Wonders & Wickedness by Carol Hedges

Author:Carol Hedges [Hedges, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

***

A short while later, Mr Absalom Eye of Hooke & Eye, Solicitors, is awaiting the arrival of his first client of the morning. The firm is an old and established one, having been in the legal business since the eighteenth century. It has built an enviable reputation and an extensive client list amongst the upper echelons of London society.

Hooke & Eye have occupied the same chambers in Lincoln's Inn from their foundation. The building reinforces the impression of old and established. The dust on the windowsill confirms it. The ancient lawyers' clerk with his wig and scratchy pen conveys it. The leather bound legal tomes, with faded gilt lettering on their spines, suggest that, on the balance of probability, it may indeed be the case.

Absalom Eye, who is technically the younger partner, though actually considerably senior in years to Daniel Hooke, the senior partner, now draws the client's folder towards him and opens it at the first page. He reads the letter of instruction he has recently received, nods a couple of times thoughtfully, and makes a few notes in the margin.

At ten precisely, the ancient lawyers' clerk knocks discreetly at the door, and announces the presence of the client. Absalom Eye rises, greets him with all the formality of an old established law firm, before he resumes his seat behind his desk.

The client sits in the leather chair diametrically opposite. A branch from one of the ancient elms taps rhythmically against the window. The wall clock ticks. Eye clears his throat carefully.

“I have received your instructions, Sir Hugh, and have prepared the necessary papers for you to sign.”

The client's face betrays no emotion whatsoever. It could have been carved out of marble. Or wax.

“The monies from the trust fund that were due to your late daughter, Miss Sybella Wynward, upon reaching her eighteenth birthday, will now revert to her mother, Lady Meriel Wynward, to be overseen by yourself as you see fit and proper.”

“And this is now legally binding?”

“Indeed.”

“It cannot be revoked or challenged in any way?”

“Only in exceptional circumstances.”

A flicker of interest, a slight incline of the head.

“Which, given the sad and tragic demise of the young lady, are not likely to occur.”

“Just so. And should anything happen to my wife?”

“Then any monies remaining in the trust would revert to Lady Meriel's nearest kinsman ~ whom I believe to be her nephew Arthur.”

A look of scorn crosses the client's face. His upper lip curls.

“Here is the document, if you would care to append your signature.”

Eye presents the client with a couple of sheets of paper, covered in clerkish copperplate. The client reads through it carefully, nods his acceptance, picks up a quill pen and signs the document with a flourish. He blots the signature, and hands the document back to the lawyer.

“I will have my clerk make a fair copy for you and deliver it to your house by close of business today,” Eye says.

The client rises.

“Good. I do not desire there to be any possibility, however slight, of misinterpretation or difficulties of any kind to arise in the future.

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