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‘Never,’ said Ruth even more firmly ‘He had no idea what I orth’

‘I have a feeling,’ continued the partner seated on Mr Craddock’s left, ‘that Mr Bennett knew only too well how much you orth’

‘But that’s not possible,’ insisted Ruth ‘You see, I never once discussed my finances with him’

‘Nevertheless, he has presented a claiainst you, and seems to have made a remarkably accurate assessment of the value of your late husband’s estate’

‘Then you must refuse to pay a penny, because it was never part of our agreement’

‘I accept that what you are telling us is correct, Mrs Bennett But I fear that as you were the guilty party, we have no defence to offer’

‘How can that be possible?’ demanded Ruth

‘The law of divorce on Jersey is unequivocal on the subject,’ said Mr Craddock ‘As ould have been happy to advise you, had you consulted us’

‘What law?’ asked Ruth, ignoring the barbed comment

‘Under the law of Jersey, once it has been accepted that one of the parties is innocent in divorce proceedings, that person – whatever their sex – is automatically entitled to one third of the other’s estate’

Ruth began tre ‘Are there no exceptions?’ she asked quietly

‘Yes,’ replied Mr Craddock

Ruth looked up hopefully

‘If you have been married for less than three years, the law does not apply You were, however, Mrs Bennett, ht days’ He paused, readjusted his spectacles and added, ‘I have a feeling that Mr Bennett was not only aware of exactly how much you orth, but also knew the laws of divorce as they apply on Jersey’

Three reed on the value of Ruth Ethel Bennett’s estate, Max Donald Bennett received a cheque for £6,270,000 in full and final settlement