Nicholas rose and walked to the window. He looked down at the park across the street. The recent replacement of the park’s wall with an iron fence had improved the prospect. “I thought I would have heard from someone by now about how he died. The high chancellor, or the Home Office. Do you think they are being delicate, or ignorant? I can’t be the only one who thinks that fall is suspicious.”

“I expect that if there is an inquiry it will be very discreet. You may not ever be told it is taking place.”

“I don’t care for remaining in the dark. If an inquiry is taking place, I want to be kept informed. If no inquiry is taking place, I want to know why. Once matters are settled with the will, perhaps you will go down to Melton Park to see what if anything can be learned there. If no one else thinks it a serious matter, I will do it myself. With your help, that is.”

Chase said nothing to discourage his cousin’s thinking. Nicholas’s decision to act would be useful. He would not have to hide his inquiry from at least one member of the family. “I’ll do that. I’ll see what else I can find, if you want.”

Nicholas emerged from his distraction. “How fortunate that my cousin is talented in such things. I would never trust a hired man for matters this delicate.” He stretched his arms up, like a big cat expanding his spine. “I will go riding, and pretend my life is still carefree. Will you join me?”

“I have a client who grows impatient, and must finish the day as I began it.”

“I hope this client is not going to divert you from my problem.”

“You are the client.”

They walked down together. “Aunt Agnes is insisting on a family meeting,” Nicholas said. “She wants it held here. She said it is because I am head of the family, but I suspect it is so the costs of the meals are on me.”

“I hope she doesn’t expect dinners with eighteen courses.”

“I’d like you here when they all descend. You can back me up when I explain it will probably be months before anyone sees anything. I don’t think most of them comprehend how little is likely to be split up, and how small their portions will be.”

“It is a simple matter of sums and subtractions. Have the solicitor attend, to explain it.”

Nicholas sent word to the stables to prepare his horse and to bring Chase’s, then they walked out together. “You will attend?”

“I will come for the theater if nothing else.” He would not have Nicholas face them alone, even though he could picture the exact moment when Nicholas, bombarded with complaints and a rising crescendo of accusations, dragged him into the thick of it.