Page 48 of The Moonstone Major
“You’ll be relieved to know he did not,” the duke replied, looking down at the parchment still in his hands. “But this Ducky person did confide to Mr. Barrow that he had stumbled onto something regarding Viscount Brennan’s testamentary bequests.”
Fionn leaned forward, eager to hear more. “Does he say what Ducky found out?”
“No, your friend would tell him nothing more other than to say something ‘squidgy’ was going on. Mr. Barrow is now asking me if he ought to assist the man in pursuing the matter.”
“Of my inheritance?” He glanced at Chloe, now wishing he had not allowed her to remain in the study with them. He needed to talk to her brothers-in-law about matters of finance and did not want to do it in front of her.
Well, he supposed it did not matter. Chloe knew he had nothing to his name.
“Viscount Brennan’s solicitors told me what I was to receive. In fact, I did receive the distribution and have now put much of it toward residing in Moonstone Cottage for the year. It was a generous bequest on the viscount’s part. I did not expect anything at all, for he’d done so much for me during his life. Is your Bow Street man suggesting there is something amiss?”
“He is only saying perhaps there is. Mr. Barrow has a nose for this sort of thing. And by the tone of this letter, he did not think your Ducky was competent to get at the truth on his own.”
“That’s for certain,” Fionn said with a snort of laughter. “One can never accuse Ducky of having brains. I’m amazed he is still alive.”
He now turned to Chloe, who was also leaning forward and eager to hear more. Obviously, she had no intention of quitting their conversation.
“I know you will consider me rude, Lady Chloe…but I need you to leave.”
“Why? Don’t you want my opinion?” She noted the determination on his face, the implacable frown, and took offense. “Fine. Work it out among youmen. It is the way of things, is it not? We women are shut out of everything, even though we are more perceptive of feelings and usually know a thing or two that you, beingmen, have not worked out.”
She tipped her pert nose in the air, rose, and then slammed the door on her way out.
The marquess chuckled. The duke groaned.
Fionn sighed. “Are all the Killigrew sisters like this?”
“Yes,” the marquess said. “You should have seen Phoebe at her best. Thoroughly blistered me, but then, I was a complete arse and deserved it.”
The duke settled back in his chair and propped his hands behind his head. “Hen adored me from the start. Still worships me. But she is no wilting flower. She stands up to me whenever she disagrees with me. Of course, she always wins because she has a very sensible head on her shoulders and will not take me on without good cause.”
“I will make it up to Lady Chloe,” Fionn said. “I do value her opinion, but this is too personal a matter. It sounds like Ducky has latched on to something, but I meant it when I said he isn’t very bright. I’m not sure he will ever figure out what is going on if left on his own to solve. Nor are any of his confederates all that clever, either. They survive by being nimble and able to pick pockets, not by their abilities at mathematics or science.”
He paused a moment and shook his head in contemplation. “How much does your man charge? I’m not sure I can afford his fee.”
The duke regarded him thoughtfully. “I’ll strike a bargain with you. I shall pay Mr. Barrow’s fee, but—”
“No, Your Grace. I cannot let you do this.”
“The name is Cain. We’ve been over this before. No formality among friends and family.”
“I am honored you consider me a friend, but I cannot accept your footing the bill.”
“I shall pay it, but you shall pay me back if Mr. Barrow uncovers a greater inheritance that is due to you.”
Fionn still declined. “It is unlikely. You are only throwing your money away on me.”
“I do not see how I am. I disagree with your odds. In fact, I think it is highly likely Mr. Barrow will turn up something.”
“I want in on this,” the marquess said. “I’ll put up half of Mr. Barrow’s fee. Same terms as you’ve made with Cain. You pay us back if you gain something. If nothing comes of it, then you owe us nothing. Believe me, I’ve squandered far greater sums on the stupidest bets…of course, not now that I am married to Phoebe. My stupid days are a thing of the past. Do not be stubborn because of misplaced pride. Yours is a worthy undertaking. I am certain Phoebe and Hen would approve as well.”
“Why? Because they think I want to marry Chloe?” Fionn asked.
“Don’t you?” Cormac asked.
“My point is, I am not going to marry her. I would not insult your families by doing so.”
“What makes you think we are insulted?” Cain asked.
