The Humiliation of Redman Dane
Chapter Nine
“I want the changes to be made as soon as possible!” Commanded Lady Dane, her naturally assertive vocal tones now at their most imperious “Young Redman, for all his beauty, has been a huge disappointment to me, and I no longer believe he can be trusted with inherited wealth!”
Phineas Bullstrode, sitting opposite to her ladyship in her elegant suite in the first floor of Dane Hall, nodded gravely. He had been Lady Dane’s solicitor long enough to know that when she had set her mind to a matter, there would be no changing course.
“Redman will be perfectly comfortable on an income of fifty pounds a year!” she continued, “He can go into the Church, like most second son’s do, and we will find him a suitable parish in Cumberland, or some such place, where he won’t get up to mischief!”
“Cumberland, seems most suitable your Ladyship” murmured Bullstrode “…lots of lakes in Cumberland”
“I am also anxious that dear Edward, will be able to maintain the standard he’s become accustomed, since he’s been with me” She cast an affectionate glance at the handsome footman, standing a few feet behind her, before turning back to the lawyer “Edward has been a godsend!” she said “He’s so attentive, and he has such beautiful ….. hands!”
“Indeed your Ladyship … I’m sure” Bullstrode lowered his voice “the provision for Mr Goodbody is very generous “ before adding “I will have the revised paperwork ready for your signature by Monday”
“Monday?” cried Lady Dane “Oh no, I want it all completed this week at the latest”
“It’s a very substantial estate Your ladyship!” stuttered the lawyer, the journey from London was arduous enough, without having to make it twice in one week, and he was hoping for a weekend to recover.
“Friday … at the latest!” snapped Lady Dane
“Of course, your ladyship” mumbled the unhappy lawyer “I will return on Friday, with the paperwork!”
“Discretion is vital!” whispered Lady Dane “Redman must not find out before it is done, his pleading and begging would be intolerable!”
Her words were, in fact, moot, as behind the curtain, Redman was seething with fury. From his hiding place, he had heard the whole conversation, and he was horrified to discover what his aunt was planning. He was to be disinherited, expected to become a vicar in some Godforsaken pit town in the frozen north, existing on a measly fifty pounds a year!
Meanwhile, the harridan’s gigolo footman would be living in luxury, on his money. This was intolerable
He had to stop it, and he had less than three days to act.
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