Sari Robins Read Online Free PDF Page B

and utterly undone.” She pressed a lacy black handkerchief to her nose and sniffed. “He’s been swindled, cheated, robbed. And just when he was finally getting serious about marriage. Oh, it’s dreadful.”
    “What was stolen?”
    “All of his funds. The very living that he depends upon. Some jewelry. Everything. Oh, how is it to be borne? How can he survive? How can he go on living like…well, living like…a common person?” Her shoulders shook, making her bosom shimmy like undercooked pudding. “He’s a Belington, for heaven’s sake! It cannot be endured!”
    Heath’s brow furrowed. “This surely is a serious matter. If it’s true, we need–—”
    “If it’s true?” Lady Bright screeched, sitting up. “Ofcourse it’s true! How else could someone take everything that George has to his good name?”
    Heath could think of a thousand things that may have happened, but George was going to be part of his family, and losing everything did warrant a full accounting. “I agree, this is a matter of the utmost importance.”
    “Solicitor-General Dagwood,” the butler announced, quickly followed by Dagwood’s powerful stride into the chamber. Except for the streaks of silver at the temples of his short black hair, the attorney had a youthful vitality that emanated from his every movement. His motions were purposeful as he removed his black hat and gloves and handed them to the butler, advanced into the room, and accepted Lady Bright’s proffered hand.
    Heath stood.
    “Madame.” Dagwood bowed, then his dark eyes fixed with Heath’s in silent communion. In that instant, Heath knew that his superior had a strategy for turning Lady Bright’s request in their favor. “Greetings, Miss Whilom, Mr. Bartlett.”
    “Sir.” Heath nodded, feeling the powerful sense of solidarity that he always felt when he and Dagwood were striving toward the same goal.
    Heath could not admire the man more. He was politically astute and maneuvered through the ranks like a commanding general seizing territory. The fact that he’d lifted himself up without the aid of family connections to be one of the most powerful men in England inspired Heath as no other model could.
    “Please sit down and join us for tea, Mr. Dagwood,” Lady Bright intoned, shooting the butler a commanding glare. The servant nodded imperceptibly and strode from the room, obviously intent on that tea service.
    Arranging his impeccably cut Weston coat, Dagwood sat with his long legs stretched out before him, his cane resting alongside.
    Adjusting his own coat, not a Weston, but decent enough, Heath reclined into the opposite chair.
    Lady Bright sighed. “I was just telling Mr. Bartlett here about the terrible wrong my poor cousin George has suffered.”
    “A travesty.” Penelope’s lovely face was troubled. “One that must be righted. Especially since he has finally agreed to consider marriage. Why, Mama’s been after him for years, but now, only after Grandmama’s death, and the terms of her will—”
    “That’s enough dear,” Lady Bright interjected with a meaningful glare. “There’s no need to bore these men with unnecessary details. They simply need to understand the significance of this injustice.”
    Nodding sagely, Dagwood set his quizzing glass to his eye. The man had the most astonishing way of focusing on a person, making him feel, for good or ill, that his commanding attention was completely trained upon him.
    Penelope leaned toward Dagwood. “Mr. Bartlett said something about you only handling matters pertaining to the Crown.”
    That’s not what I said , Heath thought, but correcting Penelope would earn him no credit.
    Peering through his monocle, Dagwood pursed his lips. “Mr. Bartlett is quite right that I’m assigned the task of representing the Crown on legal matters. This can entail serving a function in the courts, providing legal advice, questions involving public welfare. Law officers are consulted for intricate legal