Shocked…

Timestamp: Sadir residence

Wim nearly dropped the glass of Brandy in surprise. He had done his best to put on his best manners, paid close attention to the conversation, and even genuinely tried to charm Elizabeth.
In Wim’s mind it was best to act like you like your bosses children and pay attention to them. It did not hurt that she was about Wim’s age, an elegance female, and might be his ticket to surviving the winter and being seen as useful by the Duke and Sir Zane. His ethical indignation that the man should die by the drug he wanted to sell to others hit a snag of self interest and self preservation. he was aware that money made you more useful. But this was a twist he was not expecting and it sort of made killing the man seem.. like a bad idea.

“Sir, I am flattered,” Wim said in a tone that expressed interest.

Wim was aware how this went, families join forces to benefit both. It was a relationship based on duty and allegiances. His brother was engaged in this way and surprisingly they actually liked each other.

Sitting back down with a fresh drink for the two of them, Wim replied, “There are three things that come to my mind. The first is, this can not be negotiated with my father as he is across the sea, I believe that Sir Zane would be the appropriate one to approach in my fathers place.”
He hated to give Sir Zane that much control over his life.
“The second is that your daughter is use to better accommodations than my home,” Wim said knowing Master Sadir was quite aware of his hovel.
That is where they first met.
“I am not sure my salary is…” he said as Elizabeth returned to the room and Wim stopped.
Wim wanted to save his pride. No man wanted to loose face and be found unworthy of courtship.
On a tray was strawberry and raspberry tarts with clotted cream with a spoonful of honey. Wim waited to be served, he had eaten well as this was the best meal he had had in a long time. He had been working hard enough that he was losing some weight.

He looked at Elizabeth with some curiosity. The woman had brown hair that fell to her waist with a slight curl. Her eyes were brown and clear. She did not miss anything going on around her. She had already shown herself to have a strong will and a quick wit during dinner and she ran the house as a properly lady, not giving the servants more leeway than one would allow.

“I noticed you made two mistakes on the bills of sale that you made up for Father,” she said passing out the deserts. She looked up at him and said, “At least it was in his favor.”