Free A Surrendered Heart by Tracie Peterson Page A

the sale, and there was little I could do. I don’t know how he managed the legalities.”
    “My dear, the entire setup was a sham. Your uncle duped young Daniel. Still, his plan fell short, for he didn’t convince you to marry Mr. Irwin, did he?”
    Fanny shook her head. The lawyer’s knowledge of Daniel Irwin piqued her interest, and she leaned closer to examine the file’s contents. “Exactly what makes you think the house is for sale?”
    He handed Fanny a note written on her uncle’s stationery and dated only a week prior to Mortimer Fillmore’s death. The letter confirmed exactly what Mr. Rosenblume had told her. Uncle Jonas blamed Mortimer for not locating a suitable buyer even though they’d lowered the selling price. How could her uncle do such a thing! He knew how much that house meant to her and how much it had meant to his parents. Indignation assailed her as she read the words scrawled at the bottom of the page. Burn this letter after you have read the contents.
    Mr. Fillmore hadn’t followed her uncle’s orders. In addition to the letter, there was an unsigned deed made out to Daniel, together with background information that had been gathered on several men, Daniel included. Fanny recognized the names of the others—all of them men her uncle had invited to Broadmoor Island. With each additional detail, her anger mounted.
    “Has your review revealed how my uncle gained permission to sell Broadmoor Mansion?”
    “The paper work appears to be in order. The judge signed a document approving the sale. You uncle’s motion to the court states that cash was needed to meet unexpected debts. He further declared Broadmoor Mansion could be easily sold and the proceeds used to pay those undisclosed debts. Since your uncle has authority to act on your behalf, notification to you wasn’t required. The records reflect your uncle Quincy was notified, but he filed no objection. If he truly received the notice, I doubt he even read the papers. Quincy has never been interested in business matters. I would guess Jonas relied upon that knowledge as well as the fact that Quincy’s charity work generally keeps him too busy to worry over issues relating to your grandfather’s estate. Like you, Quincy relies upon Jonas.”
    “Since the court has already granted permission to sell the house, I want to purchase Broadmoor Mansion, Mr. Rosenblume.”
    Mr. Rosenblume smiled. “I was certain that would be your reaction.”
    “Can it be arranged without my uncle’s knowledge?”
    The lawyer hesitated. “I assume your uncle has continued to hold control of your investments and funds even though you’ve attained your majority?”
    “I’m afraid I had little choice. The judge, Mr. Fillmore, and my uncle all advised that it would be imprudent for a woman to attempt managing my vast holdings. The judge indicated he wouldn’t approve such an arrangement. Uncle Jonas gives me an allowance each month. Other than that, I don’t know if I have access to any of my money or not. I’ve never made any attempt to withdraw funds. Even when I purchased a house for my cousin, I had my uncle see to the transaction. After what you’ve told me, I’m doubtful I can access any of the accounts.” She silently chided herself for such a grievous error in judgment. “This will ruin my opportunity to purchase Broadmoor Mansion.”
    “Not necessarily. I could purchase the house for you,” Mr. Rosenblume said. “Once we’ve gained access to your funds, you could repay me.”
    Fanny stared at the lawyer. No wonder her grandfather had valued Mr. Rosenblume. In addition to his honesty, he was obviously a compassionate man. She didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness, but she had little choice. If she didn’t agree, Uncle Jonas would continue to seek a buyer for the house. It might be lost to her forever.
    “Please do what you can to secure the title for me,” she said.
    “I know you may find it difficult to trust anyone right