Free The Saint by Madeline Hunter Page B

percent of the mill, which was given to your cousin.”
    â€œThe viscount is also my trustee, however. He manages those investments.”
    â€œThese partnerships are not a part of the permanent trust like the funds are, however. If you marry or come of age, he must relinquish control of them. Actually, it surprises me that he has not sold out of those businesses. They represent a threat to your wealth. Should anything go wrong, all owners are fully responsible for debts incurred.”
    These business did not really interest her much, unless … “Is there income from them as well?”
    â€œThe solicitor was not inclined to let me see those records. I think that the mill does pay.”
    â€œWhat will happen with that income?”
    â€œIt will go to your trustee, who presumably will invest it in more funds. Or it will be sent to your guardian.”
    Who was the same person. Trustee. Guardian. Everywhere she turned in this conversation she kept bumping into Vergil Duclairc.
    â€œMr. Peterson, I would like you present while I speak with Lord Laclere. The situation he has created is intolerable. I am being kept a prisoner here.”
    She sent the butler to request Vergil’s attendance. Mr. Peterson looked very discomforted at the notion of the upcoming interview. By the time Vergil came through the door, deference had replaced shrewdness in those gray eyes, and the balding pate showed tiny beads of sweat.
    â€œLord Laclere, this is Mr. Peterson. He is my solicitor.”
    Vergil coolly examined the attorney with bored, aristocratic hauteur. Mr. Peterson dissolved into an obsequious fluster. Bianca fought the urge to scold him to be a man.
    Vergil turned critical eyes on her. “I did not know that you had engaged a solicitor, Miss Kenwood.”
    â€œIt was one of the first things I attended to when I arrived in London.”
    â€œYour grandfather’s solicitor, or mine, or I myself, would have been happy to explain anything that you needed to know.”
    â€œI thought it best to have my own representation and to decide for myself what I needed to know.”
    â€œI trust that Mr. Peterson has satisfied your curiosity on all points.”
    â€œAlmost all. He has explained about the business partnerships that I have inherited, and suggested that you should have sold them out, for safety’s sake.”
    â€œI did not put it that way, my lord,” Mr. Peterson rushed to explain. “I only explained the law regarding a partner’s financial responsibilities.”
    â€œAs you should for your client. I am obtaining information about the value of the partnerships. As trustee, it would be irresponsible for me to give them away. There have been several inquiries regarding purchase that I will pursue when I am in a better position to judge their fairness. These things take time, however. It is difficult to obtain honest information from the managers and other owners.”
    â€œExcellent, my lord. Just the sort of careful oversight one would expect. I think it is obvious that all is in perfect order, Miss Kenwood, and that you are fortunate to have Lord Laclere taking care—”
    â€œWhen do the companies pay out the profits?” she asked.
    Steely forbearance set Vergil’s jaw and mouth. “If there are profits, the companies pay out once a year. It will be reinvested in government funds.”
    â€œHave the funds themselves paid since my grandfather’s death?”
    â€œThey have.”
    â€œHas that income also been reinvested?”
    â€œMost of it.”
    Most, but not all. “Mr. Peterson, would you be so kind as to wait for me in the library?”
    Mr. Peterson was delighted to do so. He almost stumbled in his hasty retreat.
    Bianca took a chair facing Vergil. “I want you to arrange for the income to be at my disposal.”
    â€œI have no intention of doing so.”
    â€œIt is
my
inheritance.”
    â€œEven if you