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HALSTEAD MANOR
Eddie sat at the grand breakfast table, savoring a peaceful morning with his eldest daughter, Odette. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, bathing the room in a soft, golden hue, while the table was adorned with fresh fruit, warm pastries, and a pot of steaming tea.
"Thank you, Bradley," Eddie said, his voice low as he scanned the newspaper, barely looking up as his butler poured tea into his and Odette's cups.
"Your Grace," Bradley responded, as poised as ever.
Eddie absentmindedly picked up his phone, scrolling through his contacts and landing on Susie's number. He paused, his thumb hovering over the screen, before letting out a quiet sigh and putting the phone down without calling. His moment of reflection was interrupted by the door swinging open.
"Ah. Morning, Chuckles," Eddie greeted, his tone light, as his sister Charlotte strode into the room, her arms laden with two large bags.
"Edwina," Charlotte shot back with a grin, dropping the bags near the doorway before turning to give Odette a quick wave. "Morning, darling," she added warmly.
Odette, ever composed like her father, simply offered a small nod in acknowledgment, her expression calm and serious as she sipped her tea.
"Like some tea?" Eddie asked, glancing up from his newspaper.
"I don't have time. I've got a train to catch," Charlotte replied briskly, shaking her head.
"Dressed for your world tour?" Eddie teased, glancing at her casual attire with a raised brow.
"Do I look like I'm dressed for a world tour? No," Charlotte replied with mock indignation. "Mummy's persuaded me to go back to uni to finish the year."
Eddie folded the newspaper and leaned back in his chair. "Sounds surprisingly sensible."
Charlotte rolled her eyes but smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Freddy's the one she should be worrying about."
"Don't you worry about Freddy," Eddie said, pouring a splash of milk into his and Odette's cups. "I'll look after Freddy."
"Would you like a hand with your bags?" Eddie asked, rising from his seat and offering an unusually chivalrous gesture.
YOU ARE READING
The Royal Business (Eddie Horniman)
FanfictionWhen aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it's home to an enormous weed empire - and its proprietors aren't going anywhere. Will he continue his father's business or will he leave. How would his family react, will he be...