The Regency Season: Forbidden Pleasures. Julia Justiss

a momentous occasion in the near future? Let me offer my congratulations!’

      Startled at first, Alastair had to laugh. ‘I’m afraid not. A close family friend was recently widowed. Her father is now deceased, and she is not aware if settlements were ever drawn up.’

      ‘Are the circumstances not specified in her late husband’s will?’

      ‘The circumstances are rather...complicated. What would normally be set up?’

      ‘Normally, the dowry or portion brought into the marriage by the bride is guaranteed to her as an annuity in the event of the husband’s death. If a specific sum is not mentioned, usually she is deeded some property as her jointure, the income and rents from which are intended to support her after the husband’s death, when his estate passes to his heir.’

      ‘In the absence of settlements, she would be entitled to a dower?’

      ‘Yes, to one-third of the property and assets of the estate. Which, for a wealthy man, could be quite considerable, hence the desire for settlements to simplify the process and limit the annuity to a specific sum.’

      ‘If dower rights were invoked, how would the widow obtain the assets?’

      ‘The local sheriff’s court would have the handling of it.’

      That was what Alastair had feared. ‘And if there were...ill feelings between the heir and the widow?’

      Mr Reynolds sent him a questioning look. ‘Would this heir be a man of high rank?’

      ‘The highest.’

      The solicitor gave him a thin smile. ‘Then obtaining her due could be difficult. The local sheriff would, understandably, be reluctant to antagonise a man of wealth and influence in the community. Your widow would require a strong solicitor and a prominent advocate to ensure the heir was compelled to recognise her rights.’

      Alastair nodded. ‘Thank you, Mr Reynolds. I appreciate your expertise.’

      ‘If I can assist you further, please let me know. The poor widow is entitled to her due.’

      ‘She is indeed,’ Alastair agreed. ‘I will certainly call upon you again if circumstances require it.’

      ‘Always a pleasure to serve you,’ Mr Reynolds said with another smile as he ushered Alastair to the door.

      As he paced the street to summon a hackney, Alastair mulled over what he should do next.

      Would the new Duke really make problems for Diana? How much of her suspicion and foreboding were the results of her miserable existence as his father’s wife? Would the mature Blankford have outgrown his youthful resentment?

      There was only one sure way to find out.

      He’d just have to make a trip to Graveston Court.