August || Offices of Reilly and Hornsby || @conradmowbray
The scent of pipe tobacco overtook Lydia as she walked side by side with Conrad through the corridor to the solicitor’s office. Lady Josephine and her daughter, Wren, followed close behind, both sniffling. Lydia was grateful that Conrad had offered her a ride in his carriage, for she did not know how she would have made it even the five blocks from Gramercy house facing them. When they reached their destination, Lydia took the seat directly behind him.
Mr. Oliver Gramercy was not one for etiquette, nor was his timing ever prompt. He had received notice of the Baron’s death within three days of it occurring, and had not one desire to drop everything and return to England. He was far too busy with his studies at Yale. As far as he had been aware, his cousin was in good health and would not be forfeiting his title any time soon. When the term had ended, he received a letter from his Mama, begging for his return. She was quite ready to be rid of her dilapidated lodgings. So he had no choice but to book passage on the next ship across the Atlantic.
Lydia waited patiently for the gentleman to stand and greet her, or simply turn around in his seat. After a few minutes of small talk with Samuel Hornsby, Heathcliff’s solicitor, Oliver returned to his seat without even a glance to her.
“Shall we begin?” Mr. Hornsby stood from his desk, placing his spectacles on his nose. When he’d gathered the small crowd’s attention, he continued. “I know we all wish we were not together for this reason, alas...we must plow forward.”
The man cleared his throat and began to speak loudly, reading the written document carefully.
When it came to Lydia’s section, a cold sweat broke out all over her body. Shaking, she reached for her brother’s hand.
