Page 6 of Miss Morton and the Missing Heir (A Miss Morton Mystery #4)

Mary had wandered into one of the rooms, and her voice carried back to them. “Where is all the furniture?”

“The bailiffs took everything that wasn’t entailed or listed in the will as a family heirloom to pay my father’s debts,” Caroline answered her. “They filled several carts.”

“You witnessed this?” Mr. Scutton looked appalled.

‘My sister and I were asked most politely to sit outside and keep out of the way until the job was done.” Caroline hesitated. “It wasn’t a pleasant experience.”

“I should think not,” Mrs. Scutton said. “And what did they expect you to do, left in an empty house?”

“We weren’t allowed back into the house after they left, ma’am. We waited on the steps until my aunt’s carriage arrived to take us to her home.”

“How … awful.” To Caroline’s surprise, it was Mary who came over to touch her arm. “I cannot imagine how I would cope with something so terrible happening to me.”

Mrs. Scutton cleared her throat. “Shall we investigate the house further? I am quite keen to see what state the basement is in. Do you know if the kitchen contains a proper stove, or were they still cooking over an open fire?”

“Please excuse my mother,” Mary said loudly. “She can lack sympathy for those less fortunate than herself.”

Mrs. Scutton spun around. “I am well aware of the iniquity of Caroline’s treatment by those who should have supported her, Mary. In my opinion, the best way to help, rather than offering platitudes, is to restore the earldom to its former heights, and make sure she is never in want again!”

“Of course, Mother.” Mary met her mother’s gaze full on. “No one could possibly doubt your loyalty to your family.”

Mrs. Scutton didn’t reply. She sallied forth with her son at her side.

Mrs. Frogerton inspected the ceiling. “I think I’ll find a man to fix this damage and send the bill to Mr. Potkins,” she said to Caroline. “It seems only fair.”

Caroline let out her breath, and her employer looked quizzically at her. “Something on your mind, lass?”

“I just wish the Scutton family would show less of an interest in me, ma’am. We haven’t even established that they are my kin.”

“Their concern for your mistreatment does them no disservice in my eyes. You know that I feel the same.”

“It’s different when it’s you, ma’am.”

“Family can be quite awkward at times,” Mrs. Frogerton agreed. “And perhaps you have become used to your independence and no longer relish being treated like …”

“Like a child.” Caroline finished the sentence for her. “Mr. Scutton seems to believe I am incapable of making my own decisions.”

Mrs. Frogerton looked at her. “If he is confirmed as the new Earl of Morton, he will believe he has the absolute right to dictate such things.”

Caroline raised her chin. “Then he should be prepared for a battle.”

She didn’t have the heart to wander around her previous home and settled on the stairs to await the return of the others.

Voices echoed up and down the stairwells as the visitors explored.

Mrs. Scutton seemed to be having a wonderful time imagining how the house might be set up if Thomas succeeded to the title and restored it to its former glory.

Mary complained all the way around, and Mr. Scutton said very little.

Mrs. Frogerton appeared in the hall very out of breath.

She’d climbed to the upper floor to view the damage to the attics where the water was coming in.

It took her at least ten minutes of fanning herself before she had the ability to speak again.

“I don’t believe the damage is as extensive as I feared.

Once the ceiling is fixed, I think the place will at least be habitable. ”

“There is no furniture and no staff,” Caroline reminded her.

“Those things are easily acquired, lass. I rented most of the items in Half Moon Street.”

“If you’ll excuse my bluntness, ma’am, you had the means to pay for such things.”

“Ah.” Mrs. Frogerton frowned. “You make a good point.” She brightened almost immediately. “I wonder if Coutts would advance the Scuttons some of the funds they hold for the earldom to staff and furnish the house?”

Caroline was about to demur when it occurred to her that Mrs. Frogerton was generously housing and feeding her unwanted relatives, and that her employer had every right to wish to be rid of them. “Perhaps you might advise Mr. Scutton to make the suggestion to Mr. Castle.”

“I’ll do that.” Mrs. Frogerton took out her pocket watch, which had once belonged to her husband Septimus, who had used it every morning to make sure his workers weren’t late to the mill.

“We’ll need to leave in the next quarter of an hour if we are to be back in time for luncheon and Mr. Castle’s visit. ”

“Then I’ll go and inform the Scuttons.” Caroline stood up, but Mrs. Frogerton shook her head.

“I’ll do it, lass. I obviously need the exercise.”

As Caroline had the key, she locked the door after the others left the house.

She came down the steps just as Mary was about to join Mrs. Scutton and Mrs. Frogerton in the carriage.

Before Mary could step inside, a small boy suddenly appeared and ran straight into her.

Mary screeched in alarm as she attempted to disentangle herself from his flailing limbs.

“Sorry, miss!” the boy shouted. “No harm done.”

He ran off, but not before Caroline saw him hand Mary a folded note that she quickly slipped inside her glove.

Curious as to what had occurred, but unwilling to question Mary in front of her mother, Caroline held her peace until they alighted in Half Moon Street, and the ladies went up the stairs to change for lunch.

“Mrs. Brigham?” She caught up with Mary at her door. “That boy who ran into you …”

“What about him?” Mary stiffened.

“Are you certain he didn’t steal anything from you? Pickpockets are all too often children in this city.”

“He took nothing.” Mary opened her bedroom door. “Thank you for your concern, but it is unnecessary.” She shut the door in Caroline’s face.

Caroline considered what to do. She was quite sure she’d seen the boy pass Mary a note, but it really wasn’t her business, and to insist on an answer would show an appalling lack of manners.

She decided not to waste any further thought on the matter and made her way down to the kitchens to ensure that luncheon would be served in a timely fashion.

Mr. Castle was due in an hour, and Mr. Scutton had asked if she’d attend the meeting with him.

She’d agreed with some reluctance, unwilling to involve herself in the matters of the earldom, but fully aware that she’d already stepped into the middle of it.

If things went well, she intended to excuse herself at the earliest opportunity and leave the Scuttons to deal with the bank on their own.

“Good afternoon, Lady Caroline. It is a pleasure to see you again.” Mr. Castle bowed as Caroline entered the morning room accompanied by Mr. Scutton and his mother. His shrewd gaze moved past her and settled on Thomas, and he held out his hand. “The presumptive earl, I assume?”

“Yes.” Mr. Scutton shook his hand. “And this is my mother, Mrs. Scutton, who originally contacted the Morton family solicitors.”

They sat down, and Mr. Castle set out a notebook and pen on the table beside him. “I have all the pertinent details from Mr. Potkins and the College of Arms, and I believe that your claim might well be validated.”

“That is gratifying to hear.” Mrs. Scutton smiled. “If there is any further proof required, I will do my best to provide it.”

“These matters are somewhat complicated and can take time to resolve,” Mr. Castle said. “I understand from Mr. Potkins that you have visited Morton House?”

“We visited the house this morning,” Caroline said. “Unfortunately, it is currently unoccupied and in sad need of some necessary renovations.”

Mr. Castle sighed. “I regret that the property has been allowed to fall into disrepair. We should have put some tenants in to ensure its upkeep.”

“I would’ve been more than happy to stay there with my sister and run the house for you,” Caroline said. “Unfortunately, I was not consulted before the bailiffs moved in and took everything away.”

“With all due respect, Lady Caroline, the bank would not have considered a young lady such as yourself capable of managing an establishment alone.” Mr. Castle looked genuinely apologetic.

“I’m not sure why when I managed it for years during my father’s frequent absences.”

“If you’d had a husband or an older male relative to advise you, I’m sure the bank would have dealt with the matter differently, but it is of no matter now.” He offered her a condescending smile. “We cannot change the past and must think of the future.”

Mr. Castle looked at Mr. Scutton. “We might consider offering you the accommodation at a minimal rate until your claim to the earldom is ratified.”

Mr. Scutton frowned. “That is very kind of you sir, but I doubt we could afford to staff the house or—”

The banker waved a hand. “I think the bank might consider dealing with those costs for you as … repayment for allowing the house to languish in such a way.”

Mr. Scutton looked over at his mother. “What do you think?”

“It is a very kind offer,” Mrs. Scutton conceded. “Perhaps we should discuss it between ourselves and give Mr. Castle a decision tomorrow?”

“There’s no rush, Mrs. Scutton.” Mr. Castle rose to his feet and smiled at the assembled company. “It’s been a pleasure.”

Mr. Scutton stood and offered his hand to the banker. “Thank you for your consideration, sir.”

With one last bow to the ladies, Mr. Castle went out, accompanied by Mr. Scutton.

“That went very well,” Mrs. Scutton said, smiling.

“Indeed,” Caroline agreed.

“You don’t sound very impressed, my dear. One might think you would be pleased to see your cousin recognized in such a manner.”

Caroline stood up. “I am delighted for him. If you will excuse me, I will attend to Mrs. Frogerton.”