Word: Stewardship

stewardship

[ stoo-erd-ship, styoo- ]

noun

1) the position and duties of a steward, a person who acts as the surrogate of another or others, especially by managing property, financial affairs, an estate, etc.

2) the responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving: New regulatory changes will result in better stewardship of lands that are crucial for open space and wildlife habitat.

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               There was someone coming. James could feel them. They were entering the manor. And none of them were Wolworths. That much was certain. He felt the manor. Occupied it. He could see them. Five people, only one of whom was known to him.

               Those he did not know were a family. They seemed nice enough. Parents and two children. While James had always had a soft spot for the young ones, he could simply not allow them to occupy the house. He did not know this family. They were not his lords. And so they could not occupy this house. They could certainly not purchase it.

               The other person was someone he did know, to an extent. Her name was Joyce Becker, and she was a real estate agent. She did all she could to sell the Wolworth manor. James had quite a bit of respect for the woman. She did her job well, no matter how difficult James made her task. She was the only agent that had stuck around for long. That was an admirable quality.

               But, as much as he respected Ms. Becker’s work ethic, he had a job to do. James spread his consciousness through the manor. He invoked his right as the Steward of the Wolworth manor. It would listen to him. Obey him. At least, it would until a true master arrived.

               At first, he invoked small things. Things that made the house undesirable. He weakened the walls, showing damage that would be too costly to repair. That usually worked. This family was industrious though and said they would fix it. Had there been a Wolworth in residence, James would have recommended bringing such a family on as staff, or maybe even retainers. But there was not, and James had his duty to perform.

               He moved next to sounds. Sounds that would frighten the children and unsettle the adults. Creeks and cracks. Pounding like footsteps, and whistles from nowhere. This had an effect. To their credit, the family did not immediately leave. It was only when James started shifting shadows that they were unsettled enough to abandon the idea of purchasing the manor.

               When the family left, Ms. Becker stayed and voiced her frustration.

               “God damn it!” She cried. “Every god-damned time.” She turned her face up and yelled at the ceiling. “Why do you do this to me? What do you want?”

               James considered the question. She had never voiced her thoughts before. She had always simply left with whoever was being shown around. This was an opportunity that James would not pass up. He manifested himself, choosing to show himself behind her. Speaking was hard for him, as he lacked a true physical body, but he could make do.

               “What I want, Ms. Becker, is a Wolworth.”

               The reaction was understandable. The poor woman nearly jumped out of her skin. She turned quickly and her eyes opened wide with fright. She backed away until she touched a wall.

               “Wh-who…”

               James bowed formally. “I am James Weignman. I am the Steward of Wolworth manor. I have been watching your work, Ms. Becker, and it is a pleasure to finally formally introduce myself.”

               “Wha…huh?”

               “Quite.” James said. He could not really take offence to her lack of speech. Suddenly being confronted by a spirit was jarring, especially when such things are considered the things of fantasy. “Now, to answer your questions, I want a Wolworth. I am chasing away your prospective buyers because I will allow no other to reside in this illustrious manor. This place belongs to them, and only a member of that family shall reside here.”

               “I…I don’t…I mean…”

               “Now, I know you are a seller of homes, not a finder of men. As such, I will strive to aid you in this task, now that I have presented it to you. I am sorry to say it is not ready now, as I was unprepared for your inquiry. Now that I am, I shall prepare a tool you may use to find my true master post haste. Now, unless there are other pressing matters, I must adjourn. I have much to prepare, and you still have a fine family to find residence for. Good day to you, Ms. Becker.”

               With one last bow, James allowed his form to fade from mortal sight. The real estate agent blinked in shock for a moment. She took a few calming breaths to steady her well frayed nerves and then left to join her clients.

               James stood by, watching them leave. He nodded to himself. He was satisfied with the day’s activities. He had finally found himself an agent that could actively search for the remains of the Wolworth family. He now had much to do. Much to prepare for the woman. He would do his utmost to ensure the mission’s success. For he was the Steward of Wolworth manor, and his work was never done. 

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OoOoOoOo ghost butler.  Okay, not a butler, but still.