The Earl's Betrothal by Tuft Karen

Author:Tuft, Karen [Tuft, Karen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency, Romance, LDS, Clean, love, Historical, Politics, war, Spain, 1812, Peninsular, marriage, betrothal, revenge, inheritance
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2016-04-30T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

The first thing Anthony did once they arrived in London and he had seen the ladies safely to Lady Walmsley’s house was visit his solicitor.

Mr. George Swindlehurst had a sterling reputation—despite his unfortunate surname—and, like his father before him, served as the solicitor for Ashworth and the holdings of the marquessate. Anthony had had Swindlehurst draw up a will for him prior to his leaving for the Peninsula. When Anthony had written to him from Ashworth Park, he had informed the solicitor that he wanted to amend the will now to make Amelia his beneficiary.

He had also asked Swindlehurst’s investigator to learn what he could regarding Amelia’s family of origin. Anthony himself was curious, but he also hoped Amelia would be surprised and pleased to discover he had done this for her. She had resolved not to have any contact with them, but surely she would be willing to listen to their side of things and possibly forgive and accept them and allow them to rejoice with her at her wedding.

He had seen strong men brought to tears by a letter from home and too many widows made with each battle for him not to at least try to mend the breach between her family and her. He was done with breaches of any kind.

“Halford. Good to see you. Come in and be seated,” Swindlehurst said, shaking Anthony’s hand. “May I offer you some tea? Brandy?”

“No, thank you,” Anthony replied. He removed his hat and took the offered chair.

Swindlehurst was a middle-aged man, well turned out for a solicitor, which illustrated how successful he was at his business. He returned to his desk and sat, then picked up a sheaf of papers. “Here are the amended documents you requested. I believe you will find them to your satisfaction. If you would like to peruse them here, we can have Marlowe come in and serve as an additional witness while you sign them.”

Anthony’s personal property was modest. There was a small house and some land that were his outright, having inherited them from a great uncle on his mother’s side, and he had been frugal with his officer’s pay, investing the savings for a modest rate of return. He was also now able to draw income from properties belonging to the courtesy title of Earl of Halford.

It was not much, but it would keep Amelia secure if something were to happen to him. He knew firsthand how quickly life could end, and he would take no chances, especially after trapping her into marriage with him.

He quickly read through the will, Swindlehurst called for his assistant, and Anthony signed the documents.

“Now,” he said after Marlowe excused himself and left the room. “I am curious to learn what you have discovered regarding my other questions.”

“Ah,” Swindlehurst said, drumming his fingers on his desk and looking diabolically pleased. “That has been a delightful mystery. My man Abbott has found a few answers and is still following up on other leads. This is what

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