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"Which is?"

"The reading of your father's will Now that you've returned from abroad, 'tis ti Lawrence's provisos could alter your plans"

"Really?" Julian felt more amused than worried "Why? Did he decide to leave Morland Manor to some local urchins rather than to me?"

"Of course not The estate, its furnishings, and whatever funds your father amassed are yours"

All humor vanished "I don't want his money"

"Julian, please" The solicitor unsealed and unfolded the docu only for a few minutes of your time"

"I apologize, Henry Go ahead"

"The will is standard, enu precisely what I've just said Thus, I'll skip down to the final clause 'Julian', it reads, 'unless, unbeknownst toof heirs, you are now the last rerandfather before you, your hunger for parts unknown has induced you to forsake your responsibilities Doubtless, within months of one, and the Bencroft na solely on your unreliable shoulders For the title and estate, I realize you feel only disdain But for the fah and to the great-grandfather you so closely e, if you care not a whit if the Bencroft naard sentie—the one thing other than money that propels a heedless mercenary like yourself Either way, my request is as follows: Find and return the black diamond End the curse Clear the Bencroft nah Fo

r his memory Surely that is but a paltry task for a seasoned adventurer like yourself? Prove yourself, Julian That is acy—to you'" Camden looked up "The as properly executed and witnessed in "

With a aze out theFor long rappled with his father's words, with their ultimate impact At last he turned "Is that it?"

The solicitor lowered the pages to the table "With respect to your father, yes Other than to inforan another co the final months of his life"

"Did he keep records on this search?"

"He did"

"Then I'll need to see them"

Slowly Camden nodded "You'll find them in his study In the top drawer of his desk That's where Lawrence kept all his important papers" He extracted a key "This will open it"