Winston’s voice came from down the corridor. “Brother, a word?” His words weren’t as much of a question as a command.
Bennett turned to face his brother. “Whatever is the matter?” he asked, noting the solemn look on Winston’s face.
“I will explain in the study with Father,” Winston replied before disappearing down the corridor.
Attempting to make light of the situation, Bennett shifted his gaze back towards Delphine. “Well, it would appear that my presence is needed in the study. I shall join you for breakfast shortly.”
Delphine nodded. “Very well, but you mustn’t hurry onmy account.” She lowered her voice. “Winston seemed rather upset.”
“No doubt he is just looking for an excuse to spend time with me,” he joked. “I can’t help it that my family just adores me too much.”
Her lips twitched slightly. “I am not sure if that is it.”
“All will be well. I promise,” Bennett reassured her.
Delphine didn’t quite look convinced of his words, but she didn’t press him. “I will be in the dining room,” she announced before departing the entry hall.
With a determined stride, Bennett headed towards the study. What was so urgent that Winston had to speak to him at that precise moment?
Entering the study, Bennett’s eyes fell upon a tall man with dark hair, deep-set eyes and rumpled clothing.
Winston closed the door before he provided the introductions. “Father. Bennett. Allow me to introduce you to Jasper. He is the Bow Street Runner that I was telling you about.”
His father rose from his chair and studied Jasper. “I haven’t met a Bow Street Runner before but I thought you all wore red waistcoats.”
“That is only when we wish to be identified, my lord,” Jasper said, his voice deep and commanding. “I prefer anonymity, especially in the case of your sister.”
“Have you met my sister?” his father asked.
Jasper shook his head. “I have not been properly introduced to Lady Sarah, if that is what you are asking. But I have been to the cottage she is residing at and I have seen her.”
Bennett stepped forward. “Is she safe?”
“I’m afraid not,” Jasper said. “With her inheritance?—”
With a furrowed brow, Bennett asked, “What inheritance?”
“Your uncle, Richard, left Sarah a small inheritance of one hundred pounds per annum,” his father shared. “It isn’t much to us, but it is a substantial sum to her.”
“Why did you not say anything until now?” Bennett asked.
His father exchanged a glance with Winston. “I informed Winston of this, but I didn’t think it was pertinent.”
“Not pertinent?” Bennett asked. “No wonder Isaac is trying to find Sarah. That money rightfully belongs to him.”
“It shouldn’t! It should go to the care of Sarah and her son, considering her husband is a blackguard,” his father exclaimed.
“Blackguard or not, Sarah and Isaac are wed, and he is entitled to that money,” Winston interjected.
Bennett crossed his arms over his chest. “How did Isaac even learn of the inheritance?”
“When Richard died, his solicitor went in search of Sarah and informed Isaac of the inheritance,” his father explained.
“Can Isaac not access the inheritance?” Bennett asked.
Winston leaned back against the desk. “Uncle Richard was a smart man and he wanted to ensure that Sarah was taken care of. The inheritance came with a stipulation. Sarah must be present to collect the money.”
Bennett frowned. “Well, that surely does complicate things. Does Sarah know about the inheritance?”
