Page 40 of A Sense of Injustice
‘Interesting point,’ Luke said. ‘Ask around, Paul. See if you can find out which solicitors handled Brigstock’s legal affairs. I’d be very interested to learn what happened to his fortune.’
‘You think he knew his wife was being unfaithful?’ Flora scowled. ‘Perhaps she was less discreet than she imagined. Maybe he disliked being made a laughing stock and so got his revenge by ensuring that she wasn’t provided for after his death. He just didn’t anticipate dying quite as soon as he did.’
‘I do think he was one step ahead of her.’ Luke smiled at Flora. ‘But if I do decide to confront Cleethorp I want to be in possession of a few facts to throw at him that will hopefully frighten him off. The best way to fight fire, I have always found, is with an inferno.’
‘Right,’ Paul said, standing. ‘If you will excuse me, I’ll start putting arrangements in hand.’
‘Paul seems to be taking this very personally,’ Flora remarked, watching him go. ‘He is usually so even-tempered, but he never stopped scowling the entire time we were talking about Cleethorp.’
‘When we were up at Oxford, Paul was very interested in a young woman. The daughter of one of our professors, but—’
‘Let me guess. Cleethorp took her from him.’
‘He did. Not because he wanted her, but simply because he could. Cleethorp and Archie had already locked horns over a particular female who chose Archie.’
‘So Cleethorp took it out on Paul, aware that he was a close friend of Archie’s.’ She wrinkled her nose. ‘How very distasteful. Poor Paul. I don’t think Lord Hardwick appreciates quite how many sacrifices Paul has made on his behalf. But still, it’s all ended well. He is to marry Mary and I don’t think I have ever known two people more comprehensively in love. It’s a joy to see them together.’
‘Paul has given up a lot. He is a true and loyal friend. I agree that Archie isn’t nearly grateful enough, but that’s Archie for you. We’ve always made excuses for him and I guess we always will.’
‘He’s paid a heavy price for his wild ways, but he is still irrepressible.’
‘Unquestionably.’ Luke didn’t want to talk about Archie. ‘I’m sorry you’ve been dragged into the unsavoury business with Cleethorp.’
‘It isn’t your fault. I like Louise and will do anything I can to help her.’ Flora smiled. ‘So too, I suspect, will Henry.’
‘My brother is restless. I’ve sensed it for a while now. I think he’s ready to make a bid for independence.’
‘Do you mind?’
‘No. He’s aware that he could stay here for the rest of his life if that’s what he wants. There’s plenty for him to do, and plenty of room for a future wife and family. Much as Paul and Mary intend to make their home here. But I can also understand Henry’s need to have his own property and be his own master.’
Flora nodded. ‘He will always be in your shadow here. Perhaps Louise will turn out to be his wife. She claims that she will never…Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.’ Flora clasped a hand over her mouth. ‘You are far too easy to talk to. It’s one thing suspecting the complete truth about Louise’s wretched circumstances but entirely another if I confirm those suspicions and betray her trust.’
Luke’s expression darkened. ‘I know Cleethorp of old. He has the morals of an alley cat. No gentleman worthy of the name would hold your friend responsible for anything he forced her into.’
‘That is what I tried to make her understand. Needless to say, she doesn’t believe it.’ Flora got to her feet. ‘If there is nothing else, I ought to return to your grandmother.’
‘Yes, by all means,’ Luke said, wishing that she didn’t have to go. Thinking it just as well that she did. ‘I shall see you at dinner.’
‘If the countess decides to come down. She is very tired and so I suspect that she may not.’
‘In which case, I shall call in to see her later.’
‘Do that. She will appreciate it.’
Flora ruffled Romulus’s ears and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her.
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‘It has been too long, uncle.’ Felicity embraced the old man, thinking that he didn’t seem especially pleased to see her. ‘I trust I find you well.’
‘Tolerably so, my dear. I did not expect the pleasure of a visit from you until I received your letter yesterday. It seems very sudden.’
‘I wanted to surprise you both,’ she said, turning to embrace her sister. ‘I hope I am not inconveniencing you.’
‘Not in the least.’ But he didn’t sound convincing. ‘I have had your things taken up to your usual room. Dinner is at six. But now, if you will excuse me, I have matters to attend to.’
‘What was that all about?’ Felicity asked, watching him go.
