“There is but one way to find out,” Leonard replied and set into motion again. Sally hesitated for a second and then appeared to skip a step to keep pace, a flinch flashing across her face.
“Are you okay?” He looked at her up and down but she nodded.
“Yes, my ankle … I suppose I did not land as gracefully yesterday as I had hoped when I came sailing down from the steps in the library,” she said though he saw that she appeared in discomfort.
Before Leonard could inquire further, Mr. Keller had closed the distance between them. His hands pressed against his knees as he caught his breath.
“Your … Grace … I thought … it was you. Bless the …Lord,” he gasped.
“Mr. Keller, what in the world is the meaning of this?” Leonard asked, alarmed by the man’s appearance. Sweat pearls clung to his bushy eyebrows and came lose as he straightened up, running down his red face. His usually trimmed beard was overgrown with stubble and his cheeks had sunken in. The man’s hollow eyes fell to Sally and he quickly bowed low. “Your Grace, I beg your pardon for my rudeness, I did not … Your Grace, an honor to meet you. I….”
Sally stepped forward and beckoned him to stand straight.
“There is no need for formality just now, Mr. Keller,” she said with resolve that commanded Leonard’s attention. “Are you unwell?”
Mr. Keller, clutching his worn hat, approached them hesitantly. “Oh, Your Grace, forgive the intrusion. I’ve come seeking assistance. It is not I who is unwell. Well, a little purposes but it is my family... they’re the ones who are not well.”
Leonard observed Mr. Keller’s trembling hands and furrowed brow, recognizing the signs of genuine distress. He marveled at Sally’s instinct to address the man’s concerns immediately, her empathy evident in every word she spoke.
“Please, Mr. Keller, tell us what’s wrong.” Sally offered.
“It’s my wife and children, Your Grace. They’ve fallen ill with a terrible cough. We’ve tried everything and the surgeon, Mr. Lucas, has been by but none of his remedies have worked. At first it was just my eldest, Charlie, who was ill but then Bessie caught it and now my Elizabeth,” his voice hitched and he gulped, bottom lip trembling.
‘What can I do? It was me you came to see, was it not?” Leonard asked.
“Yes … I … I wanted to ask if you might be able to help. I …and I can’t afford to pay the physician Mr. Lucas suggested I consult to tend to them. And with the loss of so many sheep... we’re struggling to make ends meet,” Mr. Keller explained, a quiver strangling the words coming out of his throat.
“Loss of sheep?” Sally asked, directing her attention to Leonard.
“There was an illness and Mr. Keller as well as some of the other farmers lost much of their livestock.”
“His Grace was kind enough to allow me and the other sheep farmers on the estate forgo rent until we recover, and also helped us replenish our livestock. It was such a help, but … the illness … I asked at the church but their coffers are empty, or so the vicar says and …” This time, his voice was swallowed by tears and he pressed his lips together.
“Mr. Keller, I wish you’d come to me sooner. You know I stand ready to help,” Leonard said, unable to keep a bit of rebuke out of his words.
“I spoke to Lord Finch last week but he said that you were very busy with your wedding and not to disturb you. He sent around someone with a basket of food, which was kind but … I didn’t want to bother him again or you but last night Bessie and Elizabeth both did not sleep a wink and I am afraid they have a fever now.”
Leonard closed his eyes, wishing Aaron had told him of this situation. He appreciated that Aaron tried his best. But he didn’t care for the fact he’d told Mr. Keller he was too busy with his wedding. Since his father’s death, Leonard had made it his mission to always be there for his tenants, no matter what. He didn’t want them to feel they could not come to him. Aaron would have to be told – besides, this was not Aaron’s responsibility, he was not master over these tenants, Leonard was.
“Lord Finch is my partner in business, regarding the vineyards, Mr. Keller. Not the estate. If you cannot find myself or my steward, you may approach Mr. Barnes, the butler, or Mrs. Farnsworth in future, yes?”
Mr. Keller nodded. “I will. I … I didn’t want to be a bother.”
‘You would never,” Sally said quickly. “Any nobleman ought to care for their tenants, and as you can see His Grace certainly does.”
Leonard’s lips parted and he smiled at the compliment. Somehow, Sally seemed to see something in him he could not. He knew he tried his best to be a good man, a good landlord – but he never could ignore that nagging feeling deep within that told him he’d turn out just like his father. For now, he pushed that feeling aside, focusing on what was truly important.
“We’ll do whatever we can to assist you and your family through this difficult time.” Leonard assured. “Mr. Keller, I’ll send my physician to your home right away,” he said quickly.
“That is very kind, Your Grace, but … I can’t pay, that is the trouble,” Mr. Keller said, his hands curled around his hat as he pressed it so hard his knuckles popped white.
“Don’t concern yourself with payment. Your family’s health is my priority.” Leonard hated that this man even had to fret about finances. He had clearly failed as a Duke if his tenants were struggling financially. Here he was, going all around the continent to pay restitutions for his father’s errors and his own tenants at home were struggling.
I should have known the help I gave thus far was not enough. Is this a sign that I am turning into my father? Doing good only to the point where it gratifies me and not truly caring?
“I shall go back to your home with you,” Sally’s words tipped him out of his thoughts.Go with him?
“What … That is not necessary, Yours Grace,” Mr. Keller said at once, beating Leonard to it.
