“Get ready to dance, Susannah. I will see to it you receive an invitation to Lord Boatwright’s party at the Great Hall on Friday evening. Make your plans to be there.”
He turned and strode triumphantly out of her music room.
Nine
My Dearest Grandson Alexander,
While reading through some old letters, I came across this exceptional quote from my dear friend Lord Chesterfield: “Never seek for wit; if it presents itself, well and good; but even in that case, let your judgment interpose, and take care that it be not at the expense of anybody. For wit and judgment ever are at strife, though meant for each other’s aid, like man and wife.”
Your loving Grandmother,
Lady Elder
Susannah sat in the outer office of Mr. Miles Rexford, waiting for him to see her. The documents she had brought to London with her were tucked safely in a small leather folder and rested in her lap. Mrs. Princeton sat quietly beside her, reading. Susannah knew of no other way to force Race’s hand. He had left her no choice but to obtain legal representation in order to get the pearls.
A door opened quickly, and a rather stout, gray-haired man wearing spectacles rushed over to her and bowed. “Your Grace, sorry to keep you waiting.”
Susannah rose. “I didn’t mind. It gave me time to collect my thoughts.”
“Come this way.”
Susannah and Mrs. Princeton followed him into his office and took a seat in the chairs he offered.
“Now, tell me, what I can do for you?” Mr. Rexford asked, lowering his bulky body into his large leather chair.
Susannah hesitated only a moment and then handed him the folder. “These documents prove my family is the legal owner of the Talbot pearls. They are currently in the possession of the Marquis of Raceworth, and I want to see them returned to my family.”
He peered at her from over the top of his spectacles as he laid his hand on top of the folder. “Hmm. Have you spoken to Lord Raceworth about this?”
“Yes, more than once. He refuses to look at my evidence.”
“That’s not surprising. If he examined your evidence, he would be forced to make a decision one way or the other as to the validity of your claim.”
“I agree, but I have not been able to make him do that. I’m hoping you can.”
The man’s small, dark eyes appeared eager as he took the folder and opened it.
Susannah remained on the edge of her chair as it seemed to take the man an hour to read through the pages. He grunted every so often and mumbled to himself from time to time, but never took the time to even glance up at her.
Finally he closed the folder and laid it down on his desk. He looked up at Susannah, and in a matter-of-fact tone said, “These documents appear to be legitimate to me. I think you have a strong case that the pearls were stolen from your family. Tell me, have you shown these to the magistrate?”
“No, and at this point, Mr. Rexford, I would rather not. I want this matter to be handled privately if possible. I don’t relish the idea of personal business landing in the scandal sheets.”
“I understand completely and I will do my utmost to see that doesn’t happen, Your Grace.”
“My hope is that you can contact Lord Raceworth’s solicitor and handle this directly with him and not involve others.”
He leaned back in his chair. It squeaked noisily. “All right, I’ll see what I can do for you, Your Grace. It might take me a few days to get back to you. First, I’ll have to find out who the marquis’s solicitor is and make an appointment with him. I’m sure he’ll want time to look at this.” He patted the folder. “And after we have spoken, I’ll be back in touch with you.”
Susannah studied over what he said.
“Is there something you don’t like? Just tell me.”
“Those papers are all I have to substantiate my claim. I would be devastated if anything happened to them.”
He held up his hands. “Don’t worry, Your Grace. I will not let them out of my sight, and I will not leave them with anyone.”
Susannah let out a deep breath of relief and rose. “Thank you, Mr. Rexford, I’ll leave this in your capable hands.”
