Besides the children playing on the frozen lake, there were also adults working.

They were discussing various business plans and forming informal contracts.

“As you know the railway plans to extend their influence over this land in near future. It is a huge investment that requires everyone to work together.“ Beamortha says. “The current plan is to create a station near the village which then would lead to your town. I learned that the community here is not likely to support the decision and the path does go through the fields that are in my possession.”

“Yes we do understand why you would sustain losses during that investment.” Sergiey says. “But frankly I believe the opposite will happen. The value of the land should increase if the railway uses it, no?”

“That is only if I keep the land.” Beamortha explains. “As per directive of the government, the land under the railway is to be made into state property. I would only receive a one-time payment, but my losses would not be not be covered. The rail would also cut the soil in half, making it harder for the farmers.”

“How much would be enough then?” Sergiey thinks. “Whichever is the case I don’t see this being a problem that affects us in any way.”

“Conversely, I think that this will affect the Francishies indirectly. The path that the railroad is going to decide can be changed with enough voices.” Beamortha continues. “Suppose we move to the west, somewhere over there. This wouldn’t affect my property but will shorten the travel to the town. Besides, no one would profit from a station near the school, so more cargo would go to the town.”

“Is that really feasible you think?” Sergiey asks. “It is indeed interesting and piques my interest. However I don’t think if money is involved you would accept this. More profitable for you would be investing in the infrastructure of the village, and that is where a station would be a benefit for you.”

“In terms of money you might be right.” Beamortha nods. “But the peasants here wouldn’t be ever interested in becoming capitalists. They believe in the soil more than money. You can’t simply convince them to work anything but the farmland. And believe me that I tried, as I talked many times on this topic.”

“Yes, you appear popular hence what you say might be the truth.” Sergiey ponders. “But hospitality is your virtue? And you insist you are not talking about profits here? What a curiosity indeed.”

The two business people were discussing the future of the village in a small room inside the abbey.

There was also Abbayeva present there, but she stayed silent and only listened to the conversation.

It appears that, there are some doubts in Sergiey’s mind about Beamortha’s true intentions.

“Besides that railroad issue, I have to mention something different, if you don’t mind.” Sergiey says. “As you possibly noticed, a bakery opened in the village. It belongs to our son and it is a venture with risks. We would like to know what you do think of it.”

“I am familiar with that shop, yes.” Beamortha relaxes herself in the chair. “I bought bread from there and it was tasty, but for some reason I heard it has problems with the client base?”

“It is not our matter, but we do have interest, as parents.” Sergiey states. “We would like to talk about an agreement that we can arrange in order to protect the asset from suffering more losses.”

“Is it so, you want my advice?” Beamortha slimes. “Well it is true that the millman bread is more popular as he is granted by long time trust by his clients. It would be possible to say that competition in these conditions is an unwise venture.”

“Then how about we come with another plan.” Sergiey suggests. “As I understand my son is running a carriage in order to receive supplies, but would it be possible to get the ingredients from the millman directly? If anyone would be able to create a contract between them it would be you, miss Abronova.”

“I suppose that my word would make it possible, yes.” Beamortha states. “Then I suppose I will state my conditions. The millman would be hired and given the ownership of the branch, your son will have to discuss the details with him. Secondly, the bakery will use coal, since otherwise this village’s supply would be wasted, being stockpiled and locked away.”

“Coal in the village? Is that another of your venture?” Sergiey asks.

“Do not be surprised, the pastor is also involved.” Beamortha tells the man. “I can show you the storage room later. But for now, if you do agree to the terms, please feel free to send your son to me anytime.”

“How would you even convince the priest?” Sergiey inquires surprised.

“It is because of charity.” Beamortha voices. “As I mentioned profit is not my goal here, and there are people who suffer from cold. I would suffer losses if I didn’t take proper care of them. And besides, its credit not coin, since they wouldn’t be able to pay during this season.”

“I suppose that explanation works for my curiosity.” Sergiey says. “The news will reach my son as soon as possible. Afterwards it is up to him, but I believe he would be agreeable. As for the railroad I will discuss your option with other parties who would show interest.”

But after the two shook their hands, the wife of Sergiey bowed and asked for a word.

She wanted to know more about the future business partner of her husband.

“Say miss Abronova, are you married? There has been some terrible rumours I forbid to restate here.” Abbayeva asks.

“Certainly this ring speaks it through them, does it not?” Beamortha shows them the ring on her finger. “He is a gentleman and a banker, but I seldom talk about my relationship. You certainly know how rumours always follow behind my back?”

“I am aware of the gossiping mouths, and they drive me revolting.” Abbayeva speaks with disgust. “Yet, what of your previous husband? For what did he deserve his fate?”

“Don’t you know? He was the one unfaithful.” Beamortha says. “Now that the baby has grown, you can see the resemblance to the maid. I did not have a child with that man.”

“I did hear that there are difficulties, but you aren’t shamed to state that without any proof?” Abbayeva interrogates.

“You know my daughter, Pyrecilla? Her hair and eyes should clue to the genealogy.” Beamortha points out. “If it was his baby, as the man says, then wouldn’t it have similar eyes or hair? No one in his family or his wife’s family has a blue pigment, like his maid has.”

“How difficult it is for me to accept that as truth!” Abbayeva exclaims. “If it is so then you state that what that man said are lies?”

“I suppose if you say it so, yes.” Beamortha released a sigh.

“But what of the evidence? It would hardly be a case without it, and blindly pursuing the notion surely is unwise.” Abbayeva ponders.

“My words are not enough of course, but that is all I have.” Beamortha says. “Interviewing the maid and doing your own research when you get the chance is what I suggest.”

“Then be it no further than the open house at Granostrias.” Abbayeva mentions. “My daughters expressed their desire to meet you, miss Abronova, and in person. It would be an unfortunate oversight if you were not to come.”

“Ah, yes. My darling did mention that in the letter.” Beamortha releases air as she realises. “It would be a pity indeed if I were not to come, for me and my daughter.”

“Then it is decided miss Abronova. We will be awaiting you with anticipation.” Abbayeva says as she stands up and bows formally.

“Of course, likewise miss Francishia.” Beamortha returns the gesture.

“But please, feel unstrained to call me simply Abbayeva.” The mother adds.

And as the conversation between the ladies is over, the group leaves the room.

At the same time, Pyrecilla and her friends arrive back at the abbey to eat dinner.

It is dark outside and time to go back home, so after they are well fed it is time to say their goodbye to everyone.

Once they are finished, Minorta and Ellien go back on foot, while Harrivetta’s siblings and her guests board the carriage.

It was supposed to be a holiday today, a day free from work, but it ended up most tiring in the end.

Even the young red haired lady falls asleep, like Davithea and Gorgie, falling on her tall friend’s lap.