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Daphne reached for her cup of tea. “Tell me, Mr. Bradshaw, are the tenants in a position to pay more?”
“They are not,” he replied. “Some of them are struggling just to keep food on the table.”
“Then I would prefer to look elsewhere for additional revenue.”
“Which leads us back to updating your equipment,” Mr. Bradshaw said. “It would be an investment, but I believe it would pay off greatly in the future.”
“You should see to it, then.”
Mr. Bradshaw bobbed his head in approval. “I believe that to be a wise decision, Miss Locke.” He reached for another piece of paper. “I should note that another of your tenants, Mrs. Cooley, fell this past week and broke her arm.”
“What terrible news,” Daphne said. “I shall have a basket made up and delivered to her tomorrow.”
“That is kind of you.”
“It is the least I can do for Mrs. Cooley,” she replied. “Her husband was a footman at our home for many years before his death.”
Mr. Bradshaw reached for his satchel and placed the papers inside. “Is there anything else you wish to discuss?”
“Frankly, I am not sure,” she admitted. “I am beginning to see what a huge responsibility this is.”
Mr. Bradshaw gave her an understanding nod. “I know this may be overwhelming, but I have no doubt you shall catch on quickly.”
“I appreciate your confidence in me.”
“It is my pleasure,” he replied, rising. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have a never-ending list of tasks that I need to see to.”
Daphne placed her teacup onto the tray and rose. “Thank you, Mr. Bradshaw.”
“You don’t have to keep thanking me, Miss,” he said. “I am just doing my job.”
After he left, she dropped back down onto the settee in a very unladylike manner. Running an estate was much more difficult than she had ever imagined. Mr. Bradshaw had brought up issues she had never even considered before, such as drainage for the fields.
She wasn’t afraid of hard work, and she was grateful for a steward who didn’t object to working with her because of her gender.
Phineas’ voice came from the doorway. “You are going to fail spectacularly, you know.”
“Thank you for that,” Daphne replied dryly.
“Women don’t have a sense for business,” he said as he walked further into the room. “It is a well-known fact.”
“I disagree,” she replied. “Grandmother has been running this estate since Grandfather passed away.”
“True, but she is a widow.”
“What difference does that make?”
“Widows are more serious in nature.”
Daphne gave him an exasperated look. “That is the most ridiculous thing I have heard all day.”
“I’m afraid it is true,” Phineas said as he came to sit across from her. “Your main priority should be to find a husband, not run an estate.”
“Now you want me to marry?”
Phineas shrugged. “I want you to be happy, Cousin.”
“No, you don’t,” she replied. “It is eating you up inside that Grandmother has made me her heir.”
