His Lady Mistress

200 His Lady Mistress‘You’d better tell Lady Hillsden that she still has a granddaughter,’suggested Max.Wimbourne looked grave. ‘You come to the nub of thematter, my lord. Lady Hillsden has just died. We were settlingthe estate and applying for probate when I saw the notice ofyour marriage in the papers.’Max eyed him narrowly. ‘Surely it would have been easierfor you to keep silent.’ And realised that his phrasing hadbeen less than tactful.Mr Wimbourne’s chest swelled. ‘Easier legally, I grantyou, my lord. But I remember Lady Hillsden’s distress whenshe wrote to me about Miss Scott’s supposed death. Sheblamed herself for not sending for the child, for never tryingto heal the breach between herself and her son. It would notbe easier for my conscience had I not brought this to yourattention.’‘I beg your pardon, Wimbourne,’ said Max quietly. ‘I didnot intend to offend you. What do you suggest I should do?Can the will be overset?’‘Does your lordship need the money?’He laughed. ‘No, Mr Wimbourne, I do not. But like you,I have a marked disinclination to permit Lord Faringdon toget away with his deception. At least I assume that was yourmotive in laying the facts before me.’Verity’s breaking voice echoed in his heart: It’s mine...allI have of him...I have nothing.Could he at least secure her inheritance for her? Settle iton her absolutely, so that she had something that was hers,and hers alone? Independent of his wealth? And if you dothat, what are the odds that she will walk away from youafter what you just did to her?He shut his eyes against a wave of pain. Verity, given herindependence, might leave him. Carefully he rearranged thepapers before him. It was his decision. As his wife, Verityhad no say in this. He could thank Wimbourne for his integrityand say that he didn’t need the money. Legally, if that