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Averting his gaze, the solicitor shifted from one foot to the other.
“He needn’t have worried,” Pierce continued icily. “Lowly bastard that I am, I possess far higher principles than His Grace ever had. I will assure my son every shred of security, both financial and emotional, that my sire denied me. The Markham estate, and the Ashford name, will remain unimpugned.”
“So you are reversing your earlier decision.”
“I am.”
“May I ask why?”
“For many reasons, few of which you would understand. Suffice it to say my conscience refused to permit retreat.”
“You understand the stipulations I described?”
“I do. I also accept them. And to make your job slightly less untenable, I invite you to openly scrutinize my investments as I effect them. You’ll find each to be completely acceptable.” A glimmer of a smile. “In this case, Markham was right. I’m damned good at what I do.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Hollingsby’s obvious relief was mixed with a touch of admiration. “And my scrutiny won’t be necessary, although I thank you for your generous offer. Since I’ll be meeting with you weekly to issue your ten thousand pounds, we can discuss the status of your assets at those times.”
“As you wish.” Pierce rose. “I have one request.”
“Which is?”
“That I be given the right to announce my newfound status on my own.”
“You’re asking me to say nothing?”
“Precisely. Only for a day or two, until I can find the proper setting for my coming out.”
Hollingsby stifled a chuckle. “Very well, Mr.—forgive me—Your Grace. Although I must say I’d hate to miss your grand proclamation.”
“Then don’t. In fact, as I’m new to all this, I could use a suggestion. Where is the next large, pretentious house party scheduled to take place?”
“The Earl of Gantry is hosting an enormous gathering, complete with fox hunt and ball. It begins the day after tomorrow and continues for Lord knows how many days.”
“Pity I don’t have an invitation.” Pierce cocked a pointed brow in Hollingsby’s direction.
This time the solicitor laughed aloud. “I admire your spunk, sir. As it happens, I do have an invitation. And I’d be delighted to have you accompany me as my guest. Would that interest you?”
“The earl won’t object, I presume?”
“Certainly not. At least, not once he learns who you are.”
“That goes without saying.” Pierce seized a quill from the desk. “I accept your kind invitation. Now, I presume there are documents I must sign?”
“Indeed.”
“Then let’s hurry the process along.” Pierce’s lips curved in amusement. “I have a legacy to see to.”
8
“WE SHALL REMAIN AT Gantry’s ball for two hours, not a minute longer,” Tragmore instructed Daphne and her mother as their carriage rounded the drive to Gantry’s estate. “I’m in no mood for festivities. Unfortunately, I must endure the fox hunt tomorrow, as well as the dinner that follows it. But I shan’t stay a day beyond that. As for tonight’s party, we’ll take our leave the moment it is plausible for us to do so. Is that clear?”
“Perfectly clear, Harwick,” Elizabeth concurred instantly.
“We could have sent our regrets, Father,” Daphne pointed out. “Given our recent burglary, I’m sure the earl would have understood.”
“The earl would not have understood.” Tragmore snapped. “He himself was a victim of that bloody bandit less than a fortnight ago. The difference is, he has no noose hanging around his neck.”
Daphne inclined her head quizzically. “What do you mean, Father?”
