Page 74 of Lords, Ladies and Love

A sharp inhale of breath echoed around the room. Oh Lord, no. Minerva glanced at Angel, who shared her concerned expression.

“That’s preposterous,” Theo blurted.

“Theo,” Mama scolded.

“What the devil was Grandfather thinking?” murmured Seth.

Minerva shook her head. “This cannot be right. He would never give his money to that man.”

Mr. Barton lifted his shoulders. “The will is quite clear. Should you fail, Mr. Hastings shall inherit.”

“He is not even family,” Theo said, his tone bitter.

Especially not after he separated from their cousin and brought utter scandal upon their family when he tried to gain a divorce and ran off with a nursemaid to Ireland. As far as they were all concerned, Mr. Hastings had not been part of the family for a good five years, and their grandpapa had been suitably riledat the whole sorry mess. It was unfathomable that he should inherit anything after what he’d done to their poor cousin, who passed away only six months after the event.

“You said there were tasks, correct?” Seth leaned back in his chair and waved a hand. “We’ll do whatever it is that Grandfather wanted of us, and that will be the end of the matter.”

Mr. Barton grimaced. “Well, ah, the instructions are extremely specific. All four grandchildren must complete their tasks within two months of this reading.”

Seth’s expression turned smug. “Easy enough.”

“For you, perhaps,” said Theo. “You have few commitments.”

“And I had volunteered to help Lady Whitbury reorganize her library. I can hardly back out now,” cried Minerva.

Besides which, this was going to be her time—her time to do new things and finally gain the bravery she had been so lacking. Grandpapa’s death had reminded her that time was short, and she knew he would not want her living such a life—scared of everything and anything. Somehow, she had to conquer her fears. How could she play conqueror when she was busy doing whatever this task was?

“I am sure she will survive without you, Minnie,” Angel said.

“But—”

Mama lifted both hands. “Perhaps we should find out what these tasks are before we leap to conclusions.”

Theo straightened in his seat. “Quite. Yes. Mr. Barton, what exactly did our grandfather want of us?”

“There are letters for all of you…” Mr. Barton lifted a stack of letters. “Each describes your task.” He handed them out.

Minerva fingered the seal on the letter, her heart pressing against her ribcage. She could not be certain if it was because of what could potentially be hidden in the letter or because it hadbeen some time since she’d seen her grandfather’s seal and she missed it. He had always been kind and loved them all dearly. Even after her kidnapping, this old man, who many knew as stern and no-nonsense, took the time to be gentle with Minerva and try to reassure her that it could never happen again. He had been the one person she could confide in, and she missed that so much.

Drawing in a breath, she went to press a finger under the seal.

“But before you do.” The lawyer dabbed his forehead again before thrusting his handkerchief back up a sleeve. “You must understand that no one can know of your task. The only people who may be privy to your task are the people in this room, including me. I will, ah, assess whether or not it is felt you have completed your undertaking.”

“So, we can discuss this with each other?” Theo clarified.

Mr. Barton nodded. “And your lady mother. But no one else.”

“Well, let us get this thing done, and then we can ensure that awful man does not get a penny of Grandpapa’s fortune.” Minerva flicked open her letter and scanned the contents.

Oh no.

Oh no no no no no. This could not be. What was Grandpapa thinking? He knew all too well of her problems, and yet, he wanted this of her? Yes, she wanted to defeat her fears…but not like this!

“What is it, Min?” Seth demanded.

“I…” She waved the letter at Seth. “Perhaps you should open yours.”

Seth rolled his eyes. “You do not need to be scared of everything, Min. How bad can it be?”

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