“Jace is Brandon Elliott’s only son. Brandon and William were longtime friends, and partners in the deal that got us his firm. He made out that codicil right before he died. Why, I have no idea. As far as I know, William hardly knew Jace. Mother, who gets the other half, wasn’t told William had changed his will. It came as a shock to both of us. I know this might sound terrible, Leigh, and I loved that old man dearly, but he seemed to feel curiously guilty over Brandon’s bad luck and suicide, almost as if he was to blame.”
Leigh straightened as astonishment filled her gaze and voice. “Are you saying Grandfather was involved with those … misdeeds?”
Chad was silent and thoughtful for a time. “I honestly don’t know what to think, and that worries me. He seemed to take Brandon’s death too hard, even for a good friend. He became moody and withdrawn, and he refused to tell me or Mother what was troubling him. As far as I know, William had no reason to leave half of his worth to Jace in the event …”
Leigh noticed how reluctant he was to finish that grim statement, and she was glad. She decided not to ask him why he had almost been precluded, as that could hurt and embarrass—or silence—him.
“William knew I would inherit Mother’s share when she dies, so I guess that was his way of including me. William knew, as manager of the firm and with the additional allowance he stipulated, I would have plenty of money for support, and I’m capable of making my own. Besides, I’m only kin by marriage, so he didn’t owe me anything. There is another speculation: William probably assumed Mother would fall in love and wed again. He could have feared her next husband might be tempted to harm you if she inherited half on your death. It might have been an odd way to protect you. A few people do get crazy and dangerous ideas when this much wealth is involved. William trusted me, but he didn’t tell me everything.”
Leigh was aware that Chad could inherit Fiona’s half only if Fiona inherited it first. In a way, that still meant Chad had gotten little of an enormous estate which he had helped build. Of course, Fiona had her own family inheritance for him to receive after she was deceased. It was no secret Chad’s father had left little behind. “But why Jace Elliott?”
Chad shrugged. “Perhaps as a kindness to Brandon for losing everything. They were friends, and partners of a sort. If there was an agreement between them to leave Jace half if anything happened to Brandon and you, William didn’t mention it, and it wasn’t in their contract. Jace wasn’t notified about the codicil, and I’m certain he doesn’t even suspect what William did. Unless, as I said, it was part of their deal and Brandon told his son. You see, Jace was implicated in his father’s crimes and he can’t show his face in England. If he does, he risks arrest and prison or hanging. Besides, once you marry and produce an heir, the codicil is void, worthless to him. You’ll have a family and new will long before you die, so this supplement doesn’t matter.”
Leigh disagreed, but didn’t say so. What if her grandfather had changed after his son’s and wife’s deaths? If the business meant a lot to him, he would have kept his family close to him. No, she couldn’t let past resentment and doubts cloud her judgment. Maybe her father had wanted to be on his own and live in America, as he had told her. “Where is this man?”
“I haven’t seen Jace in two years, and he hasn’t lived in England since he was eighteen. He left school and joined the Royal Navy. Afterward, he became an adventurer. William couldn’t have known him well as a child or seen him much over the years. Jace lives in Africa, has a coffee plantation in the mountains there. It’s possible you’ll meet him while we’re on safari. If he was involved in the treachery and needs money, it could be imprudent for him to learn what you’re worth to him. You can discuss it with him, if you wish, but I think it would be most unwise. As for me, I’ll admit I’m baffled and angered, and a little hurt, that William included a stranger instead of his stepson and friend. Yet, knowing the kind of man he was, he must have had a good reason. There’s no need to worry, because the codicil will be of no value as soon as you wed and have a child.”
Leigh was eager to meet Jace and learn the truth. Perhaps this was another reason why Chad wanted to proceed with the safari. “Is Jace Elliott dangerous?”
“I knew him years ago, Leigh, before all this trouble. He did a few bad things in the past, but that doesn’t make him guilty of such evil.”
Chad’s tone and expression mystified her. “Why doesn’t your famous Scotland Yard go after him?”
“Brandon Elliott left a note implying Jace had been in on his crimes, but the police think he was crazy when he wrote it. As far as I know, there aren’t any witnesses or other evidence against him. The problem is, he makes himself look guilty by refusing to come and answer questions. He’s probably afraid they have more on him, and he’s scared he’ll be arrested and executed. Of course, he could be innocent but can’t prove it, so he’s taking no risks. As long as this charge hangs over his head, he couldn’t claim anything he might inherit. But he won’t anyway, because you’re young and healthy.”
“What about his father’s holdings? Did Mr. Elliott lose everything to us?”
“Not everything, but his wife sold the remainder and moved to Scotland to escape the scandal. There’s no reason for Jace to come back.”
“Except to prove his innocence, if he isn’t guilty.”
“From what I remember, Jace was a proud and stubborn man. It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets brave, or reckless, one day. In his place, I would never stop trying to clear my name and save my life.”
“Neither would I. He must not be much of a man to take this lying down. I would scream and kick and fight all the way to the gallows.”
Chad laughed. “Me, too. We’re a lot alike, Leigh.”
She noticed that warmth coming into his eyes and tone again. She halted it by continuing to speak, “Now I can see why he might be dangerous and should be kept in the dark. A bitter and wicked man who thinks he lost everything to us could want it back any way necessary.”
He smiled and coaxed, “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you while we’re in Africa. We aren’t going near his plantation, so we’ll probably miss him completely. If not, the codicil will be our little secret.”
One I hope you keep better than the last!Leigh scoffed to herself. She had to know if Chad doubted her grandfather’s guilt. “One more thing and the subject’s closed, Chad. Do you think Grandfather was involved with Mr. Elliott in getting rid of their competition? Could Mr. Elliott’s suicide have been to protect both of them? He and Grandfather had formed a partnership, so that would explain why Grandfather felt responsible for Jace. He may have had a secret reason for planning this safari, such as wanting or needing to see Jace. If so, was it about those crimes, business dealings, or the will?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to think William was capable of treachery. But does anybody really know what another person feels and thinks, or what he’s capable of doing? We all have our dark sides, our flaws and weaknesses, powerful urges to obtain our dreams at any price. These feelings have to be controlled. If not …” He paused. “That’s how you separate the good men from the evil ones. I won’t tell you not to worry about me, because I can be just as greedy and devilish as any man. Does that make me sound—”
A knock on the door interrupted Chad. Peering inside, Reid Adams remarked, “Martha told me Leigh was here, and you two were having tea. When you finish, I need to go over a few shipments. If you’re in the middle of something, I’ll wait outside.”
“We’re just talking, Reid, so please come in. Would you care for tea?” Leigh was glad for a timely intrusion.
“No, thank you. I’ll be eating dinner early, and my appetite’s already lagging. What have you two been doing today?” he inquired, his grayish-brown eyes alert, and his gaze troublingly direct.
To lift the heaviness, she quipped, “Showing Leigh how much she doesn’t know about this business.”
With a sly grin, Chad corrected, “Showing Leigh what she has to learn, but seeing how easily and quickly she’ll succeed.”
“Sounds as if you two have enjoyed yourselves.”
“A satisfying day, Reid, my friend, most enjoyable. Leigh and I work nicely together. She’s confident but not cocky. She knows her strengths and weaknesses. Unlike most women, she isn’t afraid or ashamed to admit either one. I find that refreshing.”