His Lady Mistress

Elizabeth Rolls201money came to Verity without being tied up in a trust, it washis. He would be within his rights not to pursue the issue orto keep the money. The law said so.Just as the law said that Celia and Godfrey Faringdon werenow entitled to Verity’s inheritance. Just as the law on suicidehad left Verity destitute, dependent on the whim of her uncle,who had stolen everything from her, including her name.Who would have sold her into prostitution to hide his dishonesty.‘How does one challenge a will, Mr Wimbourne?’Wimbourne shook his head. ‘Oh, dear me, no. The lastthing your lordship wants to do is actually mount a challenge!We must be more cunning than that, my lord. I understandfrom Mr Covell that your lordship is a military man? A littlestrategy is what is required here. Yes, strategy. And a willingnessto accept a compromise, perhaps?’The idea of compromising with the Faringdons nearlychoked Max, but if the important thing was to give Veritysomething of her own, then his curst pride could take a fewblows.‘Go ahead, then. Outline your strategy.’‘Does your lordship know anything about the Court ofChancery?’Max frowned. ‘Not much. Except that it keeps the legalprofession busy.’Mr Wimbourne’s smile verged on the cynical. ‘Andwealthy, my lord. You see, once a challenge is mounted theestate is frozen. It cannot be touched except to defray legalcosts. Sometimes for years.’‘Years?’ asked Max suspiciously.The smile became beatific. ‘Years, my lord. Decades, even.Why, we have one case at the moment that began in 1798. Iventure to suggest that your children may not live to see theJennings case settled.’‘How large is Lady Hillsden’s estate?’