Chapter 4 The Real Estate Mogul

A week passed in Ruth's cottage, each day bringing new discoveries for Ariel. Her legs grew stronger, the pain subsiding to a dull ache that she could now manage without wincing. Ruth proved to be a patient teacher, guiding Ariel through the basics of human life with grandmotherly affection how to dress herself, use utensils properly, and manage the mysterious conventions of human hygiene.

Sebastian, meanwhile, made daily trips into Tidemere to gather information about the festival and, more importantly, the noble families in attendance. He returned each evening with reports on potential suitors, none of whom had yet seemed promising enough to warrant an introduction.

The festival activities are centered around the town square and harbor," Sebastian explained over dinner one evening. "There's to be a grand ball in three weeks' time when Prince Eric returns from his diplomatic voyage."

"Prince Eric?" Ariel asked, her interest piqued. According to her mother's instructions, a prince would be the ideal match.

Ruth nodded as she served more of her delicious vegetable stew. "The kingdom's most eligible bachelor. Every noble family with a daughter of marriageable age has descended upon Tidemere hoping for an introduction."

Is he kind?" Ariel asked, remembering her mother's advice that true love, not just noble blood, was required for the magic of ascension.

Ruth's expression grew thoughtful. "I've only seen him from afar at public ceremonies, but people speak well of him. Unlike his father, he takes an interest in the common folk. Stops to talk with fishermen about their catches, visits the marketplace without an entourage."

He sounds promising," Sebastian said, exchanging a meaningful glance with Ariel.

"And nearly impossible to meet without proper introductions," Ruth added pragmatically. "The royal family is well guarded, especially during festival season when strangers flood the kingdom."

The conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door. Ruth frowned, clearly not expecting visitors.

"Who could that be at this hour?" she wondered aloud, rising from her chair.

Sebastian tensed, his hand moving instinctively to where a weapon would be carried in Oceania. Ariel held her breath as Ruth opened the door to reveal a tall man with broad shoulders and a confident smile.

Good evening, Widow Marlowe," the man said, his voice rich and resonant. "I apologize for the late call, but I was passing by and noticed your lamps were still lit."

Mr. Blackwood," Ruth replied, her tone polite but reserved. "This is unexpected."

May I come in?" he asked, already stepping forward without waiting for an invitation. "The evening air carries a chill."

Ruth reluctantly stepped aside, allowing him to enter. The man's presence seemed to fill the small cottage, his expensive clothing and commanding posture marking him as someone accustomed to authority.

His gaze swept the room, landing first on Sebastian with a cursory nod, then fixing on Ariel with sudden, intense interest. She felt oddly exposed under his scrutiny and resisted the urge to touch her pendant for reassurance.

You have guests," he observed unnecessarily. "I don't believe we've been introduced."

Ruth sighed. "Mr. Benjamin Blackwood, these are my houseguests, Sebastian and his sister Ariel. They were shipwrecked last week and are staying with me while they recover."

Shipwrecked?" Benjamin's eyebrows rose. "How dramatic." He stepped forward, extending a hand to Sebastian, who shook it with obvious reluctance.

When Benjamin turned to Ariel, he took her hand and raised it to his lips in a gesture she recognized from Ruth's lessons as a formal greeting between a gentleman and lady. "

Enchanted, Miss Ariel. Truly enchanted."

Ariel's cheeks warmed at the intensity of his gaze. "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Blackwood," she replied, carefully enunciating as Ruth had taught her.

Please, call me Benjamin." He smiled, still holding her hand a moment longer than necessary before releasing it. "And what brings you to our shores, besides the unfortunate circumstances of your shipwreck?"

Sebastian interceded smoothly. "We were traveling to attend the Tidemere Festival. My sister has been unwell since the accident some memory loss but we hope she'll recover enough to enjoy the festivities."

Memory loss?" Benjamin's gaze returned to Ariel with renewed interest. "How fascinating. What do you remember, Miss Ariel?"

Put on the spot, Ariel recalled her practiced response. "Very little of my past, I'm afraid. Each day brings new discoveries."

Like a rebirth," Benjamin mused. "Seeing the world through fresh eyes. I find that rather poetic." He turned to Ruth. "Actually, Widow Marlowe, my visit had a purpose. I've come with an offer for your property."

Ruth's expression hardened. "As I've told you before, Mr. Blackwood, my home is not for sale."

And as I've told you, every property has its price." He reached into his coat and produced an envelope. "I've increased my offer by thirty percent. I think you'll find it more than generous."

Ruth didn't take the envelope. "My husband built this cottage with his own hands. Our daughter was born here. No amount of gold can replace those memories."

Benjamin sighed dramatically. "Sentiment over progress. A common affliction in these parts." He placed the envelope on the table anyway. "Consider it, at least. My Tidemere Bay development will transform this coastline. You could purchase a lovely home in the town proper, closer to amenities suitable for a woman of your advancing years."

The condescension in his tone made Ariel frown. Ruth had been nothing but kind to them; she didn't deserve to be spoken to in such a manner.

I think Mrs. Marlowe has made her position clear," Ariel said, surprising herself with her boldness.

Benjamin turned to her with an amused expression. "You speak as though you understand our local affairs, Miss Ariel. Curious, for someone who remembers so little."

Sebastian stepped closer to Ariel protectively. "My sister has always had a strong sense of justice, regardless of her memories."

Is it just to stand in the way of progress?" Benjamin countered smoothly. "My development will bring prosperity to Tidemere. More visitors, more commerce." He gestured toward the window. "This stretch of coastline has the potential to become the crown jewel of the kingdom, yet it sits largely undeveloped, dotted with... quaint but obsolete dwellings."

Some might say the undeveloped coastline is already a jewel," Ariel replied, thinking of the diverse marine life she knew lived in these waters. "Not everything of value can be built or bought, Mr. Blackwood."

Rather than taking offense, Benjamin laughed, a genuine sound of delight. "What a refreshing perspective! Most young ladies I encounter are only interested in discussing the latest fashions or court gossip." He studied her with new appreciation. "You're quite unlike anyone I've met in Tidemere, Miss Ariel."

I'm not from around here," she answered truthfully.

Clearly." Benjamin's smile widened. "Where did you say you were from originally?"

She didn't say," Sebastian interjected. "And as her memory is still fragmented

Yes, yes, the unfortunate accident." Benjamin waved a dismissive hand. "Well, perhaps what Miss Ariel needs is some fresh air and new experiences to stimulate her recovery." He turned to her directly. "I'm hosting a small gathering at my estate tomorrow afternoon. Nothing too elaborate just a few local merchants and minor nobility. I'd be honored if you would attend as my special guest."

Ariel hesitated, looking to Sebastian, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. This could be their first opportunity to make connections with the local nobility.

That's very kind of you," she said carefully.

Excellent!" Benjamin clapped his hands together. "And of course, your brother and Mrs. Marlowe are also welcome." He reached into his pocket and produced a small card. "My carriage will come for you at midday. The gathering includes a tour of my latest development project Tidemere Bay Estates. I think you'll find it impressive."

Ruth accepted the invitation card with obvious reluctance. "We'll consider it, Mr. Blackwood."

Please do." His eyes never left Ariel. "I'm particularly interested in hearing more of Miss Ariel's perspectives on progress versus preservation. It's not often I encounter someone willing to challenge my views so directly."

With that, he bowed elegantly. "Until tomorrow, I hope. Good evening to you all."

After Ruth had shown him out and closed the door firmly behind him, she turned to Ariel with a concerned expression. "Be careful of that one. Benjamin Blackwood has a reputation for collecting beautiful and unusual things. I fear he's already added you to his mental inventory."

Is he of noble birth?" Sebastian asked pragmatically.

Ruth shook her head. "New money. His grandfather was a successful merchant who invested wisely in land. Benjamin has expanded those holdings aggressively, buying up coastal properties and developing them into estates for the wealthy. He has no title, but his wealth gives him influence with those who do."

He seemed intense," Ariel observed, still unsettled by the way he had looked at her.

He's used to getting what he wants," Ruth replied. "And right now, he wants my land for his development. He's been trying to buy it for over a year." She picked up the envelope he had left but made no move to open it. "Each offer higher than the last."

Why this property specifically?" Sebastian asked.

Ruth moved to the window, gazing out at the moonlit sea. Location. From these cliffs, you can see the entire bay. Benjamin wants to build what he calls the 'crown jewel' of his development here a grand mansion for himself with commanding views."

Ariel joined Ruth at the window. The view was indeed spectacular the silvery path of moonlight on water, the curve of the bay, the distant lights of Tidemere. It reminded her of looking up at the surface world from her palace in Oceania.

Should we attend his gathering?" Ariel asked.

Sebastian considered. "It could be useful. You need to practice your social skills before attempting to meet the prince. And Benjamin clearly has connections, even if he himself isn't of noble birth."

Plus, Ruth added reluctantly, his developments are always the talk of the kingdom. There's a good chance some of the visiting nobility will be there, considering investments."

Then I should go," Ariel decided. "But I have nothing suitable to wear to such an occasion."

Ruth smiled for the first time since Benjamin's arrival. "As it happens, my daughter left behind some lovely gowns from her days at court. She was about your size when she was younger. Come, let's see what might suit you."

As Ruth led her to a cedar chest containing her daughter's old clothing, Ariel felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. Tomorrow would be her first real test in human society a gathering of the very people she needed to impress. And Benjamin Blackwood, with his penetrating gaze and smooth words, would be watching her every move.

Remember," Sebastian whispered as Ruth busied herself with the chest, "our mission. We're here to find you a noble husband, not to concern ourselves with local land disputes."

Ariel nodded, but as she helped Ruth lift out a beautiful sea green gown from the chest, she couldn't help wondering about the coastline Benjamin so eagerly wished to transform. What would such development mean for the marine life in the bay? For the connection between land and sea that her own mission sought to strengthen?

Tomorrow at Tidemere Bay Estates, she would have a chance to find out and perhaps make her first connections to the human nobility who might hold the key to saving Oceania.