Captain Amberton's Inherited Bride (Whitby Weddings 2)

‘Well, the fact is that besides your own inheritance, there were a number of other small clauses in the document. Minor ones, mostly relating to the party who was to inherit the estate should your marriage to Captain Amberton not go ahead. Considering the somewhat unusual circumstances, I felt obliged to travel to Cumberland to explain matters to that gentleman in person.’

‘And?’ She felt a vague prickle of unease.

‘He disavowed the will.’

‘He what?’

Mr Rowlinson cleared his throat awkwardly. ‘It seems that, despite being a second cousin of your father’s, the pair of them were never close. In fact, the gentleman said a few choice phrases, quite unsuitable for a lady’s ears, that makes that quite an understatement.’

‘He didn’t want the money?’

‘No. He said he was well enough off, had no children of his own and wanted nothing to do with any of it. He also added that the will itself was just what he would have expected from your father. He was, if you’ll forgive my saying so, a great deal like him.’

‘I see.’ She blinked a few times, mind racing. ‘But how does this affect me?’

‘It doesn’t, at least not now. Two months ago, however...’

‘It would have made a difference?’

‘Yes. I’m afraid it probably means that your marriage was unnecessary after all. Your father had no other close relatives and, without any other claimants to challenge the will, I believe that the money would have reverted to you anyway.’

‘So you’re saying there was no need for me to marry Lance?’

‘I think not.’ Mr Rowlinson looked distinctly uncomfortable. ‘Which is why I’m delighted to see you both looking so happy tonight.’

‘Yes.’ She looked across the room at her husband, the lawyer’s words ringing in her ears. Lance was standing in a group of elderly gentlemen, wearing his most courteous, charming expression. There was no need for her to have married him...and yet she was married to him—and she loved him. Mr Rowlinson’s news didn’t change anything, yet it struck her suddenly that there was a way out of the marriage if she still wanted it. Lack of consummation would be grounds for an annulment.

‘Theoretically then, if there were a way to dissolve our marriage, would I keep my inheritance?’

Mr Rowlinson looked positively alarmed. ‘Yes, I believe so, although a divorce would be very costly. It would cause quite a scandal, too.’

She was seized by the desire to burst out laughing. Clearly the idea of a non-consummation hadn’t occurred to him, although given Lance’s reputation with women that was easy to understand. She would probably have a hard time convincing a court of her innocence in that regard, too. Funny how different they were now, the man and his reputation. A giggle escaped past her lips.

‘Mrs Amberton?’

‘Forgive me. It’s just, my poor father... His plans could hardly have gone any further awry.’

The lawyer inclined his head. ‘No, I do believe that you’re right.’

‘He would have been appalled. The funny thing is that I’m genuinely happy. Despite all his plans, I’m actually grateful to him for making that will. Isn’t it odd?’

‘I suppose so.’

He was looking at her as if she’d had too much to drink and she swallowed another giggle. ‘Have you told my husband any of this yet?’

‘No, I didn’t think it was necessary. Unless you think so?’

‘Not tonight. I’ll tell him later. As you say, it doesn’t make any difference now.’

Mr Rowlinson looked relieved. ‘There was just one other matter, Mrs Amberton. A few weeks ago, your husband asked me to look into your mother’s side of the family. It took me a while to go through your father’s papers, but I eventually found an old birth certificate and was able to trace them from there. I’m afraid that your grandparents are already deceased, but your mother also had a sister who’s still living. In York, as it happens.’

Violet caught her breath. ‘So close?’

‘Yes, your mother was from the city originally. I took the liberty of bringing your aunt’s address with me tonight.’ He reached into his pocket and fished out a piece of card.

‘So I have some family...’ She gazed at the card with something like wonder, then caught sight of Robert approaching. ‘Oh, Mr Felstone, you know Mr Rowlinson, of course?’

‘I do.’ He made a formal bow to both of them. ‘But I’ve come to request the honour of a dance. My wife tells me that she’s in no condition to polka.’