“I’d be happy to.” Mr. Manley rose from his chair and put the strap of his satchel on his right shoulder. “I shall depart tomorrow at first light.”
“I do appreciate your discretion in this matter.”
Mr. Manley tipped his head in acknowledgement. “And I appreciate your business.” He smiled. “As usual, I will keep you abreast of my findings.”
“Thank you for that,” Roswell said, rising.
Roswell sighed after Mr. Manley left. He should have known this wouldn’t be easy. He realized he should inform Miss Bentley of his findings.
He headed towards the drawing room, hoping to find her there. As he stepped into the room, he saw Miss Bentley, Emma, and his mother conversing with Mr. Abbott.
Miss Bentley glanced up and offered him a private smile. He found it oddly charming, and felt his lips curling up in response.
“May I speak to you for a moment, Miss Bentley?” Roswell asked, nodding in acknowledgement at the others.
Rising, she smoothed out her pale blue gown, which had white trim along the round neckline. “You may,” she replied.
As she approached him, he offered his arm. “It would be best if we spoke in private.”
“As you wish.”
Roswell led her towards the rear of the townhouse, and they stepped out onto the veranda. As they started walking along the footpath in the garden, he dropped his arm. “I just spoke to my solicitor.”
“I take it that it didn’t go well.”
He glanced over at her in surprise. “Why do you say that?”
“You appear tense, my lord.”
“I do?”
Miss Bentley nodded. “I noticed it the moment you walked into the drawing room.”
What else did she notice about him?
Roswell frowned. “I’m afraid that he didn’t give us much hope that your case would be resolved in your favor.”
“Did he explain why?”
“If your father filed a will with the church probate court, we can obtain a copy of it and then can ask a judge to enforce your father’s last wishes,” Roswell explained.
“That is wonderful!”
He shook his head. “Unfortunately, Lord Worthington can doctor his books to make it appear that he doesn’t have the funds to pay you.”
“But he does have the funds!” Miss Bentley exclaimed.
“Perhaps, but I wanted you to know there is a good chance you will never see a farthing of your dowry.”
“And my mother will never receive what is rightfully hers, as well.” Miss Bentley shifted her gaze away from his. “Lord Worthington wins yet again.”
“That doesn’t mean you stop fighting.”
“What’s the point?” Miss Bentley asked, her shoulders slumping. “Lord Worthington is a disreputable man, and he has no qualms about cheating us out of our inheritance.”
Roswell stepped closer to her. “Don’t give up hope.” He smiled. “Isn’t that what you once told me?”
“I did, but—”
