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Chapter Six

The lawyer was a woman around Matt’s age, in her early thirties. Darcy was predisposed to dislike her. She’d been the one standing between her and Matt all these weeks, refusing to even see Darcy. Matt was already there when she was shown into the office. Why wasn’t she surprised? The man’s middle name was probably “punctual.” Matt Punctual Peterson. It wasn’t as though she was late. She was right on time.

They both glanced up as Darcy entered, similar expressions of disapproval passing over their faces. She told herself she didn’t care. She was perfectly respectable, in black jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and her Doc Martens.

Matt was in uniform today, and he looked good. If she were the sort of girl to swoon over soldiers, she’d probably be swooning. Luckily, she wasn’t. At least, she didn’t think so. She’d never had much to do with them. He stood—perfect manners—and came toward her. “Darcy, good morning. Let me introduce you. This is Elinor Saunders, my lawyer.”

The woman rose to her feet. She wore a dark gray suit and a white silk shirt. Her blond hair was long and pulled back from her face, and her makeup was discreet. She was the total opposite of Darcy. And no doubt, the sort of woman Matt usually associated with. Darcy had never cared what she looked like in the past, what impression she made or what people thought about her. It was part of her new insecurities that she even noticed their disapproval.

She came to a halt in front of the desk and held out her hand. For a second, she thought the lawyer wasn’t going to take it, but after a moment’s hesitation, the woman gave her a limp handshake.

“Please take a seat.”

She sat down in one of the upright chairs in front of the desk. Matt waited until she was seated and took the chair beside her. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He was watching her but looked away as he caught her gaze.

“Right, let’s get started,” the lawyer said. “I’ve told Matt that I think he’s making a mistake.”

Bitch.

“Elinor…” Matt’s tone held a rebuke.

The woman gave a shrug. “I just think you’re making a mistake. With Ms. Butler’s record, it would be perfectly reasonable to deny access. I told you that.”

“And I told you there are extenuating circumstances.”

“Which you’ve refused to disclose to me.”

Darcy glanced at him. So he hadn’t told her about his brother. What did she think about that? To be honest, she had no clue. He returned her gaze. “I’ll tell her if you insist.”

Obviously, he didn’t want people knowing what a bastard his brother was. Better they thought she was some sort of violent criminal. She told herself she didn’t care. But inside, a little niggle of hurt nudged at her. She shrugged. “As long as I have access to Lulu, I really don’t give a toss what your bitch of a lawyer thinks about me.”

Did his lips twitch at that?

Elinor’s mouth tightened into a thin red line. She wasn’t happy. Oh dear.

“I’ve suggested that Matt get you to sign a release form stating that you have no intention of trying for custody.”

“I don’t want custody.”

No one took any notice of her comment.

“Lulu has no money,” Elinor said. “You would get nothing if you did gain custody.”

“What about the house?” Emma had bought the marital home with what was left of her inheritance. She’d presumed it would be in trust for Lulu. Maybe not.

“Your sister signed the house over to Steven when they married.”

“What a surprise.”

“And it was mortgaged when they died.”

“Again—what a surprise.”

“So you see, there would be no financial gain to your pursuing a custody battle.”

Was the woman deaf? “I told you I don’t want custody.”

“I’m just making the facts clear.”