Free The Sinners Club by Kate Pearce Page B

out.”
    â€œIt is customary for a dowager to move into a smaller property on the estate.” Jack studied Simon’s averted face. “With all due respect, Mr. Picoult, I don’t quite understand your concern for your sister’s welfare. Whatever happens, she will not be left destitute.”
    Simon turned, walked back over to Jack, and perched on the edge of the desk.
    â€œYou consider me too apprehensive?”
    â€œI must confess that I do.”
    He sighed. “To be perfectly frank, Mr. Smith, the Lennox family hates my sister and wants her gone. I fear they will do anything to dispute the marriage and the earl’s last will, leaving my sister with nothing.”
    â€œIt is often the case that a new young wife puts a cat among the pigeons as the saying goes, disrupting certainties and changing the dynastic implications of inheritance. But from what I can see, the marriage was legal.” Jack hesitated. “Unless there is something more to this?”
    â€œNo, the marriage is legal. But as it was carried out in secret, there are those who might choose to contest it out of spite, malice, and greed.”
    â€œI see what you mean.” Jack contemplated his companion. “Surely it would be in your sister’s best interests to get this document safely to the Lennox solicitors so that if such claims do arise, they will be able to refute them for her in their professional capacity?”
    â€œThat’s exactly what I said to the old earl.” Simon grimaced. “But I think he liked the idea of his relatives finding out everything was legal and above-board after he’d died, when there was nothing they could do about it.”
    â€œExcept take the dowager and the estate to court.”
    â€œHe didn’t think they would do that to the fine name of Lennox.”
    â€œThen he obviously doesn’t understand the nature of greed.”
    â€œI agree.”
    The two men stared at each other for a long moment. “I can take the will and the original marriage lines back with me to London when I leave here,” Jack offered.
    â€œWhy not the copies?”
    â€œBecause the solicitors will prefer the originals.”
    â€œAre you hoping they’ll be fakes? What if your employer decides that is the case, takes Mary to court, and we lose everything ?”
    â€œMy employer would never do that, Mr. Picoult. I swear it. Even if any irregularities were discovered, he would never leave one of his family destitute. Your sister would always be provided for and treated with the utmost respect.”
    â€œAnd what of the child?”
    â€œWhat of him?”
    â€œIf it’s a boy, why shouldn’t he be entitled to his inheritance? It’s not just about dispossessing Mary, is it? What about her son?”
    â€œYou sound rather agitated, Mr. Picoult. Has anyone suggested that the child shouldn’t inherit even if he is a male?”
    â€œThere are always those who gossip, Mr. Smith, and when the gossip comes from the earl’s own family, there are many who choose to listen to it, and believe it.”
    Was there already chatter as to the child’s father? Jack eyed Simon speculatively.
    â€œWhich is surely another reason to get the Lennox solicitors on your side. With them fully aware of the facts and in possession of the late earl’s will, they will stand behind you, especially if the countess gives birth to a male heir.”
    Simon sighed and stretched out his legs. “I suppose you are right, although the thought of relinquishing my hold on all the proof that we have is downright terrifying.”
    â€œI can understand that. Perhaps you might consider traveling down with me to London so that you could keep hold of the documents and deliver them to Mr. McEwan yourself?”
    â€œI can’t leave Mary in her condition.” Simon shook his head. “She needs me.”
    Jack held Simon’s gaze. “As I said, I