The manor had grown quieter since Shannon left for Blackthorn Keep, but quiet did not mean idle.
Tara and Therese kept the house running with the same discipline they had shown in lean months. Even now, with Theodore's inheritance unlocked, they worked as though no coin had fallen into their hands.
The storerooms were checked twice a week. Chickens were counted at dawn, cattle led to pasture at first light, root crops dug and weighed before the evening meal. The same number of servants carried out their duties with care, no sign of waste or laxness from anyone.
When Tristan entered the hall with Mira at his side, he found his mother bent over a slate of household supplies, while his sister compared the livestock tallies recorded from the pens. Both looked up, surprised to see him with fresh papers tucked under his arm.
"We need to talk," Tristan said, laying the papers on the table.
