The Rightful Lord (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 3), Sahara Kelly [english novels for students .TXT] 📗

“And I was most relieved to hear it,” Royce agreed. “But Gylbart is now trying something else, you said? And that I did not understand at all.”

Giles looked sombre. “I learned about it recently. Some legal idiot suggested he might challenge the way Wolfbridge is entailed.”

“Not Fivetrees?”

“No. He cannot attack Fivetrees on this level, I believe. The way I see it is that he thinks by upsetting the disposition of Wolfbridge, he could then go to the courts and use that to re-open the Mortmain case.”

“So by having the law rule that Aphrodite’s will is invalid…”

“Yes.” Giles nodded. “He will have a much stronger case.”

“But surely he can’t overturn that will.” Royce rose and paced the room. “It’s been in effect for several generations. It’s established and approved.”

Giles leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs. “I agree with your point of view. However, Gylbart has hit upon an argument that may well find supporters. A woman, many women, inheriting considerable land simply by virtue of their relationship to the Wolfbridge line. It’s abhorrent.”

“I don’t see…”

Giles held up a finger. “Wait. Think about this. That will is now how old…going on a hundred years or so? Times have changed. More women are living long enough to be the only legitimate heirs, especially if they are unwed. And there are plenty of estates where the oldest child is a girl. Where the only children are girls.”

“I’m missing the point…” Royce leaned against the mantelpiece, frowning at Giles.

“The point is that men are greedy. And easily threatened. I can name three gentlemen right at this moment, who might well have to fight for an inheritance simply because there is a woman in line for it before them, thanks to an eccentric will or no will at all.”

“Urgh.” Royce groaned. “Now it makes sense. If Gylbart gets that case approved…those men, and probably others, have something to build on.” He followed the thought through. “So they’ll not hesitate to support his plea…and if they’re wealthy…”

“Exactly.”

“This is not good, Giles. Not good at all.”

Both men were quiet for a few moments. Then Giles reached for his glass and finished his brandy. “Why don’t I show you to your room, you can rest up for a bit, and then we’ll dine. Nothing formal, of course, with Ione gone.”

“Perfect.” Royce nodded. “And I thank you for your hospitality.” He paused. “Also, I’d like the chance to sound you out on an idea that has just occurred to me. It involves using the law, wills, documents…as much as possible, to our advantage. Not anyone else’s.”

Giles seemed intrigued. “I shall look forward to it.”

After settling his guest, Giles returned to his letters and picked up the one addressed to him in a simple flowing hand. It was from Gwyneth. He opened it, leaned back, and readied himself to discover what she had to say.

“Dearest Giles,

I hope this note finds you and Ione well and happy, and that London life suits both of you. Of course we miss you, but I cannot but say that Royce fits into the role you left quite admirably. However, there is one difference that I think I must disclose, since it is mostly my fault...”

*~~*~~*

Later that evening, when Giles and Royce were engaged in conversation over their brandy, back at Wolfbridge everyone was looking forward to dinner.

Evan had decided to create some pies in an effort to outshine Mrs B, and Gwyneth had spent an enjoyable afternoon up to her elbows in flour as she became a student in the art of pastry making.

The others had, of course, found excuses to visit the kitchen and tease her, making Evan finally banish them all on the threat of having nothing for dinner if they didn’t leave the two of them alone.

The result turned out to be several excellent pies, and Gwyneth considered herself quite proud of the knowledge her first attempts at pastry had come out so well. Evan earned a large and loving kiss for his excellence in teaching.

“What do I get when I teach you how to make a roast of beef?” He raised one eyebrow wickedly.

“Hush. I’ll think of something.” Gwyneth hugged him and left, knowing she had to change for dinner since she had picked up rather a large amount of flour on her person.

They dined together, commenting on the pies, complimenting Gwyneth and teasing Evan that he might need to find another job.

Gabriel shook his head. “You mean you’d be happy with Gwyneth in the kitchen all day?”

“Uhh…” Jeremy paused. “Yes, that is a valid point. So let’s move on.” He waved his hands as the others laughed.

“I cannot help but wonder how Royce is doing in London,” observed Gwyneth.

“He’s with Giles. They are probably both doing extremely well and having a very intellectual conversation we mortals, being of a lesser species, would utterly fail to understand.” Harry grinned as he pondered taking a slice of the blackberry or the apple pie.

“That, my friend, sounds exactly right.” Evan, being a man of great perspicacity, cut a slice of each and put them both on Harry’s plate.

A few moments of comfortable silence fell as everyone set to, digging into the pies with eagerness.

“You know, I find myself worrying about Fivetrees,” murmured Gwyneth. “It’s too valuable a building to let slide into ruin.”

Jeremy shook his head and swallowed a mouthful. “It’s not the house, love. It’s the land. The house itself is certainly worth a few quid, but it can easily be re-modelled or re-designed. Or even demolished and re-built. It’s the land that is the key to that property.”

“He’s right,” agreed Harry. “Land will always be the currency of the wealthy.”

“Oh,” Gabriel gazed at him. “A definite bon mot. You should have that stitched into a sampler.”

Gwyneth