Daphne thanked the butler and accepted the cart, instructing the footman to take it to the library. Once there, she pulled up a chair and began to go over the ledgers.
She quickly became absorbed in the books and scrolls, the hours melting away. As she read, she realized with growing shock just how vast her husband's wealth truly was.
The almost unbelievable number of his businesses; mines, shipping lines, trade companies was staggering, and these were only a fraction of his holdings.
She found herself wondering how a man so busy with military command and matters of state could possibly manage such an empire.
She remained in the library for the next few hours, she was so engrossed that she didn't even notice when Alice entered the room to call her for lunch.
"Madam," Alice said, her voice firm but kind. "You must eat."
Daphne looked up, surprised by how much time had passed. "I'm not hungry," she said dismissively, her eyes already drifting back to the ledgers.
