Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

W ith the matter of Adam’s sisters tended to, Beth realized that there was something else entirely to turn her attention to.

She had to settle into her role as Countess, and that in and of itself would prove to be a large task indeed. A countess was expected to host and attend social events, which she had just done, but it was more than that.

She explained as much to Adam, who was more than happy for her to simply be his wife and do as she pleased.

“You do not understand,” she sighed, “Countesses are involved in charitable activities, supporting causes like orphanages, hospitals, or poor relief. Those are important things, you know.”

“Yes, but most only do it to bolster their reputation, rather than it being because they care.”

“Very well, I can see why you might think that, but also as a high-ranking noblewoman, I am expected to set trends in fashion and manners, influencing the behavior and style of those in my social circle. I cannot do that by staying home, can I?”

“Perhaps not, but there is enough for you to do here.”

“I have a housekeeper for that, and you know that.”

“Yes, but you must oversee it all. You should also support my political or estate-related endeavors.”

“While also acting as an intermediary if needed,” she reminded him, “Which is precisely what I wish to do. I want to help you. Furthermore, in your absence, or even alongside you, I can interact with estate tenants, mediate disputes, or other things to help everything work as it should.”

“You are quite the diplomat, aren’t you?”

“Indeed.”

“Well, you certainly do your part to show the nobility to be upstanding. You are the embodiment of what they must all aspire to be, I assure you. In that respect, you are a wonderful Countess, and I have every faith in you. You must know that by now, surely?”

“I do, but I also would like the opportunity to prove it to you.”

“You need not prove anything. I believe you.”

“You might, but what of your tenants? Will they know just how much I wish to help them?”

“I am quite certain that they do, but if you wish to see it for yourself, I suppose there is no harm in you coming with me today. I am to see some tenants about a few matters, and it would be a good start for you, should it be of any interest.”

She felt herself straighten a little.

“That is precisely what I was hoping to hear! Wonderful, we can got this instant, if you wish.”

He chuckled, walking to his study.

“Ensure that you are ready within the hour.”

She was ready to leave within half as much time. At last, she was able to do something befitting her title, and something that would no doubt aid in their endeavors to keep their standing. It was only a meeting with tenants, but it was more than that to Beth. It was a time where she could prove herself to be capable, but she hesitated as she boarded the carriage.

Adam already thought she was capable, and it was true that his tenants would agree with what he said of her, and so who was she doing it all for? Was it for herself, or for someone else entirely?

Regardless, they arrived quickly and Beth immediately set to greeting the tenants.

“Good day,” she said with a curtsey, “My name is Beth Winston, the Countess of Colton, and it is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Harry.”

That was her only response. She blinked at the man that had responded to her, wondering if he would continue.

“Henry,” Adam greeted, “You are just the man that I was hoping to see.”

“A pleasure as always, Adam.”

Beth felt as though the slightest knock would make her crumble. Had he learned nothing from their lessons together? What had possessed him to speak to his tenants in such a manner? He was supposed to be proper towards them, an upstanding man of refinery. Instead, he was speaking to them as though they were friends of his and they were sharing a drink and…

It was working very well indeed.

“So,” he asked, “How are things here for you all?”

“It has been fine. The weather has been mild thus far, and so we have no complaints.”

“You say that as though a change in weather might make things difficult?”

“It likely will. Always does, as you know.”

“Of course. Is there any way we can help?”

“I’ve had a few ideas, but nothing that is truly feasible as it stands. We’re not quite sure what to do, but for now we have no need to consider it all. It isn’t an emergency as yet.”

“Very well, but you must tell me the moment an issue arises.”

“We always do,” Harry laughed gently, “Now, when were you going to tell us about your countess?”

“Ah, my wife. She wished to join me on a visit here. She is rather excited to be of assistance to you all.”

“That’s nice of her. Does she know how any of it works yet?”

“No,” Beth replied, “But I am hoping to learn so that I can help when necessary.”

“How good of you. You know, we haven’t had a countess in years. It’ll be quite a change for all of us, so don’t be too upset if people aren’t best pleased.”

“Years?” She echoed, “What do you mean?”

“Has he not told you? We lost the countess nearly thirty years ago now, and we haven’t had one since. Most of the people here don’t even know what it’s like to have one.”

“It is a change for us all then,” she nodded, “We can all learn together.”

Harry seemed to appreciate being spoken to like that. Beth wondered quite why that was the case, but only for a moment, as she was more interested in hearing what they all had to say.

“I know that you said you would tell us if anything changed,” she continued, “But the Earl and I would like to know how things are now. That way, we are ready in the event of any problems.”

Harry seemed quite surprised at this, but after a moment his expression softened.

“My, you are certainly one to want what is best for us,” he smiled, “Well, we’ve had a lot of success with crops of late, which is why I believe there shall only be an issue if it becomes cold. Our livestock is perfectly happy given all of the space they have, and so all in all, the land we rent from you is performing extremely well.”

“That is wonderful, but are you certain that there are no issues at all?”

He shifted a little, and Beth knew she had been correct.

“You see,” he said slowly, “There’s a family here that has lost the head of their household. It was a fever, you see. Since then, they’ve had some difficulties in meeting rent. We’ve been helping them where we can, but should there be any poor harvests or bad weather, we might find it too difficult to do that.”

Beth looked to Adam, who seemed quite concerned by such a revelation.

“Why didn’t you tell me that, Harry? We could have done something to help, given some leniency to them or a reduction in rent, or a delay in payment. We have options, you know.”

“It’s pride, I suppose. They didn’t want you find out.”

“Why, did they think I would chase them out?”

“Pride, as I said. His wife thinks she can have it all work eventually, once her boys are a bit older. I would agree, but they’re only two-and-ten and five-and-ten. They’re good, but it is not as though they can replace their father.”

“No,” Beth said sadly, “And it must be an awful thing for them to do, especially when this time should be spent thinking of their father. I cannot imagine how their mother feels.”

She turned to Adam again, and this time she was pleased to see some resolve in his eyes.

“We will find something to do for her,” he promised, “And if you could, make me a list of what aid you have given to her family and I shall ensure it is given back to you.”

“But Adam–”

“Harry, this is not your burden to bear. You are all for me to take care of, and that is what I must therefore do. It is noble of you, yes, but that does not mean it is fair.”

“If you insist. Thank you, My Lord.”

“Please, none of those with me. You know that I cannot stand it.”

“I do, but sometimes it is hard to know what to say. I wouldn’t want you to think we do not respect you.”

“I know that you do. However, my wife may prefer to be referred to in a more proper way.”

“No!” She exclaimed, causing both men to look at her, “What I mean is, I am also perfectly happy to be referred to as you please.”

They seemed satisfied with that, and the discussion seemed easier after that. Harry seemed more content to tell them of issues he was aware of, and Beth remembered each and every one of them. She was certain that Adam would also do so, but there was no harm in being of assistance, especially when she had so badly wanted to be.

On their journey home, Beth sat back and sighed. There was a drainage ditch to be placed, a church in need of some maintenance, a school in need of funding, and of course the family that was now without a husband and father.

“It is awful, isn’t it?” She asked.

“The situation here?” Adam replied, “All things considered, it is actually rather good. I have known people in far worse situations. This can all be fixed rather easily, I assure you.”

“I do not mean it like that. I am not trying to say that we will have any difficulties, but that poor mother will.”

“I know, but Beth–”

“She has lost her husband.”

“As did you.”

“Yes, and even though I may not have liked my husband, he was all that I had. When he passed, I was alone. I had thought I knew loneliness during that marriage, but it was when I no longer had the security he offered that I realized just how dangerous it is for a lady.”

“I apologize. I hadn’t considered that.”

“No, because you are a man. You could handle your father’s passing by taking his work for yourself. I never could do that.”

“Perhaps not, but you were excellent help today. I could not have gotten Harry to tell me all of that myself.”

“He would have told you eventually, I am certain of it.”

“I am not. Even if he did, it would have all been at once and all been far more serious than it is now. As it stands, we can find a way to help them all slowly, which is precisely what is needed, and I couldn’t have done that without you. You were right, I shall ask for your assistance more often.”

“In which case, I ought to learn how to speak to people the way that you do. They seem to appreciate it far more than they do when I speak.”

“They are not used to it. Believe me, when I first returned they were hardly happy to see me. I had left them for so long, so it was hardly a surprise. I wonder if that is why they are still cautious when there is an issue. I do want them to trust me, but it will not be something that happens quickly.”

“No, because trust is something to be built,” she replied, looking steadily into his eyes, “But that isn’t to say it cannot be earned.”

“Do you truly believe that?”

“Yes. I believe anyone can be trusted if they give enough reason to be.”

They returned home, and immediately she left for the stairs.

“Where are you going?” Adam called, “I was wondering if you might like to promenade with me?”

“I would love to, but I’m afraid I have too much to do.”

“Beth, it can wait a while, I assure you.”

“No, it cannot. If we are to build trust with them, we must first prove that we are worthy.”

Adam did not argue any further, and so she entered the study, wrote down all of the issues raised, and set about finding solutions. She would be seen as worthy, she was positive about it. If nothing else, she would be seen as a worthy countess.

She would be seen as a worthy wife.