With a look that could only be construed as pity, Mr. Stanley inquired, “Have you spoken to your uncle about this?”
“In a way. He wasn’t entirely forthcoming,” Edwina shared.
Rising, Mr. Stanley said, “I’m afraid I can’t be much help. I work for your uncle and I rather like being employed.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stanley,” Edwina responded as she rose. “I do apologize if I put you in an uncomfortable position.”
“You did no such thing, and your father would be proud of you for attempting to help the villagers,” Mr. Stanley remarked.
Edwina walked over to the door but stopped. “Would you know why my uncle would keep my inheritance from me?”
Mr. Stanley’s face went slack. “Whatever do you mean?”
“My father left me ten thousand pounds but my uncle has failed to mention that,” Edwina replied.
“How did you learn of your inheritance then?” Mr. Stanley questioned.
Edwina gave him a sheepish smile. “I may have gone looking through my uncle’s desk.”
Mr. Stanley pursed his lips, disapproval etched in his features. “What if your uncle would have caught you?”
“It wouldn’t matter because Bennett is now involved,” Edwina replied. “Together, we will convince my uncle to provide more aid.”
“You told Lord Dunsby of this?” Mr. Stanley asked, his voice growing terse.
“I did,” Edwina confirmed. “Bennett insists that he will start taking a more active role in running the estate.”
Mr. Stanley brought his hand up and rubbed his jaw. “I think that is a fine idea. He is the heir, after all.”
“Precisely, and he is proficient at balancing the ledger. With any luck, he will be able to come up with a way to acquire additional funds,” Edwina said.
“Yes, well, if he needs any help understanding the books, please inform him that I would be happy to help,” Mr. Stanley responded, coming around his desk.
Miles opened the door and offered his arm to Edwina. “Shall we, my lady?”
As they walked out of the building, Edwina leaned into Miles and said, “Thank you for coming with me.”
“I didn’t do much.”
“Just you being there was enough for me,” Edwina assured him. Which was the truth. His strong, steady presence gave her a sense of strength that she desperately needed at this time.
Miles smirked. “You are rather easy to please.”
Edwina glanced over at him. “Do you think Bennett will be able to convince my uncle to allow him to review the books?”
“I sure hope so since you told Mr. Stanley as much,” Miles replied as he assisted her into the carriage.
After she was situated on the bench, she said, “I think I have a plan.”
“For what?”
In a hesitant voice, she asked, “What if I gave my inheritance to the village? It could help fund a girls’ school, amongst other things.”
Miles’ brow shot up. “That is madness. That is your money to secureyourfuture.”
“I know, but…” Her voice trailed off. “I just want to help them.”
The carriage jerked forward and Miles’ eyes held sympathy. “I understand your concern, but ten thousand pounds is a fortune.”