Page 94 of May I Have the Pleasure
“I am curious though. Why did he not simply will it to someone else in his family?”
“As he explained it to me, though I do not understand all, or even most of the legal niceties, he could have willed it outright to someone else in his family, but sadly, he had not a single family member left that was of age and trustworthy. In the end, we did this because he trusted me to do the right thing. He has some younger nephews that might be suitable eventually, but they are all too young. He found me trustworthy and competent, so took the least-bad option he had.”
“Astounding!”
“Quite so. I was greatly in his lordship’s debt from earlier in our acquaintance, and not inclined to marry again, so when he learnt about his other nephews, I agreed to a marriage of convenience to protect his estate. He caught his fever just a few days later. So, you see, it is a marriage of friendship and duty that I enter to protect those he was responsible for, and Ipick up the yoke with a glad heart. He was one of the best men I have ever known.”
“Even if it was a marriage of convenience, it must be very distressing to lose such a good friend on the very afternoon of your wedding. I hope the will and settlements were all done properly, and you at least have no practical concerns.”
“I have no reason to believe differently. Lord Mawbry engaged every solicitor on board to make certain everything was done doubly and triply correctly, signed and certified by a dozen unimpeachable witnesses including a bishop. His last week on this earth was spent ensuring his family’s heritage and his dependents’ security. He believes it will be contested but is confident he secured it before he met his end, and he left me with several cutthroat solicitors who will defend me vigorously. I am not overly concerned. Again, I must thank you for all you and your crew did on our behalf.”
“I was just doing my duty, my lady. So, you are master now?”
“Apparently so. I inherited five estates and a few hundred thousand pounds, in addition to the one I already had and another for which I am already heir. I have no idea what to do with them.”
“I am certain you will work it out. Name any service I may provide, and it shall be done with alacrity.”
“If you could have your steward see to my transportation back to England, as soon as it may be conveniently arranged, to see my new family, I would be most obliged.”
“I will see to it personally.”
“If your concierge could assist my maid with some mourning clothes, I might appreciate that as well.”
“Easily done.”
“I thank you. How long until we arrive?”
“Another week, madam. If you are willing to wait three or four days, I could return you to London directly myself.”
“I thank you. That will be more than satisfactory.”
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London—August 1815
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“Miss Bingley, what a surprise.”
“Miss Eliza! What are you doing in London? I am all astonishment to see you shopping in such a fashionable area.”
“May I presume on our long acquaintance and tell you something that you will find educational, and might well help you in your life?”
“Of course, my dear Eliza.”
“Miss Bingley—I wasneverMiss Eliza to you, or at least I would not have been in a world where Bingleys practise basic courtesy. I never gave you leave to call me anything other thanMiss Elizabeth. Perhaps your lack of understanding of such rudimentary principles of basic civility accounts for the fact that you still carry the appellation ofMissafter what must be what… six or seven seasons?”
“I… I… I… Ah…. I…”
“Be easy. As your dear friend, I was only trying to be of use.”
“You… I… I…”
“Allow me to assist. I shall resolve the ambiguity, as neither name is required any more. I am Lady Mawbry now.”
“L… L… L… Lady Mawbry?”
“Yes, I am afraid so.”
