“Why so long?” Miss Bentley questioned.
“Lord Worthington can request continuances and use other sorts of delay tactics,” Mr. Manley explained.
“Oh,” Miss Bentley murmured.
“Do not fret,” Mr. Manley encouraged. “Lord Worthington may employ those tactics, but Mr. Clawson will deploy his own strategies. And I would always put my money on Mr. Clawson.”
“Thank you for that,” Miss Bentley said.
“It is my pleasure.” Mr. Manley tipped his head at Roswell. “Good day, my lord.”
After his solicitor departed, Roswell turned his attention towards Miss Bentley, who wore a crestfallen expression.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Miss Bentley met his gaze. “Even if the judge rules in our favor, it could take years for us to receive the money.”
“If at all,” he replied honestly.
She frowned. “That was not the least bit helpful.”
He put his hand up. “I just want you to go into this with your eyes wide open,” he said. “You may even be called to testify.”
“You don’t think that will be necessary?”
He shrugged. “I don’t rightly know, but it is best to be prepared.”
Clasping her hands in her lap, Miss Bentley said, “Once I receive my inheritance, I will reimburse you for all the costs associated with my case.”
“That is the least of my concerns.”
“Then what is?”
Roswell gave her an indulgent smile. “I just want to ensure that you receive all that you are entitled to.”
“That is kind of you, but why do you wish to help me, knowing it could take months or years to settle this matter?”
“We are friends, are we not?”
A slow smile spread over her lips, spilling into her eyes. “Yes, we most definitely are.”
“Well, friends look after one another.”
“I hope one day to return the favor.”
Leaning forward in his chair, he said, “I expect nothing in return from you.”
Miss Bentley watched him for a moment before saying, “I am glad that I came here,” she hesitated, “and that I became acquainted with you.”
Roswell smirked. “That was most fortunate for you.”
“You truly have been a godsend,” she said, and he heard the sincerity in her voice. “I don’t think I can thank you enough for all that you have done for me and my mother.”
He rose. “You don’t have to keep thanking me.”
“I feel as if I must,” she responded. “You have given me the greatest gift. You have brought hope back into my life.”
“If you had looked closely, you’d have seen that it was always there.”
