The Tanner’s Daughter – Episode 09
The Tanner's Daughter by Pamela Kavanagh
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- 1. The Tanner’s Daughter – Episode 09
“Then we are done for,” Nicholas Hatton said.
His thin, sickness-ravaged face was anguished and Jane’s heart went out to him.
She had returned to find that Will had forestalled her in relating the accounting problem that had come to light, saving her the unwelcome task.
They were gathered in the office behind the shop on Eastgate Row.
Nicholas subsided despondently on to the chair behind the scuffed and scratched oak desk.
All the effort and toil of the past years, the sacrifice, the sheer determination to succeed, was all to no avail.
Jane’s devastating news had extinguished his last flicker of hope for Hatton’s.
Will, standing by the fire, cleared his throat.
“Sir, do not despair. I have yet to make a full assessment of the books.
“There may be funds available that could see the firm through this difficult spell. Long-standing debts to recoup, mayhap?”
“There is the set of leather-bound accounting ledgers that went to the vintner on Brook Street.
“Oh, and Fields Hardware for some household items. There could be others,” Jane agreed.
“Such as the request from the town council for leather buckets for the fire service. Was that order delivered?” Will asked.
Nicholas removed his hands from his face.
“Indeed, every last one. My men worked overtime to honour it.
“There is also payment due from Lord Tunworth. We supplied him with gold-embossed book covers for his new library.
“The nobility, I fear, are not given to parting easily with their money.”
Will’s eyes narrowed.
“Then you must call in what is owing, and immediately. What of the workforce? Could you cut down in some areas? Increase your prices a fraction? Every little can help.”
Father and daughter gazed at Will. His confidence was infectious and hope flared, and then died.
“Nay, ’twould be a needle in a haystack,” Nicholas said.
“Not necessarily. I remember…”
Will stopped, aware that he was nothing more than a guest and in no position to be so outspoken.
“You remember?” Nicholas prompted.
“What I was about to say was that I once worked for a brewery in the south. They fell on hard times – through no fault of their own, I might add.
“In fact the parallels here are extraordinary – ill health at the top, giving rise to lack of support on the shop floor.
“Trusted employees made off with the funds. It practically bankrupted the company.”
“And it was saved, this brewery?”
Will nodded.
“It was, though not without a great deal of effort.”
“Could the same be done here?” Jane asked cautiously.
“I cannot say for sure, not without learning the full extent of the incomings and outgoings.
“I would also need to familiarise myself with all aspects of the works, from raw skins to finished product.”
“I can help there,” she said. “You shall have a full tour as soon as possible.”
Nicholas, frowning, put out a staying hand.
“Jane, you are presumptuous. We cannot expect favours of this import.
“What you are asking is no mean task and mayhap our guest has other fish to fry. Had you thought of that, my dear?”
“Oh, but –”
She shot a look of appeal towards the tall, debonair figure by the fireside. Will’s responsive salute of acquiescence said all.
“You are willing to take this on, sir?” Nicholas asked in disbelief. “I’ll be frank with you, we are in no position financially to expect it.”
“Master Hatton, I cannot say enough how beholden I feel to you and your family for your kindness and care of the past weeks.
“If I can help in any way with this unfortunate issue, I should be delighted.
“As to the other thing, bed and board will suffice. Aye, and a stable for Monarch!”
“So be it,” Nicholas said.
He rose and went to the cabinet under the lattice where a crystal flagon of wine and goblets rested.
The liquid flashed ruby-red in the firelight as glasses were raised. The deal was made.