Free The Abduction of Julia by Karen Hawkins Page B

appeared mollified. “Thank you, my lady. They are indeed.” The solicitor shot a sharp glance at Alec and sniffed. “I should remind you, my lord, that many an estate has been lost due to inexpert handling. There have even been cases where executors have lined their own pockets at the expense of others.”
    “I wouldn’t mind sharing some of that blasted fortune if they would cease their warbling.”
    Before the solicitor could respond, Julia interceded, “How long do you think it will be before the funds are released?”
    “Two, perhaps three months, if—”
    Alec started. “That is unacceptable! If Julia and I are to live within the confines of society for the specified time, we will need access to the funds.”
    Julia nodded. They would, indeed. And she had no intention of sitting around for months doing nothing, when she could be assisting so many.
    Mr. Pratt frowned. “I am sure, my lord, you understand how long these matters can take, but I assure you we will attempt to—”
    “May I please see the will?” asked Julia. She’d had enough squabbling for one day. Her head was beginning to ache anew.
    The solicitor lifted his thin brows. “It’s an impressive legal document. I sincerely doubt you would be able to decipher it.”
    “I’ve read many legal documents, Mr. Pratt. Debtor’s court, you know.”
    His mouth opened then closed. Finally, he managed to ask, “Debtor’s court?”
    “Paupers.”
    “P-paupers?” The solicitor looked as if he could no longer swallow.
    “Lady Hunterston is a great believer in charity work,” said Alec hastily, slicing a warning glance in her direction.
    The solicitor’s brow cleared. “Oh, charity work ! That’s very noble of you, Lady Hunterston, and quite a fitting occupation for a young lady of your station.”
    “I’m not noble, I just do what is necessary.” She started to request the document once more, but Alec’s hand enveloped hers. Julia could only subside into the warmth of his grasp. She stared at his hand and noted how long and elegant his fingers were and wished she didn’t have gloves on.
    “Mr. Pratt, the will, if you please,” Alec said.
    The solicitor looked astounded. “You’ve seen the document several times, my lord. Surely you don’t—”
    “Until today, I have been very happy with the services of Pratt, Pratt, and Son. I
had
intentions of retaining you as my personal solicitor to oversee the disbursement.”
    The solicitor paled. “Your lordship! This firm has represented the Bridgeton family since—”
    “If you insult Lady Hunterston, you will leave me no choice. She is my wife.” Alec lifted Julia’s hand in his and turned it over. With the care of a surgeon, he pushed the edge of her glove from her wrist and placed a lingering kiss on her bare skin. “You can understand why I would take offense at anyone who denies her such a simple request.”
    Even though she knew it was only a show designed to fluster the solicitor, Julia forgot everything… where she was, what they were trying to accomplish, why she had even wanted to see the blasted will in the first place. She forgot everything, that is, but the surge of heat racing through her at the feel of Alec’s lips against her naked skin. Even after he released her, she couldn’t look away from the spot where his beautiful mouth had touched her.
    Mr. Pratt swallowed noisily. “I never meant to imply… of course I wish to assist Lady Hunterston in any way possible.” He opened a drawer, pulled out a sheaf of papers, and slid them across the desk.
    Alec glanced at the will indifferently before handing it to Julia. Silence settled in the room as she took the papers and began thumbing through them, so bemused by Alec’s sensuous kiss that it took her several minutes before she could even focus. Little by little, the complex wording drew her in.
    She reached the final page and lifted her gaze to the solicitor. “It says here that if the will is contested, the executors