The Unknown Heir

‘If the American is the last in the line, I dare say he could do as he pleased with the estate.’

‘But he is not the only heir,’ Hester replied. ‘I did not realise it until quite recently. Grandfather has another male relative—the grandson of his half-brother.’

‘You have never mentioned the gentleman before?’ Richard’s eyebrows rose.

‘Grandfather quarrelled with his half-brother many years ago. He had nothing to do with the family, but Mr Grant wrote to him a few months ago. He has visited us, and is a gentleman of the cloth.’

‘That alters things,’ Richard said. ‘At least the American heir cannot sell the estate and take the money back to his home.’

‘I think Grandfather would be very distressed if that happened,’ Hester said and frowned. It had not occurred to her that something like that might be on the cards. ‘No, I am certain he would not, even if…’

‘Well, we must hope that it will not happen,’ Richard said. ‘It is most unfair that you cannot inherit, Hester. You have been a constant support to the duke for years. Such a sacrifice should be rewarded.’

‘I do not consider it as such,’ Hester replied. ‘Grandfather has given me love, and as much as he could afford in the material way; it is my pleasure to do what I can for him. I know that he has often expressed a wish that I…but of course it could not be. Do not forget that, though I call the duke Grandfather, I am not truly of his blood—as you well know, sir.’

‘I do not forget that your mother married for a second time after you were born,’ Knighton told her. ‘It is for your sake that I wish things were otherwise, Hester. You love Shelbourne so much, and when the duke dies you may have to leave.’

‘I know that,’ Hester said, unable to hide the pain his words had caused her.

Lady Ireland picked up her gold-handled lorgnette and stared at him through it, her manner a little frosty. ‘As you may know, sir, I have no children of my own. I had a son, but he was killed in Spain…’ For a moment her voice throbbed with emotion. ‘But I do not speak of it. I love Hester as if she were a daughter, and she will always have a home with me, and when I die…’ She smiled fondly at her goddaughter. ‘Well, she will not be left penniless, let us put it that way.’ Diamonds flashed on her hands as she moved them in some agitation, for she had seen that Hester was distressed and it moved her.

‘Please, ma’am,’ Hester said, ‘you will not speak of such things. You are a fit, healthy woman and have years left to you.’

‘Yes, indeed I do,’ Lady Ireland said warmly. ‘But it is well that you should know, Hester—and it may help to set Mr Knighton’s mind at rest concerning your future.’

‘As to that, ma’am, I am sure Miss Sheldon has many friends to care for her,’ he said. ‘But it is good to know that she has such a staunch one in you.’ He smiled at her and then turned his gaze to Hester. ‘I believe Miss Sheldon knows that I have a warm regard for her. I merely speak to set her mind at rest if she should be asked to leave her home.’

Hester felt her cheeks growing warm. She had thought of Mr Knighton as a man she could turn to for help, but had seen him as nothing more than a friend; now she suspected that his feelings might be deeper than she imagined. She found it embarrassing; though she liked him very well, she had not entertained the idea of anything more than friendship. In that moment she made up her mind that she would not confide her doubts concerning Mr Clinton in him.

She skilfully turned the conversation to a discussion about the Prince Regent’s latest ball, and how hot it always was at the pavilion in Brighton.

‘Mama took me there the year before Papa…’ Her voice caught. ‘Do you not think it beautiful in some strange way? I know it is fashionable to decry the prince’s dreadful taste, but I found it rather endearing; he dotes on the place, you know.’

‘You are generous to a fault,’ Mr Knighton said and stood up. ‘I think I have stayed long enough, ladies. I must leave you now for I have another appointment.’

‘I shall come with you to the door,’ Hester said and stood up. In the hall she offered her hand. ‘It was so good of you to call, sir. I shall be sorry to miss your sister’s dinner.’

‘She will be sorry not to have seen you, Hester. You know that she is very fond of you—as I am, my dear friend.’

‘Thank you, you are very kind,’ Hester said as he held her hand for a moment too long. She withdrew it gently, unwilling to offend him, but not wishing to give the wrong impression. ‘I know I can always rely on you if I need assistance.’

‘I am glad that you do know it. I was under the impression that you wished to tell me something about the heir?’ He flicked an invisible speck from the sleeve of his immaculate coat, his manner deliberately casual.

‘It was only that he had visited us,’ Hester replied untruthfully. ‘He seems pleasant enough, though it is early days yet.’

‘Remember that I shall stand your friend whatever happens,’ he said, lingering for a moment as if he were undecided. ‘I may call on the duke soon, and your dear mama. You will not be displeased by the visit?’

‘No, of course not,’ she replied. ‘You must know that Mama and Grandfather are always pleased to see you—as I am, of course.’

He smiled and took his hat from the hall table. ‘Until the next time, Hester.’

After he had gone, she stood for a moment in the hall, her expression thoughtful. His manner had seemed different that afternoon. Was she imagining it, or was he implying that he hoped for a closer relationship between them? Surely not! He was her mother’s cousin by marriage and considerably older than Hester. She had never even considered…No, it was impossible! Her instincts were at fault here. Mr Knighton had never previously given her any reason to expect a proposal of marriage. She had misread the signs. She must dismiss the foolish idea at once.

Her godmother looked up as she returned to the small salon where she was seated. She was toying with a silver-gilt vinaigrette, which had a beautifully fretted interior to hold the scented sponge in place.

‘My late husband bought me this,’ Lady Ireland said, placing it back on the little table where several similar trinkets lay within her reach. ‘I think Mr Knighton means to make you an offer, Hester—shall you accept him?’

‘No! Pray do not say it,’ Hester replied and frowned. ‘Did you truly think it, ma’am?’

‘He was most particular, and the way he looked at you seemed to indicate a preference, my dear. Have you not noticed a change in his manner toward you of late?’

‘Well…’ Being an honest girl, Hester could not deny it. ‘I did wonder…but surely he could not be thinking of it? He is so much older and he is my mother’s cousin.’

‘The relationship is not close enough to preclude the possibility of a match, Hester. Though I do not as a rule approve of marriage between cousins, you are far enough removed for it to be thought allowable. However, I should be sorry if you married Mr Knighton.’

‘Would you, ma’am?’ Hester was surprised, for her godmother had often tried to persuade her to think of marriage. ‘Why?’

‘I dare say he is a decent gentleman, but I believe you could do better, my love—if you wished.’

‘As you know, I have no intention of it,’ Hester replied. ‘If Mr Knighton asked, I should refuse him; I hope he will not, for it might sour our friendship.’

‘Yes, that would be a pity,’ her godmother said. ‘Well, I dare say he may think better of it. He must know that you are devoted to the duke and your mama.’

‘Yes, I am certain he does,’ Hester replied, but for some reason she felt an icy tingle at the nape of her neck. ‘It would be most uncomfortable if he were to ask me, as I should certainly say no.’

‘Perhaps he won’t,’ Lady Ireland said. ‘I have been thinking that I should like to give you a little gift, Hester. Would you like the opal-and-diamond brooch that my husband gave me when we first married—or would you prefer the pearl bangle my mother gave me when I was sixteen?’

‘You should not consider parting with either of them,’ Hester told her. ‘I have no need of gifts, ma’am.’

‘You do not have much in the way of jewels,’ Lady Ireland said. ‘I think I shall give them both to you—and do not say no, for it would distress me. I like to give presents, and you are dearer to me than anyone these days.’

‘You are so kind to me!’ Hester went to kiss her. ‘I am sure that I have done nothing to deserve such wonderful gifts.’

‘Please do not be embarrassed. I had not meant to say anything, but Mr Knighton…well, he annoyed me. You are my heir, Hester. I have left small bequests to others, but you will inherit my estate. I am not outrageously rich, but you know that I have a very comfortable life—and you will too. I have said nothing about an allowance before this, for you live under the duke’s roof, but if the worst should happen, I shall see to it that both your mother and you are comfortable.’

‘You will make me cry,’ Hester said, her eyes stinging at this further proof of her godmother’s generosity. ‘I can only thank you sincerely on behalf of my mother and myself.’

‘You will say nothing to her,’ Lady Ireland said. ‘Indeed, I should have said nothing to you for the moment, but Mr Knighton made me aware that you might be anxious.’

‘Grandfather has already set up small trust funds for us both,’ Hester said. ‘He wished he might have given us more, but the entail prevents it and it is only what he has saved from his income that he may give freely. However, Papa left Mama a little money. In this instance, I mean my own father.’

‘Yes…’ Lady Ireland frowned. ‘It surprises me that you were not left more, Hester. I would have thought Sir Peter would have made more provision for his only child.’

‘If he did, I have heard nothing of it,’ Hester said and shook her head. ‘I do not think we shall starve, dearest Godmother. You must not worry about me.’

‘Oh, I do not,’ Lady Ireland said. ‘I am certain you could marry if you chose, my love—and to someone far more deserving than Mr Knighton.’

Hester made no reply. She was surprised that her godmother should make her dislike of him so plain. She had never spoken of him in this manner before and it was a little strange that she should do so now.