“It is,” said Evan, his voice uneven. “Bloody hard.”
“Quick and clean,” said Royce. “He has style, that man.”
Jeremy sighed. “I didn’t think I’d say this after last night, but where’s the damn brandy?”
Epilogue
Three weeks later…
“I have letters,” said Royce, hurrying into the room where the others were gathered for lunch. “The Royal Mail dropped them off yesterday and the lad from the Inn came up with them this morning.”
Evan passed around a plate of sliced chicken. “From whom, Royce?”
“Well, there’s one for Gwyneth from Giles. And one for Gwyneth from Ionie.”
“Oh, how lovely.” She accepted the missives with a smile. “I asked her to write. I’m so glad she did.”
“If she promised, you can bet she’ll keep her word. She’s Giles’s wife, after all.” Jeremy grinned.
“Good point.” Royce agreed. “I also have a letter here that looks most important. Legal matters I should think.”
“Oh, Royce. Do you think it might be about the Kilham estate?”
“Possibly. It is about that time.”
Gwyneth took a breath. The news that the Earl of Kilham had managed to fashion a noose and hang himself in a Deepmere gaol cell had been received with mixed emotions. The Constables who were holding him were quite upset, of course, but after the initial shock everyone involved felt more than a little relieved. It was somewhat ironic, pointed out Jeremy, that the Earl had been in the very cell where Trick had spent a miserable six months.
They also regretted, but failed to mention to the authorities, that they strongly suspected the Earl had been responsible for Randschen’s death.
Royce had put forward the suggestion, pointing out that if Kilham had been skulking around Wolfbridge, he might have been seen by the Baron coming to collect his weapon. Such an occurrence would easily have led to violence, since the Earl couldn’t afford to have his presence revealed.
They all regretted the manner of his death. They did not, however, mourn his absence.
Consequently, many more legal enquiries had been initiated. Royce had fielded correspondence from an assortment of lawyers and creditors with reference to the estate, but they still lacked the news they sought. She was hoping this letter might answer some of the most pressing questions.
“Would you mind opening it now? I think we’re all eager to hear what the lawyers have to say.” Gwyneth was on tenterhooks. She wanted that part of her life done with. Then, and only then, she felt she had a chance to fully explore who she was now, without any lingering shadows.
“Very well.” Royce took a bite of fresh bread and broke the seal on the official-looking letter, opening it and scanning it quickly. Then he put down the bread and scanned it once again.
“Uhh…Gwyneth?” His eyes remained glued to the words on the page, and he turned to the second sheet, perusing that as well.
“What? Royce? What is it?”
Everyone’s eyes were riveted on Royce. Who finally put the letter down and looked at Gwyneth. Then cleared his throat. “It seems that there was no second will, but your husband had added a codicil. You were supposed to be in control of Kilham Abbey and the estate should he predecease you. Theincomewas to go to Ernest, butonly the income. Now that he has died, the entire Kilham Abbey estate goes to the last remaining member of the family cited in the will. That’s you.” He looked up at her. “Kilham isyours.”
She blinked. Stared at Royce, and blinked again, struggling against an odd roaring in her ears.
“Gwyneth?” Royce looked back at her. “Did you hear what I said? You’re the last in the Kilham family and you’re now a very rich widow because of it.”
“Dear God above,” she breathed. “The last thing I want is anything to do with that miserable estate and the people who live there.” Her heart thundered. “He married me to get an heir. He never loved me, although he didn’t mistreat me. But his servants didn’t like me and his son…that bastard damn near killed me. He wanted me to die. In fact, he said so.” She clutched the table cloth. “I don’t want it, Royce. I don’twantKilham. And Iwon’tleave Wolfbridge for it, that’s for damn sure.” Her breath choked.
Tears stung her eyes, but she held them in check. ShewasWolfbridge now. Kilham could rot for all she cared.
“All right, Gwyneth. Breathe.” Royce kept his voice calm. “You do not have to do anything at this moment. Give yourself time to think. Should you decide not to take up residence at Kilham, you can sell it. Since you’re the last in line, there is no entail to follow. It can go on the market whenever you wish.”
She took another deep breath, trying to calm herself. “Yes. I think that would be the best course of action.” She stared down at her intertwined fingers. “I have to wonder if he was behind the blackmail letter. Perhaps he had finally learned of the codicil.” She looked up at Royce. “He would have been one of the few in a position to learn about such matters.”
Royce nodded. “A logical supposition, yes. Your maid came with you when you married Kilham, I would guess?”
