Duchess in the Attic: Volume 1 [Parts 1 to 6] by Mori

Author:Mori
Language: eng
Format: epub

13. The Duchy

A few days later, Trevor’s investigation revealed that, indeed, there was someone fudging the records. And for quite some time as well–since the previous duke had passed away. Whoever was cheating the duke’s household had only become bolder since Mr. Notham had died. The massive drought a few years ago had only further spurred this ongoing embezzlement.

“I’ve heard rumors that Duke McLeod’s guardian, Mr. Notham, had occasionally visited the duchy, but the duke himself had never personally visited the place,” Trevor explained. “In other words, whoever wrote these records—in other words, the manager—could’ve lied to their heart’s content. Even so, as long as one carefully reviews their records, like Earl Holloway has done, one doesn’t need to personally visit their land. I can certainly understand why the duke has been called ‘naive’ by my lord.”

“I knew it,” Opal muttered. “The culprit is the manager of the duchy. The duke’s completely wrapped around his precious angel’s little finger.”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. And what can we do? Can we file a claim to the duke?”

“That would probably be best. But before we do so, I’d like some concrete evidence. And I’m not sure about the number of culprits. Was this crime committed by one person, or by multiple people?”

“Concrete evidence, you say?”

“Indeed. It’s highly likely that there’s a secret account, one managed under the table. I’m guessing that the official account is in the manor of the duchy, and strongly doubt the culprit would keep their secret ledger nearby. Perhaps it’s kept in the manager’s personal room or in a different place...”

“The duchy,” Opal said, murmuring to herself. “My husband’s land...”

Opal mulled over Trevor’s words as she sat in the study. She didn’t really care about the duke’s family, but that didn’t mean she would turn a blind eye to such injustice. It didn’t sit right with her to know this was happening and turn the other way, even if she was still planning on divorcing him in a year.

“Very well,” Opal finally said. “Trevor, I’d like to make another, more demanding request. Would you be able to accompany me to the duchy? Or would that be inconvenient for you?”

“Not at all,” the manager replied. “I do my work perfectly, and part of that means having enough people trained so that the earldom could be managed even if I’m away. It shouldn’t be a problem at all, even if I’m gone for a short while. Besides, I wouldn’t be able to rest easy at night, knowing that I turned a blind eye to all this cheating. Please allow me to accompany you.”

Opal laughed at Trevor’s confidence. He was obviously exaggerating for comedic effect, and the thought came to her then that ever since she’d gotten married, she’d forgotten how to laugh. And now, ever since she returned home, her smile never left her face.

“Thank you, Trevor,” she said. “Then I shall write a letter to my husband. I’ll tell him that I’ll be visiting his duchy, and to inform the residents of my arrival.

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