He availed himself of a chair near the divan this time. She did not react to that.

“The meeting. You said you would give me the particulars.”

“It began calmly enough. It ended in a rout. I think Sanders, the solicitor, feared for his life.”

“What changed the tone?”

“Reality. Sanders explained that if anyone challenged the will it would hold up disbursement for all concerned. They knew that, but having a lawyer say it is more real. He outlined the various reasons a will might be successfully challenged, and pointed out that none of them applied to the late duke’s testament. Well, they knew that too so had not done so. He explained the rare circumstances when a legal will might be challenged regarding the disbursement of assets. Only one might work for any of them.”

“He explained that to me too. They would have to claim that they were dependent on the duke and had reason to believe his support would continue. He told me that did not apply to any of them either.”

“That is his professional opinion. It would not be hard to find a solicitor who made a different case. That is the danger. He made matters worse by describing the accounting thus far, and how little there was to divide if all the legacies were administered. He did hold out the possibility that one of the two mystery women not yet found would be dead.”

“How good of him.”

“Several of my cousins brightened at that information. I heard someone mutter that whoever had done in Uncle Frederick had a few other jobs to complete.”

“Yet it still was calm?”

“The storm broke right then. The factions declared themselves, with Agnes and Dolores leading each one. Old resentments flew along with accusations and insults. My family can be as contentious as any, but this was a rare display. Unfortunately, Nicholas thought he could quell it all and end the dispute. He only made it worse.”

“What did he do?”

“He assumed his most ducal demeanor and announced that if anyone challenged the will’s execution as it was written that person or persons would be cut off without a penny in his will.”

“Oh, dear.”

“It was injury upon injury. No hope for salvation. Poverty for life was how most of them saw it. Pandemonium erupted.”

“Surely in such a family they have other resources than legacies.”