‘And I fear, Virginia, there is another matter I have to raise with you,’ said Clarence. Virginia shifted uneasily in her seat. ‘It has been brought to my attention by Mr Moxton that my father, without my knowledge, made you a loan of ￡185,000. Fortunately, Moxton had the good sense to formalize the arrangement,’ said Clarence, as he turned to the third page of a document Virginia remembered signing. She suddenly wished she’d spent a little more time reading the first two pages.
‘The loan was made for a period of five years, with a compound interest rate of five per cent. If my father died before then, the full amount was to be repaid within twenty-eight days. I have consulted my accountant, and he has written to let me know –’ he turned his attention to a letter lying on the desk – ‘that with accumulated interest, the exact amount you currently owe the estate is ￡209,145. So I have to ask you, Virginia, if you have sufficient funds to cover that amount.’
‘But Perry told me that if he died before me – and I remember his exact words – the slate would be wiped clean.’
‘Do you have any proof of that?’ asked Camilla.
‘No. But he gave me his word, which surely should be enough.’
‘It’s not his words we’re discussing,’ said Camilla, ‘but yours.’
‘And if he did,’ said Clarence, ‘he certainly didn’t let Moxton know of any such arrangement. There’s no mention of it in the original agreement, which my father also signed.’ Clarence swivelled it around so Virginia could see a signature she recognized well.
‘I will have to consult my lawyers,’ she stammered, unable to think of anything else to say.
‘We have already consulted ours,’ said Alice, ‘and Mr Blatchford has confirmed that there is no mention in Father’s will of any such gift, just an allowance of five thousand pounds a month, a briar walking stick and two porcelain vases.’
Virginia suppressed a smile.
‘If you are unable to repay the loan,’ continued Clarence, ‘our accountant has come up with a compromise which I hope you will find acceptable.’ He returned to the letter. ‘If we were to withhold your monthly allowance of five thousand pounds, the full amount would be paid off in approximately four years, at which time your allowance would be restored.’
‘However, should you die at some time during the next four years,’ interjected Camilla, ‘let me assure you, the slate would be wiped clean.’
Virginia remained silent for some time before blurting out, ‘But how can I be expected to survive in the meantime?’
‘My father told me, on more than one occasion,’ said Clarence, ‘that your brother gives you a generous monthly allowance which you once said you were never able to spend, so I rather assumed . . .’
‘He stopped those payments the day I married your father.’
‘Then we must hope that once he has been acquainted with your present circumstances, he will be willing to restore your allowance, otherwise you will have to rely on your substantial assets, which you also mentioned to my father. Of course, if you are able to repay the full amount of the loan within twenty-eight days that will solve the whole problem.’
Virginia bowed her head and burst into tears, but when she eventually looked up, it was clear that none of them was moved.
‘Perhaps this would be a good opportunity for us to discuss some domestic matters,’ said Camilla. ‘As my brother has explained, my husband will be taking over the management of the estate, and our family will be living here in the castle. Clarence and Alice will be returning from time to time, but in my brother’s absence, I will be mistress of Castle Hertford.’ Camilla waited for her words to sink in before she continued. ‘I wish to make it clear, so there can be no misunderstanding in the future, that you will not be welcome here at any time, and that includes Christmas or any other holidays. You will also make no attempt to contact either of my children, or any members of the castle staff. I have made my wishes clear to Mr Lomax.’
Virginia looked at Clarence and then at Alice, but it was obvious the family were acting as one.
‘Unless you have anything to ask concerning your future arrangements,’ said Clarence, ‘we have nothing more to discuss with you.’
Virginia rose from her place and left the room with as much dignity as she could muster. She walked slowly across the hall to the front door, which the butler was holding open. He didn’t address her as she walked out of the castle for the last time. All she heard was the door closing behind her.
Another door was already open so she could be driven back to the Dower House. Once Virginia had been dropped off, she went straight to her study, picked up the phone and dialled a London number, to be greeted with the first friendly voice she had heard that day.
‘How nice to hear from you, your grace. How can I help?’
‘I need to make an appointment to see you as quickly as possible, Mr Poltimore, because I’ve changed my mind.’
36
‘I HAVE NO DOUBT,’ said Poltimore, ‘that you’ve made a wise decision. But can I ask what caused you to change your mind?’
‘My late husband wouldn’t have wanted anyone to think he was selling off the family heirlooms.’
‘And the new duke?’ asked Poltimore. ‘How does he feel?’