The solicitor nodded. “In the event of your grandmother’s spell, Lord Bircham is to oversee the estate until such time as you are married, and then your husband will take over, or until Lady Greatheart’s health is improved to the point she is able to oversee the estate herself.”
“I see,” Catherine replied, thankful that so far there weren’t any unexpected details.
“Very good. Now, as the trustee of the estate, Lord Bircham is to oversee the estate’s financial details, current investments, and the properties therein. He is also to ensure you have access to the funds necessary for your season and other needs.”
Catherine frowned. “So I won’t have direct access?”
“No,” Lord Bircham answered, his tone amused as if such an idea were absurd.
The solicitor turned to him, his expression scolding, and then turned back to Catherine. “You won’t have direct access, but as long as you are not asking for something excessive or out of the ordinary, Lord Bircham doesn’t have the right of refusal.” The solicitor speared the man with a warning glare.
Lord Bircham gave an expression that was the equivalent of a shrug of indifference.
Catherine nodded. “What avenues do I take to acquire funds?”
Lord Bircham opened his mouth, but the solicitor was quicker. “You can come through me or directly to Lord Bircham. However, I don’t see any issues, my lady. Currently, all your needs are met, and any bills from shops, et cetera, will be handled as usual.”
Catherine pursed her lips as she thought over the solicitor’s words. It would be quite a change, the overseeing of her estate management, rather the fact that Lord Bircham now oversaw it. It was a frustrating notion; while no one knew she had been managing it, no one had interfered. Now that her grandmother was ill, it was assumed she needed assistance, though no one even thought to ask if she wished for it.
“Do you have any other questions before I proceed?” he asked, regarding her over the rim of his spectacles.
“No, please continue.” Catherine folded her hands in her lap and waited.
The solicitor shuffled the papers till he found the one for which he was searching. “I see that Lord Bircham has supplied a chaperone for the time being, which is certainly a helpful assistance. There are a few other details, but I’m sure you won’t find a vast difference in the way everything operates as far as your estate is concerned, Lady Catherine. I assure you whatever adjustments necessary will be made as smoothly and quickly as possible, and you should feel very little change.”
“That is very good to hear,” Catherine replied, resisting the urge to spear Lord Bircham with a steady look. So far, she’d already felt the difference; it wasn’t as seamless as the solicitor had said. But there wasn’t anything she could do for now.
“If I may?” Lord Bircham’s voice interrupted her speculations.
The solicitor nodded.
“Lady Catherine, I wish to assure you that every effort has been made on my part to see your new arrangements are satisfactory, and should you have any questions, I’m happy to answer any inquiry.”
Catherine flicked her attention from Lord Bircham to the solicitor. “While I appreciate this, I believe I will address my inquiries to my solicitor.”
Lord Bircham’s expression darkened, as if surprised and offended by her rejection of his assistance.
Sensing she was making more of an enemy than she had before, she quickly amended her words. “I wouldn’t want to trouble you. After all, you are not compensated for your goodwill.”
Lord Bircham nodded but didn’t seem convinced by her placating words.
The solicitor addressed her. “I’m at your disposal, Lady Catherine.” He closed his leather-bound case and stood. “Lord Bircham signed the necessary papers yesterday, and so all is in order now that you’re aware of the details. As always, I’m happy to be of assistance, should you have questions. If that is all, I’ll take my leave.”
“Thank you.” Catherine stood as well, walking the man toward the exit and feeling the watchful expression of Mrs. Burke on her back as she did so.
As the solicitor left, Catherine turned to Lord Bircham. “Was there anything else, my lord?”
Lord Bircham lifted his teacup and took a slow sip. “Not at the moment. However, I think it prudent that we get to know one another. Will you sit?”
Catherine took her seat again, suspicion welling within her. “Very well.”
Lord Bircham gave her a wan sneer. “I don’t want you to be concerned. I’m sure that your feminine mind is surely spinning with anxiety, and there’s no need for a brave face any longer. I’m here to care for your needs.”
Catherine frowned, regarding him before answering. “I assure you I’m quite well, and myfeminine mind, as you put it, is very much stronger than you are willing to credit.”
“I see. Well, when that frail wall you’ve built comes crashing down, I’ll be here to assist you. Women are such delicate creatures.” He said the last words over her head as his expression sought Mrs. Burke.
Catherine silently scoffed at his words. While she was anything but frail and weak-minded, she was certain that Mrs. Burke wasn’t exactly a wilting flower either.