The Reluctant Earl Read Online Free PDF Page A

above their heads, his brows furrowed.  Simon shot a quick glance at Liam and Liam gave a slight shrug.
    Finally Mr. Coke said, “Such a bequest is highly unusual.  It is possible to create a trust so that if the husband dies, part of the wife’s money comes back to her.  But to create a trust for the eldest son?  Very unusual.  In fact, I’ve never heard of it.”
    “But it can be done?” Liam asked.
    “It must have been done if the earl’s solicitor spoke to Lord Woodbridge about it.  The question I would like to have answered is: can Lord Welbourne make a reasonable challenge in regard to the trust’s legality?  To answer that question I should have to see the exact wording of the trust document.  The wording of such a document would have to be very specific to ensure the earl could not touch it.”
    Simon asked, “Is it possible for you contact Mr. Pitt and ask to see the paperwork?”
    “I can do that, but we have another issue here.  You are underage, Lord Woodbridge.  You cannot be my client.”
    “I will be eighteen in three weeks, Mr. Coke.”
    “Yes, but the age of majority in England is twenty-one, my lord.”
    “Can Mr. O’Rourke be your client then?  He could act for me.”
    “Mr. O’Rourke has no legal status in regard to your lordship.  He is not a relative and he has not been made your guardian by a court.”
    For the first time Simon sounded like the boy he was: “He’s been more of a father to me than my own father ever was!  He’s the only one who cares what happens to me!  There must be some way to make it legal for him to act for me.”
    “Lord Woodbridge,” the solicitor said gently, “consider Mr. O’Rourke’s position.  He is an employee of your father.  What do you think your father would do if he learned that Mr. O’Rourke was challenging his right to this inheritance?”
    All of the color drained from Simon’s face.  “He’d dismiss him.”
    “Just so.”
    Simon turned to Liam, distress in his eyes.  “I should never have brought you into this, Mr. O’Rourke.  If you should lose your position….”
    Liam held up his hand.  “Hush, Simon.  There is another way.”
    He turned back to the solicitor and the two men looked at each other.  “I could contact the Jarvis family,” Mr. Coke said.
    “I’m thinking that’s the path to take,” Liam agreed.  “They may not be pleased to learn about how Lord Woodbridge is being treated.”
    Mr. Coke nodded slowly.  “I’ll find out who represents the Jarvises and speak to him.  Then we’ll see what happens.”
    Liam got to his feet and held out his hand.  The two men shook.  Simon extended his hand as well.  Then Liam said, “Would you mind waiting in the office for a minute, Simon?  I have a small question of my own to ask Mr. Coke.”
    “Of course.”  Simon gave the solicitor his gravely beautiful smile and left the two men alone.
    As soon as the door closed behind him, Coke said, “That is an amazing boy.  Does he know how beautiful he is?”
    Liam smiled crookedly.  “He knows but he doesn’t care.  He’s the least vain creature I’ve ever met.”
    Coke nodded, still looking at the door that had closed behind Simon.  Then he turned to Liam.  “What is it you wish to speak to me about, Mr. O’Rourke?”
    “Your bill,” Liam said bluntly.  “Simon doesn’t have two farthings to his name.  If you will send your bill to me, I’ll see it gets paid.  If he asks me about it, I’ll say you’re willing to wait until he receives his inheritance.  He’d be upset if he knew I was paying.”
    “Very well.”  Coke extended his hand one more time.  “Lord Woodbridge is fortunate to have such a good friend in you, Mr. O’Rourke.”
    “He’s a grand boy and I want to see justice done, that’s all.  Good day to you, sir.”
    Liam joined Simon in the front room, and they repaired to a local inn for sustenance before they set off for the drive home.
     

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