“Indeed,” Lord Surrey breathed, lifting his head and dropping his hand back to his side. “The documents that my father had, however, stated that my great-grandfather had, at some point in his life, bought land and property from the Turnhill line.”
Lord and Lady Welton exchanged a look.
“It was also stated in this document that a marriage ought to take place between the two families. This, I presume, was because of the lack of coin that was offered for the land and property – something I do not understand, for I thought our family were always good and right in such things!”
Lord Welton leaned forward in his chair. “I am certain that therewasa marriage, however.”
Beatrice’s breath caught in her chest. “Might I ask,” she said, as Lord Welton and Lord Surrey both looked at her, “if it was a gentleman from Lord Turnhill’s family line who married a lady from the Surrey family?”
“You may speak freely.” Lord Surrey swallowed and then reached for his whisky. “Miss Williams and I have an understanding. That is why she and her brother are present here.”
Lord Welton frowned for a moment, looking as if he wanted to ask a good many questions, but then went on to do as Lord Surrey had directed. “Yes, I believe so,” he said, slowly, “thoughI do not have any evidence of the marriage. It was only told to us by my grandfather, given thathisfather had made all the arrangements.”
Clasping her hands tightly together in her lap, Beatrice licked her lips. “I think we may have found the record of it,” she said, as Lord Surrey took a mouthful of his whisky. “We had been looking for a marriage between a gentleman from Lord Surrey’s family line to have wed a lady from Lord Turnhill – ”
“Because the amount of coin given for the land and property was so insignificant, it seemed to me that it would be good and right for the marriage to have then been added on to that,” Lord Surrey interrupted.
“But we found that a gentleman from Lord Turnhill’s line, Simon, if I remember correctly, had married a Miss Claypole.”
Lord Surrey’s breath caught in a gasp.
“That, I presume, is your surname?” Beatrice asked, as Lord Surrey stared at her. “That means, then, that a marriagedidtake place.”
“Yes, it did.” Lord Welton shrugged. “I do not know why the documents are being handed to you as if the marriage had not been concluded, Surrey, for even if it was so long ago, I am sure that Lord Turnhill knows of it.”
Such relief swept through Beatrice that she sat back in her chair and, in what was a most improper manner, rested her head back completely. She felt weak, her heart beating steadily but with happiness tearing through her all the same. It was over, then, this match between Lord Surrey and Miss Burnley, for if they had evidence that a marriage had been completed, there was nothing to join the two families.
“Here, Lord Welton. Let me present you with the documents themselves.” Lord Dorset, who had remained silent thus far, rose to his feet and walked across the room to hand Lord Welton the documents. “I was concerned about the seal at first, thinkingthat it could easily have been faked and – I have not yet told you this, Surrey – but my solicitors have agreed with me.”
Lord Surrey’s eyebrows shot upwards. “They have?”
Lord Dorset nodded, his expression grim. “They say that it appears to have been replaced, but at the same time, given the appearance of being very old indeed.”
Lord Welton frowned as he looked down at them. “I see.”
“However,” Lord Dorset continued, “that is not their main concern. Having studied the documents and the seal extensively, they are convinced that there should be a fourth page to these. A page that is missing – which is why the seal is of concern. It should be on the final page of the document and – ”
“And if the third page is not the final page of the document, then the seal was placed there later,” Beatrice breathed, as Lord Dorset nodded. “It is not genuine.”
Silence flooded the room for a few moments before Lord Surrey, with a heavy sigh, ran one hand over his eyes and then sank into a chair. “One thing I do not understand is why my father was so very convinced that these documents held truth. Surely, ifheknew of the marriage as you did, Uncle, then he would not have accepted the documents.”
Beatrice chewed on her lip as Lord Welton looked back at his nephew, confusion written in his expression. Dare she speak her mind? It was a dreadful consideration, but one that she needed to give all the same. “If Lord Neath has been so willing to threaten me,” she said, breaking the silence, “then might it not be that he – or Lord Turnhill – did the very same to your father?”
Lord Surrey closed his eyes and shook violently, making Beatrice’s breath hitch.
“It is a fair consideration,” Lord Dorset said quietly. “Lord Neath has been quite determined to have you married to Miss Burnley, so much so that he was quite willing to ruin MissWilliam’s reputation should she dare speak a word of what she overheard.”
“Who is this Lord Neath?” Lady Welton wanted to know. “I am not acquainted with him.”
Beatrice looked about the room, but it was Lord Dorset who spoke first.
“He is not known to any of us,” he explained. “Miss Williams overheard a conversation about these documents and Lord Surrey, and it was between Lord Turnhill and Lord Neath. They both appear to be acquainted with each other but do not want to have their conversation overheard.”
“So there is something awry with all of this,” Lady Welton said, as every person in the room nodded. “Lord Neath threatened you, Miss Williams?”
“With ruination at his own hands, if he had to,” Beatrice answered, shuddering at the memory. “I had already spoken to Lord Surrey by that point, however. We have been careful not to be seen in close conversation in public or the like, so that Lord Neath does not suspect.”
“Even though that is what you desperately wish for, I understand.” Lady Welton smiled knowingly, and Beatrice flushed hot.
