Page 18 of The Stolen Sparkler
“Yes, please.” There was no more time to worry about the duke. I needed to ready myself for the day ahead.
Bathed and dressed, I headed toward the dining room where breakfast awaited the early risers.
But on my way, a faint murmur of voices from a side room reached my ears. Pausing just outside the half-open door, I recognized the unmistakable tones of Felicity and her brother Edwin. Pausing, I strained to make out their conversation.
“You shouldn’t have done what you did, Felicity,” Edwin’s clear masculine voice said.
“Why should Cumberforth enjoy a life of luxury while you’re left begging for crumbs?”
“Because he’s Burkett’s heir. He’s entitled to it all. Can’t you see that?”
“It should all have been yours.”
“That’s not the way the laws of primogeniture work. They’re set in stone.”
“Stop being such a milksop, Edwin.”
“I’m not,” he sounded affronted. “I’m only thinking of what’s right.”
“You’re owed your share of the Burkett fortune. I’ll make sure you get it.”
“How will you manage that?”
“Lord Burkett promised to provide you with the inheritance you’re due and settle a dowry on me.”
“In exchange for what?”
“Eleanor’s necklace. When she appears at the ball without it, he’ll refuse to acknowledge her engagement to his son.”
“Where will he get the money? It’s common knowledge he’s squandered the Burkett fortune on bad investments and excessive gambling.”
“He intends for Cumberforth to marry Lady Annabel Bingham.”
“He would never do that. He loves Eleanor. You’ve sold your honor to a man who will give you nothing in return.”
“You’re wrong. The Burketts have money. How else would they afford their luxurious lifestyle?”
“It’s all for show, Felicity. There’s no fortune behind the facade.” Edwin temporarily paused. “Your actions will brand me a bastard and bring shame to our family.”
“You’ll have plenty of money to compensate for your disgrace.”
“I’d rather be seen as Papa’s legitimate son than Burkett’s bastard.”
“Even if you’re poor as a church mouse?”
“Yes, even so.”
“Well, I’m not willing to live a life of penury. A generous dowry means I can marry a peer, lead a comfortable life.”
“Lavinia will expose you. She will brand you a thief. No peer will marry you.”
“She can’t prove it. I made sure I wasn’t seen.”
“I beg you to return the necklace, Felicity.”
“Too late. I’ve already given it to Lord Burkett. He will provide us with a draft for twenty thousand pounds tonight. Half of it will be yours.”
“I don’t want any part of it. I’m leaving.”
