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Her father smiled. “Speaking of Mr. Conolly, he’s sent me word.”
“About what?” Arabella asked, wondering what could have been said without her knowing.
“He’s convinced Lord Norton to sign away his rights to the title and Tiverwell Manor, my dear.”
“What does that mean?” Arabella asked, sitting up straighter. No one had told her of this—not even Charles!
I’ll give him trouble for not mentioning this!
“It means that you are my sole heir, and whomever you marry will receive the title upon my death,” her father said.
Arabella sat, staring at him in surprise. She glanced over at her mother, who had placed her teacup down with a clatter.
“What could convince Lord Norton to do that?” the Duchess asked.
“A monetary fee, to be paid upon signing,” her father said, clearly proud of himself. “If he receives it now, there will be no death duties. He couldn’t refuse.”
“Where did you get this money?” the Duchess inquired. Arabella was glad that her mother was asking the questions. It was far more than she herself was capable of at that moment.
Sole heiress! Tiverwell Manor, mine!
The Duke took the Duchess’s hand in his. “My dear, I have a bit of a side-business,” he said. “It provides us with an added income which can afford to pay off Lord Norton.”
“Is this legal?” the Duchess demanded.
“Not in the least,” Arabella’s father replied. “I’m not proud of it, but it gives me something to do, and it gives us the freedom to arrange the world as we please.”
Arabella frowned. “Does Mr. Conolly know of this?”
“Yes. Like him, I’d rather you told no one,” he said.
Arabella had more questions. Although, she recalled the ledger, in the secret room. It was the hint of an answer. She doubted that her father would tell them anymore. It was surprising that he’d told them anything.
“Has all of your capital from this gone into paying Lord Norton?” she asked.
“Yes, it has,” her father said. “As a matter of fact, I believe I will be retiring from it. I have achieved my own personal aims. Now, I will sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labor.”
“Keep your secrets, then,” the Duchess said. “I believe Arabella will figure them all out in time.” She looked unsettled, almost as though she had no inkling.
“No doubt, she will,” the Duke replied, getting up. “I must go out for a little while. I’ve an errand.”
When he left, Arabella looked at her mother. “I’ve seen the ledger for this secret business. Lady Catsmore’s name is in it.”
“Then leave the digging to me,” the Duchess said. “Lady Catsmore can’t keep a secret to save her life.”
Arabella smiled. She herself needed to get another look at that ledger. The list of names was still in her reticule.
Since Pappa’s out, I might as well go and have a peek.
“Excuse me, Mamma,” she said, standing up. “This has all been quite a shock. I think that I need a few moments.”
“Of course, dear,” her mother replied.
Arabella saw that her mother was frowning deeply. She was clearly still digesting the fact that her husband of two-and-twenty years had hidden something so big from her. Arabella left the room. When her mother was ready to talk, she would.
* * *
Charles received word from Lord Dunsmore, that he had infiltrated Madam Christina’s. Charles wasn’t sure that he knew what that meant, nor that he wanted to know.
