Page 28 of To Wed a Witch
As Bhaltair began moving her belongings back where they belonged, Sìne sank onto the edge of the huge bed and pressed her hands to her heated cheeks.Her marriage of convenience had just become infinitely more passionate than she'd ever dared imagine.
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Chapter 7 – New Fortunes
Bhaltair leaned backin his chair, satisfaction warming his chest as he reviewed the ledgers.The heavy leather purse beside his elbow—Sìne's dowry—had already begun to transform the fortunes of Clan Ferguson.
A sharp rap at the door interrupted his thoughts."Enter," he called.
Dugald stepped inside, followed by Ada and three men.Their clothes marked them as guild craftsmen, namely, a mason, a carpenter, and a familiar figure in a soot-stained apron.
"The tradesmen ye requested, my laird," Dugald announced."Ada also wants a word about food supplies."
Bhaltair rose and extended his hand to each man in turn, pausing when he reached the blacksmith."Kenneth!Good to see ye again.I hear there's much to be done with the forge."
"Aye, it's in dire need of repairs and supplies.But we'll set it right."He handed over his calculations on a parchment, and Bhaltair scanned the contents, then nodded."I've no doubt."
Bhaltair turned to the mason."Now then, what's the damage to my coffers?"
The mason, a burly man with calloused hands, handed over a piece of parchment with figures on it."That should cover the stonework for the outer walls and several cottages and should be completed within eight sennights."
"And the timber work will need six sennights if the weather holds," added the carpenter, as he handed over his quote for materials."Winter damaged near a dozen roofs, and the Great Hall's rafters need reinforcing."
Bhaltair moved to his desk and withdrew several pouches of coins."Half payment now, half upon satisfactory completion.Can ye all manage that?"
The three men exchanged glances and nodded in unison.
"Excellent."Bhaltair counted out the relevant amounts for each tradesman and handed them each a pouch."Then we have an agreement."
As they filed out, coins secured and work promised, Dugald lingered with Ada."Shall I see to the grain merchants next, my laird?"he asked.
"Aye, and the livestock dealers Murphy mentioned yesterday.We'll need seeds, cattle, sheep, and breeding stock."Bhaltair settled back into his chair, already reaching for the next stack of unpaid invoices."After that, we'll need to hire laborers.Our people have gone without wages far too long."
"Ada, what about the kitchen supplies?"
"My laird, we have what we need for now thanks to yesterday's purchases.But the kitchens should be fully stocked within the sennight."
