Read Online A Daughter's Inheritance by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller - Free Book Online

on a grand tour. Grandfather said he would reconsider my wishes later this summer.”
    “She’s an ungrateful orphan who doesn’t deserve a third of the Broadmoor estate,” Beatrice twittered.
    Stunned, Fanny remained silent. Soon other family members added their angry opinions. To Fanny’s amazement, most of them sided with Beatrice.
    Fanny jumped to her feet and scanned the group, her gaze finally coming to rest upon Beatrice. “You act as though I’ve taken something that belonged to you, when in fact it belonged to none of us. Grandfather’s wealth was his to distribute as he saw fit. I didn’t ask to receive my father’s share of the estate. And from what Mr. Fillmore has told us, there is ample money for distribution. I don’t believe any family member is going to be forced into poverty. I don’t see arguing over money as a way of honoring Grandfather.”
    Beatrice pinned her with an icy stare. “We could cease this squabbling, and you could honor Grandfather by giving up your inheritance, Fanny. I don’t see why you think you should be entitled to an entire one-third of the estate.”
    Mr. Fillmore waved the bulky envelope containing her grandfather’s will overhead. “People! There is no use arguing over distribution and who gets what. This will is valid, and its terms complete. If one of you attempts to have it set aside, I predict you will meet with utter and resounding failure.” He peered over the glasses perched on the tip of his nose. “In addition, such legal action will delay any partial distributions of the estate— which is not something the majority of the beneficiaries will take lightly.”
    A clamor of voices echoed the lawyer’s assessment while several family members glared at Fanny as though everything that had occurred were her fault. She startled when a hand touched her shoulder.
    Her Aunt Victoria offered an encouraging smile. “You need to pack a few things, Fanny. You’ll come home with us this evening.”
    “But I’ll be fine here until we depart for the island. The servants will be here. There’s truly no reason for me to—”
    Uncle Jonas stepped to his wife’s side, his brows knit together in an angry frown. “Must you argue about everything? This day has proved most stressful for the family, and you continue to add to the strife with your incessant questions and lack of cooperation.”
    “But I wasn’t attempting to be obstinate. I merely thought it would be less disruptive if I remained here until we all depart for Broadmoor Island.” Her shoulders slumped in defeat. “If you truly want me to pack and come to your house this evening, I’ll go upstairs and put together the items I’ll need for the night. I can return tomorrow and—”
    “Please don’t prattle on like a senile old woman, Fanny. Do as your aunt instructs.” Her uncle turned on his heel and strode across the room toward Mr. Fillmore.
    “Don’t let him frighten you, dear. He’s more bark than bite. What with the added responsibilities since your grandfather’s death, he’s become more abrupt.” Her aunt grasped Fanny’s elbow. “Do you need help?”
    “Amanda and Sophie are waiting upstairs for me. They can assist me in packing.”
    Aunt Victoria nodded. “Try not to be too long. I’ll send someone up to help you with your trunks.”
    Fanny made her way upstairs to the bedroom she had known for most of her life. It seemed strange to imagine that this house would no longer be her home. She entered the room to find Sophie and Amanda in a deep discussion.
    “Oh good. You’re here,” Sophie said as she straightened.
    “Not for long. Aunt Victoria has sent me up here to pack. Uncle Jonas insists that I come to live with them immediately.”
    “How grand,” Amanda said. “You know we will have great fun. Just like at the island.”
    “But this is my home.” Fanny sank to the bed. “Every memory I have is of this place.”
    “My comment was thoughtless,” Amanda said in