Page 63 of Once Upon a Midnight Dream

“I presume yours and Montrose’s surnames are those of your father and his mother,” Merrivale said. “Surely, as a peer yourself, you understand why this travesty must not be allowed to continue, Westbrook.”

Wiping the floor with Merrivale’s face will not help Lilly, Layton scolded himself. Nor will pummeling him into next year.

Far better, if wholly less satisfying, for Merrivale to believe Layton’s loyalty lay along the same path, though Layton’s allegiance was now, and would always remain, to Lilly.

“I understand, Merrivale, that you have given Miss Granger quite a shock.”

Layton strode to the door.

He would much rather have gone to Lilly, but mindful that doing so might give Merrivale the wrong impression while providing the viscount fodder for fuel, Layton refrained.

“I think it is time you took your leave, Merrivale, and allow Miss Granger time to digest what you have sprung upon her. I shall accept your invitation and join you. There’s not a drop of spirits to be had in the house, and I would welcome a dram.”

Perhaps Layton could learn more about the viscount’s plans after he had plied the boor with a few drinks.

“As would I.” Merrivale gave a curt nod as he presented his back to Lilly.

“What is this world coming to, I ask you, Westbrook?” Merrivale paused at the entrance. As if Lilly was not standing a few feet away, he scoffed, “Neither Aunt Matilda’s nor father’s illegitimate offspring should ever have inherited a damned farthing.”

Twenty-two

Lilly’s office

Half five the next morning

Arms wrapped around herself against the early morning chill, Lilly paced across the time-worn Brinston carpet in front of her desk, then, reaching the room’s far side, pivoted and retraced her steps. Despite not sleeping more than an hour last night, her mind was sharp as she assessed scenario after scenario for how to deal with Lord Merrivale before discarding it as impractical.

Never had she been so frustrated in her life.

Nor so scared.

So many lives depended upon her, and Charles, of course. But he wasn’t responsible for the children’s home day-to-day operations. Those duties fell to her, and so did finding a solution to the bumblebroth his lordship had stirred up.

How dare Lord Merrivale show up after all these years and announce that he was contesting his aunt’s will?

So smug.

So self-assured.

So blasted certain that Lilly would capitulate without a struggle because a peer had threatened her.

He would soon find she would not surrender without a fight.

Lord, how she had itched to wipe the smirk off his arrogant face, but too much was at stake. At all costs, Lilly must maintain her poise and battle the viscount with intelligence, strategy, and cunning.

She did not doubt that if Miss Davenport’s will had not been legal, Lilly and Charles would never have received the inheritance.

The will had been valid.

Accustomed to and familiar with men’s shenanigans, Matilda Davenport had made certain her last wishes were carried out.

Too deuced bad if the new Viscount Merrivale objected to his aunt’s decision.

Regardless, his lordship meant to take Lilly and Charles to court if they did not hand over Kelston Hall and the remaining funds.

He had said as much yesterday, just before he departed, the greedy bugger.

Away on a call, Charles did not even know what had occurred yet.