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“Cecil errs on the side of caution You know that”

“And where has it got him?”

“There are plenty of gentlemen in debtors’ prison whose only crirateful he devotes all of his time”—and money—“to you?”

Arabella scowled “You would see it that way You don’t have to rely on rent from tenant farmers to make ends meet”

Why did Arabella always bring the conversation back to Lydia’s inheritance?

“You’re hardly poor, Arabella” Anyone who could afford to hire Madaowns did not need to count the pennies “Did you not ht per cent return on the dividends from bank stock?”

“That is nothing compared to the fortune your father left you”

Every day, Arabella reminded Lydia of her father’s failures As the only son, Cecil should have inherited everything, right down to their father’s baggy stockings And yet he received only that which was entailed Lydia inherited the townhouse in London, and a suh that she need never marry

And in less than a month it would be hers

“Any loyal sister would acknowledge that there has been a terrible rue you reward your brother for his devoted service to you these last two years”

“Reward hiive Cecil my inheritance?” It was the first time Lydia had spoken so candidly The altercation with Greystone had given her the courage to be bold

“No Not all of it”

“How much would please you?”

“Half would suffice” Arabella stepped closer and placed her bony fingers on Lydia’s arm “Think of it this way If you marry Lord Randall, half will be more than ample for your needs”

“And what of the house in London?” Lydia probed, determined to learn of Arabella’s true intentions