Chapter 9
Nine
Nicoll had wanted to fight Retford from the moment he appeared in their home when her father’s illness became known.
A vulture circling.
That had been her first impression and it had not changed.
Cecil set the papers aside. “I do have one suggestion, if you are willing to consider it.”
A small sliver of hope sparked in her chest. “Of course I will.”
“Instead of sailing to Dominica, as had been your earlier plan, sail to Antigua or Barbados instead.”
“Where I do have family,” she confirmed.
“The uncle could make a claim for guardianship of the estate and your minor sisters. As could your sister’s husband.”
“We must be there?” Nicoll asked.
“Both are part of the British Empire and if your sisters live with either of them, it will strengthen their claim.”
It was not Dominica, where she had hoped to return, but it would put them out of the reach of Retford.
“Would you be able to book passage without anyone knowing.”
He nodded. “If you truly wish to remove yourself from Retford, as before, secrecy is of the utmost importance.”
Nicoll stared into his blue eyes, her heart aching for something she would never have—her home in Dominica, this house on Upper Berkeley Street, and the opportunity to become closer to Cecil.
Oh, if only her situation were different then she might attempt another kiss or perhaps learn the truth about intimacy.
She blinked and quickly took a sip of tea.
Her situation was dire and she should not be thinking such improper thoughts.
“You are blushing?” Cecil said quietly. “I can only assume you are no longer thinking of ways to thwart your cousin.”
Nicoll chuckled. “No. I am not.” Except she was not going to tell him where her thoughts had wandered.
It wasn’t proper or appropriate given the difficulties she and her sisters faced.
Cecil would like to know what had crossed Nicoll’s mind. Her cheeks had practically turned crimson, but as he could not look into her eyes because she was staring into her teacup, he was left to wonder.
It was for the best that she and her sisters left London as quickly as possible, but Cecil wasn’t ready for her to leave.
He wasn’t certain what else he wanted from Nicoll, other than to taste her lips once again.
“You should know that your father also prepared a will, but it was never signed. He named McNaught as the guardian of the estate and your sisters.”
This time she looked up at him in surprise.
“The solicitor is going to prepare copies for me then sign affidavits as to your father’s intentions.”
“It does not matter, does it? The will was not signed.”
“I will give you copies with the affidavit to deliver to your uncle and brother-in-law and keep one set for myself. I could pose an argument, or they could. How much weight a court will give them will be up to the judge.”
She nodded, recognizing the fact that an unsigned will was the same as no will at all.
“Thank you for coming by and reviewing my father’s documents.” Nicoll set her cup and saucer aside and stood.
Their evening had come to an end and even though he would rather remain, here with her, discussing anything that she wished, it was also very late. Therefore, he stood and crossed to the window.
“I would suggest that we continue to remain distant and not acknowledge the other at any event unless it cannot be avoided.”
“I agree, and as the house is being watched, I will leave the window open for you if there is information you need to relay.”
“I could send a note,” he suggested, not that he would.
“Which could be intercepted, though I understand why you would not want to sneak through windows.”
He couldn’t help but grin. “Actually, I rather like the idea of sneaking in and out of your home.”
“Given you are a rake, I assume it is something you are quite practiced in doing.”
“This was the first time,” he answered as he parted the curtains. “I find that I might just enjoy such clandestine meetings.”