Chapter One

Mackenzie Lancaster stood by the drawing room window looking over the manicured lawns of the Surrey estate where he had spent his early years. The flowering trees were beginning to bloom and the grass was light green with new spring shoots. He heard the door open and turned to see an elegant woman sweep into the room. Her green eyes flashed as she moved toward him.

"A pleasure to meet you my lady. I am Mackenzie Lancaster, the stepson of your late husband."

"Yes, Mr. Lancaster, I know who you are. So nice to meet you after all these years," she said in a chilling tone.

Mackenzie took her hand and bowed over it.

"My husband, your stepfather, has been gone these past nine months; I'm surprised this is the first I have heard from you." Her voice held a hint of sarcasm.

"I do a lot of traveling and then write articles about it. Though travel is not easy, the ton has flocked to Europe since the end of the war and people are anxious to read about places to visit.

"I was traveling in Italy on assignment when it happened. I did not hear about it until I returned to England last month. I am afraid I am very bad at staying in touch with those back home, and nobody thought to write and tell me." It was his turn to put a bit of ice into his tone.

Rose sniffed. "Frankly, Mr. Lancaster it never occurred to me. I was not under the impression that you were close to my late husband."

Mackenzie let out a mirthless chuckle, "Very true, we never spoke after my mother died. I gather that on her deathbed, my mother made him promise to pay for my education, but we never had any contact. Perhaps my stepfather mentioned that I was a writer." And then, he thought better of it and frowned, "No, I don't suppose he even knew that."

"I know in the very early years of our marriage he did hope you would come home from school at least once. It was obvious that he felt great sadness. I suspect he may have been rather hurt."

Mackenzie snorted, "Somehow I doubt it. I was twelve when my mother married him and in the few years I lived with him, I assure you, barely a civil word passed between us." His face brightened. "So what did he leave me?"

"That's a rather callous attitude. Are you not the least bit upset?"

"I told you--we did not get on."

She shook her head. "I have no idea what he left you. We have not been able to find the combination to his safe at Tremont House, and we are sure the will is in there."

"What?" Mackenzie almost shouted but managed to lower his voice. "He has been gone since last August!"

She shook her head. "Do you know the title and estate are entailed to his nephew Jarrett?"

"I suspected as much, but there was a small estate belonging to my mother and some money that was part of her marriage contract. I was sure that would come to me."

"I wish I could tell you something. I imagine he did leave the property and money to you, but without the will, we cannot be sure."

She shook her head slowly. "I don't know why the authorities haven't insisted that it be opened. I suspect Jarrett has used influence as well as money to keep everyone away."

"Is this why you are staying in the dower cottage? Has Jarrett taken up residence in the big house?" he asked in a sympathetic tone.

"N-not yet; he is coming today." Rose couldn't keep a note of bitterness out of her voice. "His sister, an old friend of mine, will be coming also, and staying here."

Copyright © 2005 Emma James