Page 57 of The Duke’s Christmas Redemption

“And these differences,” she said carefully, “would they be considered significant in a court of law?”

Mr Harrison’s expression grew grave.

“Your Grace, I must ask – does His Grace know that you have brought this matter to my attention?”

The guilt that had plagued Charlotte all morning rose again, threatening to choke her.

“No,” she admitted quietly. “William has... that is, His Grace has been reluctant to discuss these matters with anyone.”

“I see.” Mr Harrison began returning documents to their proper places with careful precision. “Then I find myself in something of a difficult position. My duty is to His Grace, you understand.”

“Your duty is to Alverton,” Charlotte countered, rising to stand before his desk. “As is mine. Mr Harrison, I do not act from idle curiosity. Sir Geoffrey Caldwell threatens everything that William has worked to rebuild. If his documents are indeed forgeries...” She stopped, struggling to maintain her composure. Edmund’s hand came to rest supportively on her shoulder, lending her the strength to continue. “I beg you,” she said softly, “help me to protect him. Even if he never knows of this meeting, even if he cannot bring himself to trust me with the full truth – at least let me know if Caldwell’s claims have any merit.”

Mr Harrison studied her face for a long moment, his expression softening slightly. He had served Alverton since before William’s birth, Charlotte knew – had watched the current Duke grow from a carefree boy into the burdened man he had become.

“Your Grace speaks of protection,” he said finally, resuming his seat. “Yet I wonder if you understand fully what you protect him from? The late Duke’s... difficulties... cast long shadows.”

“I understand that William bears those shadows alone,” Charlotte replied, her voice catching on her husband’s name. “That he believes himself somehow responsible for sins not his own. That Caldwell uses this weight of responsibility as a weapon against him.”

Mr Harrison nodded slowly, reaching for a fresh sheet of paper. His quill moved across it with careful precision as he wrote, the scratch of nib against parchment the only sound in the quiet office.

“I shall prepare a formal analysis of the signatures,” he said finally. “A complete comparison, noting all of the discrepancies. However...” He paused, choosing his words. “Should His Grace inquire about this meeting... If he asks a very direct question, then I will have no choice but to answer it honestly.”

“We understand your position perfectly,” Edmund interjected smoothly. “I’m sure that there is no need to trouble His Grace with such minor details of your daily business, unless he does, very specifically, ask.”

The solicitor’s relief was palpable.

“Very good, my Lord. Now, regarding these specific variations...”

He bent over the documents again, pointing out further inconsistencies that made Charlotte’s certainty grow with each passing moment.

The morning stretched on as Mr Harrison conducted his careful examination. Charlotte found herself studying the office’s contents, noting the decades of Alverton’s history contained within its walls. How many times had William sat in this very chair, she wondered, struggling to untangle the web of his father’s financial dealings?

A slight movement near the door caught her attention – Simmons, the clerk, entering with fresh tea. Something in his manner made Charlotte’s instincts prickle. The young man’s movements seemed unusually hurried, his eyes darting about the room with poorly concealed interest.

“Thank you, Simmons,” Mr Harrison said absently, not looking up from his work. “That will be all.”

But as the clerk withdrew, Charlotte noticed how his gaze lingered on the documents spread across the desk. A chill ran down her spine as she remembered William mentioning that Caldwell seemed to know details of Alverton business that should have remained private.

“Mr Harrison,” she said carefully once the door had closed, “how long has young Mr Simmons been in your employ? I ask, because, just now, he seemed far more interested in the documents before us – he barely managed to set the tea tray down without spilling things.”

The solicitor glanced up, his expression sharpening at her tone.

“Just these past few months. He came with excellent references from... oh.” He stopped, sudden understanding dawning in his eyes. “From a legal firm in the next county. Near Sir Geoffrey’s principal estate.”

Edmund straightened in his chair, his casual manner vanishing.

“Perhaps we should continue this discussion more privately?”

Mr Harrison rose swiftly, moving to lock the office door.

“I am a fool,” he muttered, returning to his desk. “Such an obvious ploy, and I never thought...”

“You are not to blame,” Charlotte said quietly. “It would appear that Caldwell’s schemes most likely run deeper than any of us suspected. Though this may explain how he acquired certain information about Alverton’s affairs.”

The solicitor gathered the scattered documents with trembling hands.

“Your Grace, these papers must be secured immediately. If Simmons has already informed Sir Geoffrey of your visit...”