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“That is true,” Phineas admitted, “which is why I propose we split Grandmother’s fortune between us, regardless of who is the heir.”
“If Grandmother wanted us to do so, then she would have written her will accordingly.”
Phineas glanced over at the open door and lowered his voice. “It is evident that Grandmother isn’t in her right mind.”
“I disagree.”
“That is because you are too close to the situation.”
Daphne arched an eyebrow. “You are grasping at straws, Cousin.”
Leaning back in his seat, Phineas sighed. “I need that money,” he said. “I’ve already made plans for it.”
“That was a rather foolhardy thing to do.”
“Have you ever been given a gift, but then had it snatched away at the last moment?”
“I have not.”
“That is what is happening here.”
Daphne reached for her teacup and took a sip. Once she lowered it to her lap, she replied, “Grandmother is not leaving you destitute. She still intends to leave you some money.”
“But not the bulk of her estate.”
“That is true.”
Phineas rose and walked over to the drink cart in the corner of the room. “I don’t know what Grandmother expects of me,” he said as he picked up the decanter.
“I think she expects more morality from you.”
“I don’t know why,” he replied. “I am behaving as every man of my station does.”
“That doesn’t make it right.”
“You are still young and naïve,” Phineas said as he poured himself a drink. “You will soon discover that one must act a certain way to gain acceptance amongst his peers.”
“By drinking, gambling, and having dalliances?”
He brought the glass to his lips. “If you must know, yes.”
“Your logic is faulty, and it seems to me that you are associating with the wrong peers.”
Phineas walked over and sat back down. “We could always wed,” he proposed.
Daphne stared back at him in disbelief. “But we are cousins.”
“True, but we would both win in this situation,” he replied. “You wouldn’t have to worry about finding a husband, and we would both inherit the money.”
“That is not entirely true, since all the money would belong to you as my husband.”
“Perhaps, but you could reside at this estate, and I would reside at mine,” he said. “It would give you the freedom to do as you please.” He smiled as if he were offering her a grand treat—which he was not.
Leaning forward, Daphne deliberately placed her teacup on the tray. “I am going to say this very simply so there is no confusion. I am not going to marry you; not now, not ever.”
“Why?” he whined. “It is a solution to both of our problems.”
“No, it is a solution to yours,” she asserted.
