates are among the most profitable in England,” Charlotte pointed out. “Perhaps his methods deserve consideration.”

“His methods require capital we do not currently have at our disposal.” William’s tone grew clipped. “I will not risk this estate’s stability on untested theories.”

“Untested?” Charlotte fought to keep her voice steady despite her rising frustration. “Father has demonstrated the effectiveness of-”

“Enough!” William’s palm slapped against his desk. “I am master here, madam, and I will make decisions about this estate’s management as I see fit. Your duty is to oversee the household and maintain appropriate social connections. I suggest that you confine yourself to those responsibilities.”

The words struck like physical blows. Charlotte felt colour drain from her face as she drew herself up to her full height.

“I see. Thank you for making my position so very clear, Your Grace.”

She turned and walked from the study, her back rigid with hurt pride. Only when she reached her own sitting room did she allow her careful composure to crack. Charlotte sank into a chair, her hands trembling with suppressed emotion. How dare he dismiss her concerns so completely? Yet even through her indignation, she could not forget the brief flash of vulnerability she’d glimpsed when he’d spoken of the estate’s debts.

There was more to his stubborn refusal than mere high-handedness, she was certain of it.

A gentle tap at her door heralded Mrs Walden. The housekeeper entered bearing a tea tray, her expression suggesting that she had anticipated her mistress’ need for solace.

“I took the liberty, Your Grace,” she said, setting out the china with practiced efficiency. “A cup of tea often helps one see matters more clearly.”

Charlotte accepted the offered cup, its familiar warmth somehow comforting.

“Tell me truthfully, Mrs Walden - am I quite wrong to be concerned about the tenant cottages?”

The housekeeper hesitated, choosing her words with care.

“His Grace has worked tirelessly to restore Alverton’s prosperity, my Lady. Perhaps he fears any deviation from his careful plans might threaten that recovery.”

“But surely some repairs need not threaten the entire estate’s stability?” Charlotte set her cup down with a faint click. “I cannot believe that maintaining proper homes for our tenants would lead to ruin.”

“If I might speak freely?” At Charlotte’s nod, Mrs Walden continued. “His Grace was very young when he inherited. The burden of saving Alverton fell entirely on his shoulders, with creditors clamouring at every turn. Such experiences leave their mark on a man’s character.”

Charlotte considered this.

“He fears taking any risk, however small.”

“He fears failing those who depend upon him,” Mrs Walden corrected gently. “As master of Alverton, his every decision affects not just the family’s fortunes, but the livelihood of every soul on the estate.”

The observation gave Charlotte pause. She had witnessed her father’s careful management of their own estates, but he had inherited a prosperous holding, not one teetering on the brink of ruin. What must it have been like for William, at not even twenty, faced with salvaging generations of prosperity from his father’s wreckage?

Still, she could not forget the sight of that sagging roof, that boarded window. There must be some way to address such basic needs without threatening William’s carefully constructed stability.

“I had thought,” Charlotte said quietly, “that as his Duchess, I might be of some assistance in managing the estate’s affairs. That perhaps two minds might find solutions where one alone might falter.”

Mrs Walden poured a fresh cup of tea.

“If I might suggest, Your Grace - His Grace responds well to carefully reasoned arguments, particularly when supported by precise figures. He has little patience for appeals to sentiment, but show him how a proposal might benefit the estate’s prosperity...”

Charlotte straightened in her chair.

“Mrs Walden, would you happen to know if the household accounts from before the late Duke’s passing are still preserved?”

“I believe that Mr Phillips maintains records going back some thirty years, Your Grace. Though I’m not certain that His Grace would approve of you examining such papers.”

“I have no wish to pry into painful matters,” Charlotte assured her. “I merely wonder if understanding how the estate’s resources were previously allocated might help in forming more persuasive proposals for current improvements.”

The housekeeper’s expression held cautious approval.

“A methodical approach might indeed prove more effective than direct confrontation, Your Grace.”