by Lynn Morris
Regina looked amused. “Very true, my darling.”
Trueman looked disapproving at this bit of levity, but Regina continued lightly, “Is there anything else?”
They discussed ordering more coal, and a few other minor details. Then Trueman said, “My lady, there is one more thing. Mr. Thrale wishes to speak with your ladyship.”
Regina looked blank for a moment, but quickly recovered and said, “Very well. If we’re finished, you may send him in.”
After they left, Regina whispered to Valeria, “I had quite forgotten about him. What am I to do with him?”
Valeria also hadn’t thought about Lord Maledon’s valet; she hadn’t even seen Thrale since he had returned to Bellegarde with Maledon’s body. She thought quickly. “Mamma, I beg you will allow me to help you with this; it’s just the sort of thing that upsets you, I know. I don’t wish to overrule you in any way, particularly in front of the servants, but please let me deal with him.”
“Thank you, dearest,” Regina said with relief.
Trueman brought Thrale in; naturally, he was not announced. Thrale came to stand in front of Valeria and Regina and gave a courtly bow. He was slender and tall, and handsome in a sort of melodramatic way, with black hair and dark eyes and a full mouth. “My lady, this is the first opportunity I’ve had to express my great sorrow at the loss of his lordship. I myself feel great shock and grief, as I flatter myself that his lordship and I had a much closer relationship than that of master and servant. I do so regret his lordship’s passing, and will miss him extremely for the rest of my days.”
Valeria thought that this speech was entirely too emotional—and false. The few times she had met Thrale, she had thought that he was too smooth by half. She had the distinct impression that he was cunning and sly.
“Thank you, Thrale, your sentiment is much appreciated,” Regina said gravely.
Valeria said, “Yes it is, Thrale. We do realize that his sudden demise left you in a difficult position. We will extend you a month’s wages, and you may remain at Bellegarde until you’ve found a new position. We’re prepared to give you a character, of course, and I’m certain that you’ll have no trouble at all.”
His eyes shifted back and forth between Valeria and Regina. When he spoke, he addressed himself to Regina. “I’m sure you understand, my lady, that finding a satisfactory situation is no easy task. I would hope to beg your ladyship’s indulgence to give me time to seek out a position that will suit.”
Again Valeria firmly answered him. “Lord Lydgate and Lord Hylton have a vast acquaintance, and we will ask them to help find you a position. In the meantime, I suggest that you place an advertisement in the servants’ register in the Times. As I said, I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding a new place.”
His eyes flickered. “Yes, Miss Segrave,” he said with the merest hint of insolence. Then he turned back to Regina as if Valeria weren’t even there. “My lady, there is another thing I wish to ask of you. His lordship was always very generous with me, in that he always gave me his clothing when he renewed his wardrobe. Indeed, it is customary that a gentleman give his valet his ‘castoffs,’ as we say, as I’m sure your ladyship gives your dresses to your lady’s maid. And so, I thought that it would be perfectly correct for me to have his lordship’s clothes. Also, in the course of my employment with him, his lordship indicated on several occasions that there were some items of his personal effects that he would like for me to have. I’m sure your ladyship knows that that is quite customary too.”
Regina looked confused. Valeria didn’t like to continually talk over her mother, but she realized angrily that it was Thrale who was manipulating the conversation, and she decided that she must take control. Icily she said, “Thrale, what you say about custom and convention may be true under normal circumstances, but such does not apply here. Our family will decide what to do with Lord Maledon’s personal property, including his clothing.”
At last he addressed her directly. “But Miss Segrave, his lordship did in fact indicate some items that he specifically wished me to have.”
“But he didn’t do so in his last will and testament,” Valeria said bluntly, “which is also customary. That is all, Thrale.”
He looked slightly stunned, and then his lip curled slightly. With a bow that was distinctly mocking, he turned and stalked out.
Regina murmured, “Oh, that was distressing…I had no idea…”
“Of course you didn’t, Mamma, you simply can’t see that people are selfish and will take advantage at every opportunity,” Valeria said. “I have no doubt that he would have had everything, including walking sticks and snuffboxes and quizzing glasses and watches, packed up and gone, if he thought he could have got away with it.”
Regina sighed. “Sometimes I think I’m so naïve that it’s made me quite stupid.”
“No, Mamma,” Valeria said quietly. “It’s because you always think the very best of people. In you that is not stupidity; it is sweetness. And I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
“You know, Valeria,” Regina said with a smile, “St. John and I are very lucky to have you taking care of us. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you, my darling.”
Suddenly Valeria did not feel useless at all.
* * *
Lord Hylton returned from the City a couple of days later, on Saturday. Regina and Valeria went out to meet him, and were bemused to see that the coach was filled with parcels and bandboxes. “Craigie and Joan gave me very strict instructions about picking up your orders from Madame Tournai,” he explained. “In fact, they gave me many instructions, both verbal and written, about fans and shawls and lace and ribbon. Luckily, Madame Tournai was very helpful, for I’m afraid I’m somewhat at a loss when it comes to lace and ribbons.”
Valeria observed dryly to herself, Oh, yes, I’m sure Madame Tournai was extremely helpful. Mamma says she’s young and very beautiful, so I would imagine it took you a long time to choose among black lace and black ribbons and black fans!
They went into the morning room and Lord Hylton asked, “Where is everyone?”
Regina replied, “I finally convinced them that it wasn’t at all necessary for them to sit in solemn silence with me all day. I recalled that Lord Lydgate is quite the avid sportsman, so I encouraged him to go shooting. I know that Bellegarde can’t compare with Foxden Park, but still, I understand that the shooting is really fine here. And then I found out that Elyse is determined to go out and fire a gun willy-nilly, as Letitia put it, so she’s shooting too. And of course nothing would do but what St. John would go with them, so your mother was kind enough to say that she’d like an outing, and she’d make sure no one shot St. John, and that he wouldn’t shoot himself, and that he wouldn’t shoot anyone else.”
“I’m sure that’s a great comfort to you, Lady Maledon,” Alastair said. “Miss Segrave, I’m surprised that you’re not out with your rifle, banging away like my sister.”
“I feel sorry for the birds,” Valeria admitted. “Well, in the field, anyway. By the time they get to the table I’m not so sensitive. I do love Mrs. Banyard’s roast guinea fowl with curry sauce. So, please, Lord Hylton, tell us how it went in London.”
“I’m happy to report that I was able to accomplish a very great deal. Right now, Lady Maledon, let me assure you that all is well. The balance of your account at Barclays Bank is about six thousand pounds. Understand that this doesn’t include moneys from the harvest, and some debts are still outstanding, but still, you have absolutely nothing to worry about as far as liquidity.”
“Oh, thanks be to Almighty God,” Regina murmured. “Perhaps it was foolish, but I was so very worried.”
“It wasn’t foolish at all, Mamma, considering—” Valeria was going to say “considering how insanely Maledon was behaving,” but she cut herself off and rather lamely finished, “considering the circumstances.”
Alastair gave her a knowing glance, then continued, “My solicitor has returned here with me. I as
sure you, madam, that he has all the paperwork pertaining to Maledon’s estate in perfect order. Anticipating your wishes, I asked if he would come here and meet with me and Miss Segrave first thing in the morning. Is that acceptable to you?”
“Oh, yes, that is perfectly acceptable,” Regina said happily. “Already I am so relieved in my mind. From now on, Lord Hylton, it’s not necessary for you to worry about my wishes; you have my complete confidence. And I thank God for you too.”
Alastair said, “You do me great honor, madam, and I will do my utmost to deserve your trust.”
* * *
Julius Stanhope, Esquire, was exactly what Valeria, in her rather unschooled mind, thought a solicitor should be. He was a small man, balding, with spectacles, but in spite of his humble appearance he had an air of competence that was in complete contrast to Mr. Broadbill’s oily smoothness. They met in the study, and Valeria observed that, rather than holding court with his courtiers, he had exactly the right tone of deference for a professional to show to his clients. “Miss Segrave, if I may make a suggestion, we might go over the articles of trusteeship and sign them at the end of this meeting. They are complete and entire and, I believe, respect all parties’ wishes. But first, I’m sure that you would wish to know the details concerning his lordship’s estate.”
“You are entirely correct, sir,” Valeria said.
“Very good. First of all, let me apprise you of the exact nature of my position. Lord Hylton asked me if there was some sort of precedent for retaining multiple solicitors. Legally a person may retain as many solicitors as he wishes, but it is highly unusual; in fact, I don’t think I’ve ever known such, and to be perfectly honest, under normal circumstances it would present a certain difficulty, to me at least, as concerning professional courtesies.
“However, after Lord Hylton related to me the exact situation, I did see the possibility that Broadbill and Bent were not representing their clients’ interests to the utmost of their abilities, and in my mind that released me from such delicate considerations of not impinging on another solicitor’s account.” He removed his spectacles, polished them, and replaced them precisely on his nose. “I say this so that you understand, Miss Segrave, that I have a high regard for exacting professional conduct.”
Valeria said, “Mr. Stanhope, you are the first gentleman I’ve tried to engage in any matter of business who has given a fig for what I thought, and I thank you. I assure you that you have my full and complete confidence.”
He gave Valeria a dry little smile. “Now, assuming that you, like Lord Hylton, don’t wish a long dreary list of numbers and debitors and creditors, I will give you an overview of the Maledon finances.
“The estate itself generates approximately twelve thousand pounds per annum. The expenses of the earl’s holdings, and here I am including the London town house, the stables, maintenance and improvements on the estate, and Bellegarde household and personal expenses, are about ten thousand pounds per annum. So for many years now the earls of Maledon have been growing steadily richer, and this surplus has been used to buy more land from time to time, with other available funds invested in the stock exchange. And, for about the last ten years or so, the earl kept a gold deposit at Barclays, maintaining a balance of about ten thousand pounds.”
“Except for the last year,” Alastair told Valeria, his lip curling slightly.
“Yes, you said the balance now was about six thousand pounds,” she said thoughtfully. “Where did the other four thousand go?”
Alastair and the solicitor exchanged grave glances, which nettled Valeria. “Surely by now, Lord Hylton, you have seen that I’m not subject to womanish vapors. I suspect I already know the answer, anyway. It was Lady Jex-Blake, wasn’t it?”
“Some of it, ma’am,” the solicitor answered with delicate distaste. “His lordship bought a house in Russell Square for which he maintained all the household expenses, including three servants, two horses, and a carriage. He opened several new trade accounts that were—ahem—related to ladies’ clothing and personal items. In addition, it appears that his lordship’s own expenses for his wardrobe, last year alone, came to almost one thousand pounds.”
“Good heavens, no wonder Thrale wanted his clothes,” Valeria muttered darkly. “And so all of these things cost four thousand pounds? That doesn’t sound possible.”
“No, it is not possible,” Mr. Stanhope said. “Those items alone cost about three thousand pounds. No, what I find impossible to believe is where the other thousand went. It seems that Mr. Broadbill found his expenses as executor of Lord Maledon’s will of such magnitude that he turned in a bill—to himself, of course—for one thousand pounds, which he then paid to himself!” Mr. Stanhope’s indignation was so high that his spectacles almost fell off, and he was obliged to polish them with great vigor. His rather sallow cheeks were tinged bright red.
“What! One thousand pounds! Surely that is nothing but robbery!” Valeria cried.
“Exactly, exactly what I told Lord Hylton, and I said that Mr. Broadbill should be prosecuted,” Mr. Stanhope declared. “However, it is not at all clear that such a prosecution would be effective. In most cases the testator makes a separate written agreement with the executor, naming the fee said executor shall receive. Lord Maledon didn’t do that. And so it might be construed that in such a case the executor can name his fee, and it is legal, although it is certainly not ethical.”
“But surely something can be done,” Valeria insisted. “He should face some sort of charges! He stole that money from my six-year-old brother!”
Calmly Alastair said, “We could try to prosecute him in Chancery, but we would have to retain a barrister, and someone would have to appear in court—most likely several times, perhaps for as long as a year—to represent the estate, and that would have to be either you or me, Miss Segrave. The prosecution would be long and expensive. Also, as Stanhope says, there is very little likelihood of a successful conclusion. What he did was reprehensible, but it was not illegal.”
“My horrible stepfather!” Valeria exclaimed with heat. “It seems every single day reveals a sordid new situation! I declare, that man was—” She stopped when she saw the looks on the men’s faces. Mr. Stanhope seemed upset at her outburst, while Alastair looked coldly disapproving. With an effort she calmed herself down, though she still felt resentment coursing throughout her. “So, Mr. Broadbill has made himself a tidy sum of money from Lord Maledon’s will. Well, that is the last of the Maledon money that he will ever see. I want him discharged immediately.”
“So Lord Hylton has said, and I heartily agree,” Mr. Stanhope said. “I suggest that as soon as you sign the trust agreement the first order of business should be to send an express to Broadbill and Bent, notifying them that you are terminating their services.”
“Whoever ‘they’ may be,” Valeria said sarcastically. “I would very much like to see Mr. Broadbill himself, alone, and tell him what I think of his royal we. And, possibly, wring his nose. But—oh, dear. He is the executor of the will, and that cannot be undone, can it?”
“No, but there is little damage he can do there, the will was so straightforward and simple,” Mr. Stanhope said. “Her ladyship has ten thousand pounds, and your brother has everything else. All you and Lord Hylton really need to do is decide how you will transfer the money to Lady Maledon, and notify Mr. Broadbill of it.”
“And how can that be done?” Valeria asked. “I assume—I hope—from the investments?”
“Certainly that is possible,” Mr. Stanhope said. He shuffled some papers, then said, “At present Lord Maledon’s investments total about forty thousand pounds. He has investments in several bank stocks, some Exchequer and Navy bills, and some India bonds. The total investment in Exchequer bills is about ten thousand pounds. Perhaps your mother would like to leave her settlement there, for they pay about six percent interest.”
It went against every fiber of Valeria’s being to admit ignorance to Lord Hylton, but she could not
see any way around it. “I don’t understand,” she said stiffly. “How does investment in the Exchequer work?”
Mr. Stanhope gave no sign at all, but Valeria imagined that she saw disdainful amusement lurking in Alastair’s eyes. Mr. Stanhope answered, “It’s really very simple, Miss Segrave. You loan the government money to use for government purposes, and the government pays you interest on the loan.”
“I see. Mm—no, I don’t think my mother would be comfortable with such—such an arrangement. She’s very unworldly, you know, Mr. Stanhope, and I know that she would feel much more secure if she had ten thousand pounds invested in the public funds,” Valeria said.
“Certainly. I’ll be glad to make that transfer,” Mr. Stanhope said.
“And so, Miss Segrave,” Alastair said, “that brings us to your own trust. I must say you’ve shown great forbearance in not demanding to know about that first thing.”
“No one has ever observed that forbearance is one of my virtues,” Valeria said dryly. “I can assure you that I was going to ask. Mr. Stanhope?”
“Yes, ma’am, I have managed to trace the—er—disposition of your trust from the time that Lord Maledon became your trustee, some seven years ago.” For the first time he seemed uneasy, and shuffled papers for a few moments. “When your mother married Lord Maledon, she chose not to have marriage articles, defining her property as her own, drawn up. Therefore, all of her money—a sum slightly over twenty thousand pounds—automatically became his. Also, she was, in the strictest legal sense although it was not formalized, trustee of your annuity from your father’s estate. Therefore, when her ladyship did not have written documents made to assure that she maintain her own personal property, your stepfather became the de facto trustee of your annuity. Soon after their marriage, Lord Maledon invested all of the funds coming from his marriage to your mother, and that was the basis of all of the investments still held now.”
