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that run along part of your west boundary. Lord Trevillyan had been looking forward to consolidating his lands—it has long annoyed him that he has no way of reaching his western property without traveling the long way around the estate. There had been, ah, some sharp words exchanged between Sir Huxley and Trevillyan in the past, especially when Trevillyan’s cattle have been driven right through the middle of Sir Huxley’s land. Naturally, Trevillyan had been delighted that the problem would be solved when he inherited. And of course, the loss of the fortune….”

    “But I am the heir, correct?” asked Adrian anxiously, his bright future disappearing before his eyes.

    “Oh, yes, no question of that. Lord Trevillyan’s claim was through your great-great grandfather’s younger brother. Legend has it that there was some sort of falling out in the family, and your great-great grandfather departed from Beaumont Place, vowing never to return. It was only when I discovered a letter from a common acquaintance of Sir Huxley and your father’s, informing Sir Huxley of Captain Beaumont’s death, that I learned that there might be other family members with a closer claim to the estate. It took me several months to discover that Captain Beaumont had left behind a family and that you were living in London.”

    “I suppose this Viscount Trevillyan does not feel very kindly toward my brother,” Daphne said.

    Mr. Vinton looked even more uncomfortable. “I had hoped that his disappointment would wane in time, but I fear you are correct. He will not be your friend.” He fussed with his cup. “There have been some incidents…minor infractions…and I have been forced to speak to him about it.”

    Adrian and Daphne mulled this over, looking uneasy. Mr. Vinton smiled kindly at Adrian. “Do not let Lord Trevillyan’s displeasure destroy your pleasure. You are a very lucky young man. You have a fine estate and a fortune to enjoy.”

    Daphne shook off her unease and leaning forward, asked, “Could you please tell us something about the house? It appears very old.”

    “Yes, that’s true. It was originally a Norman keep. Of course, there have been many additions over the years and alterations, but in portions of it, you will still see original stone walls of the early structure.” His eyes twinkled. “Like many ancient buildings, it is rumored to have its share of resident ghosts.”

    Adrian’s blue eyes lit up. “Ghosts!” He glanced triumphantly at Daphne. “By Jupiter! I was not so wrong last night.”

    They conversed for several more minutes before Mr. Vinton took his leave. After Mr. Vinton departed, despite the news that Adrian was the possessor of a fortune beyond their wildest dreams, the shadow of Viscount Trevillyan hung over them. Not even a second visit to the stables to look again at the impressive array of blooded stock, along with various carts, gigs, and coaches that now belonged to Adrian, could banish it.

    In the deepening twilight, their cloaks wrapped tightly around them, they walked slowly back toward the house.

    “Viscount Trevillyan will not harm us, will he?” asked April, who had learned of the viscount’s thwarted plans from Adrian.

    “I’m sure he’d like to murder me,” Adrian muttered.

    Daphne shot him a sharp look. “Lord Trevillyan may be disappointed that he did not inherit, but he is, no doubt, a gentleman—and not given to such bloodthirsty notions. You are being melodramatic.”

    Adrian hunched a shoulder. “Well, if you find my blood-drenched corpse lying in a ditch, do not say I did not warn you.”

    By the time they had eaten dinner in the handsome dining room and retired to the front saloon, their natural high spirits had returned—after all, there was a fortune at their disposal. They spent an enjoyable evening mulling over the prospect of some new purchases—coats by Stultz and a curly-brimmed hat for Adrian; India muslin gowns and a sable-lined cloak and