Page 77 of The Rules of Courtship
Mr. Dale looked up from his papers, his spectacles sliding low on his bulbous nose. “Mrs. Esther, uh, Rose, is here?”
“She is.”
“And her daughters?”
“They are, as well.” Oliver swallowed. With so many beneficiaries, he could hardly expect a penny left in his name. He found Harrison in the corridor, who left to gather the family and bring them to the study. Within a quarter of an hour, the study was filled to the brim—Esther and her daughters, Aunt and Uncle Harding, Aunt and Uncle Charles, Samuel, Eliza and Jacob Ridley, Mary Rose and her daughter, Emma, all filled the space near to bursting. Oliver leaned against the wall just behind the desk, careful not to glance over Mr. Dale’s shoulder.
Eliza sat near the back wall beside her sister Mary, with Jacob Ridley standing at her shoulder. Oliver did his best to ignore Jacob’s eye. Learning they were half-brothers had been a blow, and he did not quite know how to inform Jacob. It was a delicate matter, and he wasn’t familiar enough with the man to predict how he would take the news.
“I will not leave you in suspense any longer,” Mr. Dale said dryly, his voice carrying over the packed room. He cleared his throat and began to read. After the legalities, he said, “Four hundred pounds to each of my nieces and nephews, Mary Rose, Eliza Rose, Samuel Harding, and Oliver Rose.”
Samuel caught Oliver’s eye and gave a flat smile. If ever there had been any doubt, now the truth was plainly in front of them. Oliver glanced at Eliza and found her eyebrows pulling together, her gaze on him. She looked more concerned than surprised, but she would surely have questions for him later. He looked away.
Mr. Dale continued. “My watch is to go to my brother, Charles Rose, with a sum of eight hundred pounds. My pipe is to go to my sister, Theresa Harding, with a sum of eight hundred pounds.
“Five thousand pounds to each of my daughters, Arabella and Penelope Rose, to be settled upon them when they marry, or if they do not marry, when they turn twenty-nine. The remaining sum to be left in its entirety with Briar House and all my earthly possessions to my wife, Mrs. Esther Lowell Rose.”
Mr. Dale glanced up, his gaze sweeping along the faces in the room before continuing. He finished reading the legally binding document, signed with a flourish by Captain William Rose, as Oliver could plainly see from where he stood behind the desk.
Four hundred pounds. Of the great fortune his uncle had amassed overseas, it was a pittance. But four hundred pounds was no small sum. It would not save his estate, but if put togood use, perhaps it would be enough to give him adequate time to find an answer to his financial woes.
“A pipe?” Uncle Harding said scoffing. “Those chits receive five thousand pounds, and we get apipe?”
Had he already forgotten the eight hundred pounds?
“It was our father’s pipe,” Aunt Harding said, moisture in her eyes. The gesture had clearly touched her, and it was obvious she was not as greedy as her husband.
“Worthless,” Uncle Harding muttered. “Where is their proof?”
Oliver wanted to take him by the neckcloth and drag him from the room, but he kept his hands to himself, inhaling for patience.
“I suppose you’ve brought the marriage license for proof?” Uncle Harding continued, his beady gaze on Esther. “We must know you are who you claim to be.”
Mr. Dale removed his glasses, looking from Uncle Harding to Esther with surprise. “If you believe me to be derelict at my occupation, you may see me privately, sir.”
“No, that is not what I—that is, I only meant thatshecould be an imposter.”
“Yes, we all gathered as much,” Mr. Dale said crisply. “I would recommend you see yourself out until your emotions are under control, Mr. Harding. I have taken care to ensure each person in the room is precisely who they claim to be. William Rose brought his wife with him to sign the will. Now, if there is anyone else who needs further clarification, I am happy to assist you.”
The room was silent.
“That does not prove marriage,” Uncle Harding said. Was he thinking about how William had falsified a marriage before for the sake of Oliver? What was to say the man would not do so again? It did not feel right to Oliver, but he could see the wild leaps his uncle was making. “She ought to produceproof.”
Mr. Dale let out a slow exhale and faced Esther. “Have you brought proof, Mrs. Rose?”
Her face was ashen, her mouth pinched, sending a disquiet through the room. “The church where we were married in Thistledale was lost to a fire some years ago,” she said. “The registers were destroyed.”
Someone inhaled sharply nearby.
“But I can produce witness statements?—”
“Iknewit,” Uncle Harding spat. “She is nothing but an imposter. She convinced William they were married so she could have his money. He was not right in the head with that illness.”
“When did he bring Mrs. Rose to your office, Mr. Dale?” Uncle Charles asked, in an effort to settle the matter.
“Six months ago.” Mr. Dale pulled at his cravat. “The will had not been updated in some time, and he wanted to make changes.”
“Did they include leaving less to us and more toher?” Uncle Harding said.
