Page 6 of Once Upon a Midnight Dreary
“Apparently, Ravenfell Manor has been in your family for generations.He didn’t want a distant relative to come sniffing around claiming the title, I gathered, though he never outright said it.Your parents chose to leave the manor several years ago, but the property remains in excellent legal standing.”He reached down and opened a drawer, then pulled out a thick folio and laid it on the desk.He pushed it toward her.“The title passes to you now.”
She stared at the thick folio as though it were a venomous snake.
“After the death of your grandfather, Henry Ravenwood, the estate was locked in probate for years.Your father had a dickens of a time getting it out of probate.When he realized his father—your grandfather—had written into his estate that only a male heir could take possession, well…your father made sure it would pass to you.”
Victoria’s mouth went dry.She was their only child.She had no other siblings.And if her father hadn’t arranged his last will and testament the way he had, then the estate would have surely gone to a distant cousin.
Knowing her father, there was no way he’d allow that to happen.
“I see,” she said at last, still eyeing the thick folder.
“You are to take full possession of the estate in person, Miss Ravenwood,” Mr.Williams added.
“And what happens if she doesn’t?”Uncle Hubert asked.
Perhaps he sensed her unease.Indeed, her determination had waned a bit after hearing this news.But only a bit.
Mr.Williams’s expression did not change.“Then Ravenfell remains sealed.The manor is not to be sold, divided, or otherwise disposed of.It is to remain within the Ravenwood bloodline or fall into ruin.”His gaze drifted back to her.“I daresay that would be your father’s last wish.To see it fall into ruin.”
With a shaking hand, she reached for the folio and flipped it open.A survey of the property was on top, detailing the boundary.A single iron key rested on top of the survey, its teeth long and jagged.Ancient.
Mr.Williams cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses.“There is…one additional matter, Miss Ravenwood.The estate’s financial accounts.”
She lifted her gaze and met his.“The accounts?”
Next to her, Uncle Hubert shifted in his seat.“Wouldn’t those accounts be frozen after all these years?”
Ah, yes, the banker at heart.Of course, he’d ask that question.
Mr.Williams’s mouth twitched in a half grin.“One would think.However, your father and grandfather were, shall we say, men who planned for unforeseen events.”
He slid a second envelope across the desk to her.This one was thick and sealed with gold wax.The stamp on the seal was that of the Ravenwood sigil—a crowned raven, wings spread outward, perched upon a branch.
“There is a trust in your name.Quietly maintained by the Elderbloom branch of the Royal Bank of Rothbridge.”
Uncle Hubert sucked in a quiet breath as she snapped her head in his direction.Her uncle, as it were, worked for the Crown Hollow Royal Bank of Rothbridge.
Williams continued, as though neither of them had reacted.“Interest from assets has accumulated over the last several decades.”
“It…has?”she asked, her voice faint.She felt lightheaded all of a sudden.Pinpricks dotted her vision.
The solicitor nodded.“You’ll find it more than sufficient to restore Ravenfell to habitability.And perhaps to maintain a small staff, should you require one.Though there is already a caretaker on site.He should be able to assist you with any of your needs.”
He said it lightly, as though it were of no consequence someone was already there.
“A caretaker, you say?”Her uncle leaned forward, his elbow on his knee.“Someone lives there already?”
“Yes, of course,” Mr.Williams replied.
Victoria was aware of the wary glance her uncle gave her.She was also aware that moving into a crumbling estate with a mysterious caretaker was probably not the best idea.
But she would see it through, no matter what.
“Shall I set up an appointment for you at the bank?”he asked.
Her uncle started to answer, but she jumped in.“Yes, please.That would be helpful.”
“Do you have any other questions?”the solicitor asked.
