The Heart of a Duke(76)

His Grace? Not clear on matters discussed? Details eluded him? Daniel struggled with his smile. He did not know the repercussions for impersonating his brother, if indeed there were any, but he figured it was suitable revenge. After all, Edmund had impersonated him not once, but twice, and had tossed his rooms with impunity. “Yes, that is correct. If you could repeat to my man what you said to me, it would be most helpful.”

“Yes, yes, of course.” He gave Daniel a curious look, eyeing his bruised face as if that explained the memory loss, before he veiled his features into polite understanding. “I explained to His Grace that we no longer have charge of the late Mr. Shaw’s papers. Shaw has not been in practice for nearly a decade, and most of his effects were cleared out long ago. His retirement coincided with the late duke’s passing.

“I further explained that Shaw never mentioned any important papers or outstanding items in regard to the late duke’s estate. I know His Grace was agitated by this, so I regret that we could not be of more assistance.” He looked regretful. “However, I believe if there was anything outstanding of import, it would have come to light in these ten years past.

“The only thing I can add is that when Shaw died three months ago, we did execute his last will and testament. It settled everything on his eldest son, with sundry trinkets and monies going to the two younger sons. So as you can understand,” he spread his hands in a helpless gesture, “I fear we were of little help to His Grace.”

“And when—” he began.

“And when was it that His Grace stopped by?” Brett cut him off once more. “Again, he has difficulty with dates as well.”

Difficulties with dates? He was making him out to be an obtuse halfwit. Daniel bristled, then froze. Bedford was the idiot, not him. Well, then, Brett only spoke the truth. “Yes, I am afraid, my memory is not what it used to be. Dates, details, days,” he waved his hand airily. “Hard to keep everything straight. That is why I have my man here.” He clasped Brett’s shoulder. “Cannot get along without him. He is brilliant with pesky details.”

Brett gave him a brittle smile.

“Of course, of course.” The man’s eyes widened, his eyelashes almost meeting his eyebrows. “It was shortly following Shaw’s death.”

“Thank you, Mr. . . . ?” Brett said.

The man eyed him warily, before bowing. “Fuller, sir, Marcus Fuller of Shaw, Dodges, and Fuller.”

“Thank you, Mr. Fuller. On another matter, do you think you can give us the address of Mr. Shaw’s surviving sons? We might follow up on this matter with them. On the off chance this outstanding item that is of concern to His Grace is simply buried somewhere in Mr. Shaw’s possessions.”

“Well . . . I . . . I am not certain that addresses . . .”

“Please,” Julia glided forward and curled her arm through Daniel’s. “I hope it is not too much trouble. My father, the Earl of Taunton, would be much obliged as well for any assistance you can provide. He knows how important this is to my fiancé, and he does hope we can resolve this matter.”

“My fiancée, Lady Julia Chandler,” Daniel made the introduction. That was one detail he refused to trip over. His hand curled around Julia’s, holding her in place.

“Ah, yes, Lady Julia, it is a pleasure.” He dipped into a shallow bow. “I understand. I am sure we can locate that information for you. If you excuse me, why don’t I do so.”

“Thank you.” Julia graced him with one of her smiles, and he was off to do her bidding.

Brett expelled a breath. “I used to think titles were for flaunting and snubbing. Seeing how quickly they can get things done, I might have to purchase one.”

Daniel laughed.

Julia withdrew her hand and faced him, her expression somber. “Bedford was here. Whatever it is that your father left or Abel Shaw had, he wants it. Badly. He visited here right after Shaw died. What on earth can it be?”

“I don’t know, but it appears we’re both now in a race to acquire it. Could it be a deposit box? Stocks, bonds, or unclaimed annuities?” Daniel asked. “The man is desperate for money, bleeding Bedford Hall dry to get it. And willing to hold off on making his broken betrothal public in order to be relieved of his debts to Taunton and receive Julia’s dowry.”

“And whatever it is, he thinks you might have been given it. Perhaps you were meant to inherit it. No one told you that you were owed monies when your father’s estate was settled?” Julia asked.

“No.” Daniel shook his head. “I am unaware of anything left outstanding. And Edmund never mentioned my inheritance those last weeks. Then again, he was more drunk than sober.”