Chapter 129 - Hundred And Twenty Nine
The journey to the Eastern Isles had been long, but the warm, fragrant air that greeted Eric and Aiden as they stepped down from their carriage was a pleasant change from the cool, approaching autumn of Albion. They stood in the grand courtyard of a magnificent seaside villa, the home of their host.
"Duke Eric of Elinburgh, from Albion," a man in his late fifties announced, his voice a warm, welcoming boom. "Thank you for your presence. It is an honor to finally meet you." He brought out his hand for a firm shake.
Eric took his hand, his own grip equally strong. "Duke Nelson of Willingham," Eric replied, his tone one of polite, professional respect. "It is a pleasure to be here. Thank you for your invitation."
As they shook hands, Eric noticed a young lady standing just beside Duke Nelson. She was dressed in a light, airy gown of pale pink, and she gave him a cute, perfectly executed curtsy, her eyes wide with a mixture of shyness and admiration. "Your Grace," she said, her voice soft and sweet.
Eric, ever the gentleman, gave a slight bow to return her greeting.
Duke Nelson beamed with fatherly pride. "Ah, yes, this is my youngest daughter, Eudora," he introduced her. "She was so very happy to hear of your visit today."
Eric flashed Eudora a polite, charming smile, the kind he reserved for business associates and their families. It was warm, but it held a professional distance.
"She absolutely loves your dyes," Nelson continued, his voice full of enthusiasm. "That is why I procured so many of them for her and for her older sisters. Now that we have established our own textile house, I plan to give them the dyed fabrics as gifts."
"Oh, I see," Eric replied. "I am glad to hear that my products are so well-loved."
"Indeed they are," Nelson nodded. "I received the main shipment for the dyes just yesterday, which brings me to my purpose. I wanted to discuss a new business deal with you, in person. Can we go to my study?"
"Certainly," Eric replied.
They went inside the grand villa, with Aiden following a few steps behind. The interior was grand, with cool marble floors and large, open archways that let in the gentle sea breeze. Inside Duke Nelson’s study, a room lined with ledgers and old books, Nelson got straight to the point.
"As you know, Duke Eric, I want to start a new textile establishment here in the isles," he said. "And I want to make your company the sole, exclusive producer of all the dyes that will be used for our fabrics." He gestured around the room.