Page 17 of The Duke’s Bride (The Duke’s Alliance #6)
Beau waited in his more modest chamber for the summons to visit Viola. He was as eager as she to hold this conversation. What had happened on the journey to make her change her mind about her destination? He had questioned her servants but they were as much in the dark as he was.
The sitting room door was open and he would leave it so in order to prevent unwanted speculation about their relationship. He hoped she would also have the sense to ask her mother to chaperone them.
He nodded to Mrs Alston who was sitting quietly by the window enjoying the view of the Thames and the many ships that plied their trade upon the river. Viola was pacing the carpet.
‘You must think I have run mad to transfer the family to your hotel and not go as planned to Grosvenor Square.’ She did not allow him time to answer this but continued. ‘I think we had better sit down as I have a lot to tell you and I would value your opinion on the subject.’
When he had heard what Sir Frederick was attempting to do he was incensed. ‘It is none of his business. What possible motive could he have to interfere in your lives?’
‘If he has found somebody who is distantly related to my dead husband then whoever it is will be in his pay…’
‘I am afraid, my lady, that he would be far more than that. He would be your son’s heir and would inherit the title and estates if he were to die.’
He wished he had not been so brutal in his comment as her colour faded and for a moment he thought her about to swoon. Then she rallied and sat upright in her chair.
‘I do not think there can be such a person. My son is the last of his line. I was reliably informed that the title would go into abeyance if anything were to happen to him. The estates are not entailed so they would come to me.’ Talking about the possible death of her beloved son was almost too much for her.
He watched her struggle to maintain her composure and was impressed that she managed to do so.
She took a steadying breath and carried on with what she had been saying.
‘Although it was stipulated in the will that my brother would take on the role of guardian until Thomas reaches his majority, the lawyers did make a thorough search for a male relative on Rupert’s side of the family.’
‘They were obviously unsuccessful. Do you employ your own lawyers or do you still use those that have served your husband’s family?’
‘I was obliged to use Rupert’s but I also employed my own – the ones that have looked after the Alston business for twenty years or more. Papa insisted on a copy of the will being lodged with them as well as with the others.’
‘A wise decision in the circumstances. If you are certain there is no genuine heir then why did you panic?’
This was hardly a conciliatory question but it was one that needed answering. There was a simple explanation but it was one he did not wish to consider. He watched her closely as she replied.
‘That man we saw in Romford frightened my daughter and, as you might imagine, that does not happen easily. He looked at us in a most particular and unpleasant way – he certainly knew who we were. The staff employed in Town are not loyal to me…’
Something appalling occurred to him and he surged to his feet. ‘Your husband would not have been happy with the way the will was set up. Is it possible he had arranged for Sir Frederick to search for someone to replace your brother in the event of his untimely death?’
‘Please, sir, will you not sit down again? I find it quite unnerving having such a tall gentleman looming over me as you are.’
He smiled his apology and took his place again. ‘You have not answered my question.’
‘It is the sort of thing Rupert would do, but the fact that I have only heard about it through my staff, and three years after his death, makes me think it cannot be so. Surely, the obnoxious Sir Frederick would have made his move immediately after the funeral?’
Mrs Alston coughed politely. They both turned and looked at her.
‘Forgive me for interrupting, my dear, but I think Mr Sheldon might well be correct. Your husband could not have expected to die so suddenly so nothing would have been in place. Therefore, it is my opinion that it might have taken him three years to find a viable candidate.’
This made sense, but it also sent a chill down his spine. From Viola’s expression she understood the significance of this remark.
‘He has found a genuine, distant relative and is about to make his move. There can be no other explanation. That man who saw us might be the very person and was on his way to meet Sir Frederick when he saw us unexpectedly in Romford.’
‘It is a coincidence that you were both in Romford High Street at the same time. It occurs to me that Sir Frederick might be having you followed…’ No sooner had he spoken his thoughts out loud than he regretted it. Now Viola might be too apprehensive to go out.
‘Stuff and nonsense, my boy, I think the person they saw was nothing to do with the family. I expect my grandchildren were being noisy and he disapproved of their behaviour.’
Mrs Alston had thrown him a lifeline and he grabbed it willingly. ‘That is a far more likely explanation, my lady. Perhaps the fact that you were out without a footman in attendance also added to his displeasure.’
Viola managed a weak smile. ‘They also had two packets of sweets each. I think you might both be correct and I am worrying unnecessarily about this stranger. However, I do think I am right to be concerned about Sir Frederick’s plans.’
‘It is none of my business, my lady, but my advice would be to speak to your own lawyers on this matter and have them look into it. If there is the remotest possibility Sir Frederick has discovered a gentleman who can trace his line directly to your husband, it is as well to be prepared.’
She was not offended by his remark. ‘What do you suggest I ask them to do in order for me to be prepared if anything untoward was to happen?’
‘I can only speak as to what I would do if I was in your circumstances. It is my opinion only, and I am not in any way connected to your family, so it has little value. I would ask your lawyers to prepare a legal document to present to a judge in the High Court. This document would state how well your brother is fulfilling his role as guardian of the estates and your children, and that any change would be detrimental to both.’
‘I shall do so tomorrow. Thomas and Elizabeth are so excited about purchasing a piano and a harp…’
‘A harp? I was not aware that your daughter wished to learn to play that instrument. I am not proficient on it myself and would not be a suitable teacher.’
She smiled. ‘Actually, Mr Sheldon, I can play the harp. When I got married I was obliged to leave my instrument behind and it has since been sold. Rupert did not hold with music of any description. We only had that inferior piano, so someone could play when he held one of his appalling supper parties.’
Beau nodded. ‘I apologise for interrupting. If you wish me to go in search of these instruments with the children, but without you, I should be happy to do so as long as I am accompanied by a nursemaid. I have already visited Longman and Heron and they are, in my opinion, the best company to purchase from. You will be pleased to know they have a fine array of harps as well as pianos.’
‘Then I shall leave this in your capable hands, sir. I shall write a note to let them know you are acting on my behalf. Will you be able to buy something from the shop or will it have to be made especially?’
‘If that were the case, my lady, your son would have a long wait. No, everything in their shop is for sale. I have tried three of the pianos and I think the Graf that they have has the best tone. Do you wish me to allow Thomas to make the final decision?’
‘You might think me an overindulgent parent, sir, but if he is to play it then it must be something he is happy with. I just wish he was not the Earl of Fenchurch. I cannot see how he can pursue his passion and fulfil his responsibilities at the same time.’
‘I do not see why he should not keep up with his studies and compose and play as much as he wishes throughout his life. If he has an efficient estate manager and man of affairs he need only keep a light hand on his estate and allow them to do the job he is paying them for.’ He paused, and this time thought carefully before he spoke, not wishing to reveal how personal his response was.
‘As he will be allowed to develop his talent throughout his life, when he is obliged to pick up the mantle of responsibility I cannot see that he would have to abandon his love of music.’
Her smile was radiant. ‘I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to hear you say so. I was in two minds about agreeing to buy Elizabeth a harp. She did not know I am expert on this instrument and was somewhat disappointed that you would not be her teacher too.’
‘There is a harp in my music room and she would be welcome to play it if she wishes to accompany her brother. It will be several weeks before their instruments arrive and I would be happy to give her some basic instruction. Or, I could have the harp transported to Fenchurch.’
‘No, that will not be necessary, but thank you for your kind offer. If it would not be too inconvenient I should like to come with the children when we return home, not only to hear Thomas play but also to demonstrate to my daughter how a harp should be played.’
The matter settled happily between them, he said his farewell and was on his way to the door when she stopped him. ‘I should like to ask you to dine with me, Mr Sheldon. What with one thing and another you never came on the day you were invited. I shall not be dressing for dinner.’
He bowed. ‘I should be delighted to accept your invitation. I am equally delighted that you are not dressing as I have neglected to bring my evening clothes with me.’