The door opened, and Lucius turned to walk forward. "I knew you would come without fail. What news did you bring?”

George laughed boyishly and removed his hat and gloves, handing them to the servant who had followed him in. “Offer me some ale if you would. I have just returned directly from London and have not stopped at Maria's yet."

Lucius indicated for Briggs to obey his brother's request then gestured forward. “Certainly.” He led the way to the chairs near the fire, where he motioned for his brother to sit.

"Well, I've been waiting for this news,” he said. “Out with it."

"Lucius, you're becoming a regular bear. All right. You were right. Harrowden has engaged in some wild speculation. Something about a cotton mill in Glasgow. He’d already had an unfortunate gambling habit, which you knew of, and there are several debts of honor unpaid. That is why he can’t show his face in London. But some of his cronies at The Cocoa Tree had spoken of a sure thing, and all that can be said is that Harrowden showed a mighty interest in the project, asking a number of questions in front of others until he perhaps realized he should be more circumspect. He followed Williams out of the club, deep in conversation.”

George met Lucius's gaze. "London is abuzz with talk that the speculation failed. Something about a typhus epidemic that wiped out half the workers, and if that weren’t enough, the mill went up in a blaze a couple weeks ago. It’s news because a few gentlemen had put their hopes into it. It was said to be a sure thing, although I'm not sure all of them would have invested to the extent that I suspect our neighbor has. His gambling debts had become very pressing. Almost everyone I spoke to—all in great confidence, of course—believe the same thing. Harrowden is in over his head."

Lucius leaned back as the news sank in. “Hm. I suppose it comes as no surprise in the end. It won’t take long for news to reach here. I owe it to our family relations to assist Lady Harrowden in whatever way I can, but there might not be much I can do. If Harrowden has mortgaged the unentailed portions, the estate will have trouble supporting itself. Did you manage to find a solicitor?"

"Yes, I went to see the two names you gave me. The first was in India, but the second man said he had a peer who was located in Hertfordshire, who might be a better fit. So I have brought his direction and name to you. What will happen to Lady Harrowden?”

"Her jointure should provide a modest living for her, and she can probably afford even a servant or two. But it will not at all be what she is accustomed to, especially if she must leave Harrowden estate and will no longer have access to the dower house. I do not know what property is entailed and what is not. As much as she can be a difficult old woman, I would not wish it on her—not at this stage in her life."