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Freddie folded the will carefully. ‘It’s obvious that Dr Bulmer and Mrs Betts can testify that this is genuine. You need to take this to the family solicitor, Nancy. Your claim has to be conducted correctly.’
Martha nodded. ‘I agree. Take it now before Gervase North finds a previous will. Otherwise you will end up in the Court of Chancery, and that could take years to come to a satisfactory conclusion.’
Freddie took Nancy by the hand. ‘If your family solicitor cannot handle the case, I will put it in the hands of our lawyers in London. We’ll get this sorted out one way or another, Nancy. I want you to have what’s rightfully yours and, more importantly, a family of your own.’
A glimmer of humour lit Martha’s eyes momentarily. ‘I suppose that means we might be related, Nancy. I suppose that wouldn’t be too bad. You have courage, I’ll give you that.’
‘Thank you, Miss Collins.’ Nancy held her hand out to Miss Moon. ‘And thank you, Miss Moon. We might never have seen this if it hadn’t been for you.’
Miss Moon blushed scarlet, eyeing Martha as if she expected her to erupt in anger, but Martha merely smiled.
‘Credit where it’s due, Moon. I should have thought of it myself.’
‘We should leave now, but thank you both so much,’ Nancy said, smiling.
Freddie held the door open. ‘Good day, ladies. My thanks also.’
Nancy could hardly contain her excitement when they reached home. She could not find Bertie and Wolfe, but Walter was at home in the wing of the castle where he and Louise now had an apartment. He cast his eye over the scrawled writing on the parchment.
‘It looks genuine. I haven’t seen Sir Oliver’s writing so I can’t judge it on that, but I’d say this would stand up in a court of law, especially if the two witnesses were persuaded to come forward. Why don’t you take it to Herbert Mounce in Exeter? He’s getting on a bit in years but he has vast experience in dealing with family matters.’
Nancy nodded in agreement. She shot an apologetic look in Freddie’s direction. ‘I know you offered to put it to your London lawyers, but perhaps local knowledge is more important here. I’m going to ride to Exeter this afternoon.’
‘I’ll take you in my chaise,’ Freddie said firmly. ‘I promise I won’t interfere, Nancy. You can talk to your solicitor and give him instructions. I’ll just see you safely there and back again.’
‘Good man.’ Walter slapped him on the back. ‘Now, if you don’t mind, I have a whole chapter to write by the end of the week. My publisher is getting restive. Anyway, isn’t it time for luncheon? I’m feeling peckish.’
‘Heavens, yes. I don’t want to upset Hester by being late for a meal.’ Nancy tucked the document into her reticule. ‘I don’t think I’ll say anything about this as yet. I want to be sure myself before I tell the family.’
‘Quite right,’ Walter said, smiling. ‘I’ve already forgotten what you just showed me. Are you staying for luncheon, Freddie?’
Chapter Twenty-Four
Mr Mounce had been suitably impressed by the evidence that Nancy presented and he agreed to send off the will, advising her to say nothing until probate was granted. However, on her nineteenth birthday, when the family were gathered in the castle dining room for a special luncheon in her honour, Nancy could resist the temptation no longer. She stood up to thank everyone for their gifts and good wishes.
‘It’s a shame that Freddie can’t be here because he had an urgent summons to return to Dorrington Place, but it was he who helped me to find Sir Oliver’s last will.’
‘What are you talking about, Nancy?’ Hester demanded irritably. ‘This is supposed to be a cheerful occasion.’
‘Yes, I know that and I wasn’t going to say anything until after probate was granted, but it seems that I have an identity after all. Moreover, I am an heiress.’
Tommy jumped to his feet. ‘You have final proof? How did you get it Nancy? Why didn’t you tell me?’
‘I shouldn’t be saying anything now,’ Nancy said, laughing. ‘But Miss Collins, Lady Greystone’s cousin, had Sir Oliver’s will all the time.’
Bertie frowned. ‘Are you telling us that you are Sir Oliver’s daughter?’
‘I always knew you were someone special, Nancy,’ Walter said, smiling. ‘It doesn’t need a piece of paper to prove.’
‘Great heavens!’ Bertie stared at her in astonishment. ‘I mean, if it’s true I’m more than happy for you, but I don’t remember hearing that Sir Oliver had a child.’
Hester pursed her lips. ‘How could you be his daughter, Nancy Sunday? You were abandoned on the steps of the orphanage.’
‘I know. I’ve heard that so many times, Hester, and I’ve said it myself. But I am Sir Oliver and Lady Greystone’s daughter. We visited the orphanage and they had kept the swaddling cloth wrapped around me. It was embroidered with the Greystone crest.’
‘Which could have been stolen by a maidservant who had been wronged by some man,’ Hester said grimly.
‘I seem to have heard that story before.’ Nancy met Hester’s angry look with a challenge. ‘It happens in domestic situations, as you well know, but in this case it was not true. There are two very reliable witnesses to the will, both of whom were present at the birth.’
