Tilly frowned. “Is all well?”
“Yes,” Charlotte assured her. “I have not been hungry of late, that is all. I’m certain that when the estate is settled, all will be well.”
At least that is what she hoped.
After Tilly left her, Charlotte poured a cup of tea and began reviewing the correspondence her father had received.
Many were from those who owed him money and begged for more time to pay.
As she knew that her father never loaned money, these must be more debts that he purchased such as he had done to Victor’s father.
It was because her father craved power over those who thought him inferior for being nothing more than a merchant. It had nothing to do with needing and having more money. Simply power.
Would she need to call them due? Would the estate require her to do so? Except, the decision would be Victor’s and not hers.
The last missive was from the Lord Chancellor from the office of the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery declining her father’s request for a writ of summons to the House of Lords. It also advised that a letter of patent would not be issued, and that no peerage would be granted to him. The letter concluded in asking that her father again consider giving the large donation previously mentioned to support the economy of England.
Charlotte let the letter fall, not at all surprised that her father had attempted to purchase a title for himself. No doubt that wasn’t the first time he had likely attempted such.
One matter was glaringly clear—there wasn’t one piece of correspondence from a friend or even acquaintance. Not that it should surprise Charlotte because she didn’t recall anyone visiting simply because they wished to spend time with her father.
Did he even realize what he was missing by not having friends? Wasn’t he ever lonely or was power the only thing that mattered.
She sorted the correspondence into the debts owed and other business matter and set them aside. She then began going through the drawers, no longer intimidated that she was in her father’s desk.
Her head was swimming with numbers and she was exhausted when she rose from the desk. She had only reviewed a few of her father’s ledgers but knew there was so much more that he owned, but she was too exhausted to continue and would revisit his holdings tomorrow.
Cook provided a delicious meal and Charlotte tried to eat enough so as not to insult, but she simply was not hungry and wondered if she would ever get her appetite back.
After she finished eating, Charlotte retired for the night and dearly hoped that she would sleep. She had to be rested for her appointment with her father’s solicitor, Mr. Ward, tomorrow.
Victormadehiswayto the breakfast room hoping that it was not yet inhabited by his mother or sister. However, he did find Kingsley. “I am surprised that anyone else is awake this early.”
“Yes, well, Maria insisted that I rise to see her off.”
Victor frowned. “Where did she go so early?”
“Off to visit a friend.” The man shrugged.
“You do not know where?”
“She did not say, nor did I ask.”
Theirs was not a happy marriage and it was only a few months old. Unfortunately, they were stuck together for life.
Victor filled his plate then settled in his place at the table. Kingsley cradled a cup of coffee and stared out the window. He had the look of a man who was miserable.
Instead of engaging in conversation, Victor chose one of the newssheets but was not given an opportunity to read because Marcus joined them.
“I thought I would ride with you today to inspect the damage and repairs.”
“At least someone else is taking an interest,” Victor mumbled as his mother entered.
Since when was everyone an early riser?
She said nothing but filled her plate and took a seat. The footman came forward and filled her cup with tea.
“I wish I knew who had set fire to the stables and used explosives on the dam.” This is the one question that had bothered him for days and Victor would not rest until he found the man and saw that he was punished. “Kingsley, you have spent time here these past months. Can you think of anyone who might cause such damage?”
