Read Online A Daughter's Inheritance by Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Tracie Peterson, Judith Miller
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living on Broadmoor Island. It’s the place where she’s most content—at least according to my father.” Jonas tugged on his vest. “Unlike most young ladies, she’s always enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. She knows every inch of Broadmoor Island like the back of her hand.”
“If she goes on her grand tour, she’ll be out of the way and you’ll have full authority over her funds. We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that an accounting to the court will be necessary. Good judgment in how we manage matters will be key.” Mortimer massaged his forehead. “I believe you have several choices for your niece’s future. With both of us considering all options, we’ll arrive at the perfect solution. I’m confident of that.”
For the first time since hearing the contents of his father’s will, Jonas held out hope he could gain control of Fanny’s bequest. Money that rightfully should be his! Money he needed to cover some rather bad investments. His irritation mounted at the remembrance that his father had given Fanny the same bequest that he, the eldest son of the family, had received. Never would he have believed his father would do such a thing. The girl obviously had a way about her if she’d enticed his father to leave her such an inheritance.
Then again, had he preceded his father in death, Jonas would have expected his father to divide his share of the estate among his family members. But this was different. His brother Langley hadn’t been of much use during his lifetime, especially after his wife’s death. And Jonas thought his parents had already done more than their share for Langley’s daughter. They’d reared and educated Fanny since she was an infant, even though Langley had lived until Fanny turned eleven.
Langley was the one who had turned the girl’s fancy toward the outdoors and encouraged her to try new things, even if they weren’t considered completely appropriate for young ladies. Fanny had been threading worms onto fishing hooks from the age of five. When Jonas’s wife had objected, Langley had simply brushed her comments aside. He professed a theory of permitting children the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature. Jonas considered his brother’s theory no more than an excuse for lackadaisical child rearing. But then, Langley had remained apathetic about all important matters of life. He had cared little about money, power, or position; yet his daughter had received a full share in the estate. But not for long. Not if Jonas had his way in the matter.
Mortimer shoved the will inside his leather case. “Well, my friend, what do you think? Shall we banish the girl to Europe or to Broadmoor Island?”
“Let me think on it. Once we’ve transported the family to Broadmoor Island, I’ll be better able to consider the best path to follow.” Jonas leaned forward and rested his chin atop his tented fingers. “This situation seems entirely unfair. In all probability, Quincy will pour every cent of his inheritance into that charity of his. I don’t know which problem is more irritating.”
Mr. Fillmore raked his fingers through his thinning white hair. “I do understand your frustration, but I’m certain your father understood Quincy would donate his share toward the home. If he’d objected, your father could have easily placed conditions on the money or even written Quincy out of the will if he’d so desired. As Fanny’s guardian and trustee of her estate, you’ll have a much easier time if you concentrate on her and put aside any ill feelings toward Quincy. In fact, you might consider making him an ally.”
Jonas leaned back in his chair and shook his head. “I’ll see what I can do, though I doubt I’ll have success with that tack.”
Mr. Fillmore rested one hand on the desk and pushed himself upright. “Well, remember what they say, my boy. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. In this case, there is much to be gained if you play your cards correctly.”
Jonas
“If she goes on her grand tour, she’ll be out of the way and you’ll have full authority over her funds. We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that an accounting to the court will be necessary. Good judgment in how we manage matters will be key.” Mortimer massaged his forehead. “I believe you have several choices for your niece’s future. With both of us considering all options, we’ll arrive at the perfect solution. I’m confident of that.”
For the first time since hearing the contents of his father’s will, Jonas held out hope he could gain control of Fanny’s bequest. Money that rightfully should be his! Money he needed to cover some rather bad investments. His irritation mounted at the remembrance that his father had given Fanny the same bequest that he, the eldest son of the family, had received. Never would he have believed his father would do such a thing. The girl obviously had a way about her if she’d enticed his father to leave her such an inheritance.
Then again, had he preceded his father in death, Jonas would have expected his father to divide his share of the estate among his family members. But this was different. His brother Langley hadn’t been of much use during his lifetime, especially after his wife’s death. And Jonas thought his parents had already done more than their share for Langley’s daughter. They’d reared and educated Fanny since she was an infant, even though Langley had lived until Fanny turned eleven.
Langley was the one who had turned the girl’s fancy toward the outdoors and encouraged her to try new things, even if they weren’t considered completely appropriate for young ladies. Fanny had been threading worms onto fishing hooks from the age of five. When Jonas’s wife had objected, Langley had simply brushed her comments aside. He professed a theory of permitting children the opportunity to explore the wonders of nature. Jonas considered his brother’s theory no more than an excuse for lackadaisical child rearing. But then, Langley had remained apathetic about all important matters of life. He had cared little about money, power, or position; yet his daughter had received a full share in the estate. But not for long. Not if Jonas had his way in the matter.
Mortimer shoved the will inside his leather case. “Well, my friend, what do you think? Shall we banish the girl to Europe or to Broadmoor Island?”
“Let me think on it. Once we’ve transported the family to Broadmoor Island, I’ll be better able to consider the best path to follow.” Jonas leaned forward and rested his chin atop his tented fingers. “This situation seems entirely unfair. In all probability, Quincy will pour every cent of his inheritance into that charity of his. I don’t know which problem is more irritating.”
Mr. Fillmore raked his fingers through his thinning white hair. “I do understand your frustration, but I’m certain your father understood Quincy would donate his share toward the home. If he’d objected, your father could have easily placed conditions on the money or even written Quincy out of the will if he’d so desired. As Fanny’s guardian and trustee of her estate, you’ll have a much easier time if you concentrate on her and put aside any ill feelings toward Quincy. In fact, you might consider making him an ally.”
Jonas leaned back in his chair and shook his head. “I’ll see what I can do, though I doubt I’ll have success with that tack.”
Mr. Fillmore rested one hand on the desk and pushed himself upright. “Well, remember what they say, my boy. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. In this case, there is much to be gained if you play your cards correctly.”
Jonas
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