Once a Wallflower, Always a Wallflower (The Inheritance Clause Book 3)

  Once a Wallflower, Always a Wallflower

  Samantha Holt

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Copyright © 2019 by Samantha Holt

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof

  may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever

  without the express written permission of the publisher

  except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Edited by Destiny Reece

  Proofed by Dom’s Proofreading

  Cover Art by Book Wizz

  Chapter One

  London, 1818

  Minerva kept her gaze on the lawyer as the door creaked open. Though her sister Angel tried to sneak in quietly, Minerva was all too aware of her footsteps creeping into the room. Minerva rolled her eyes to herself. Trust Angel to be late.

  Hands folded neatly in her lap, Minerva ignored the desire to offer Angel a reassuring smile after she spotted their brother, the Marquis of Eastbrook, giving her a withering look. This was serious business, and if Minerva looked at her sister, she might very well end up giggling—mostly out of discomfort. A silly little smile kept quirking her lips, and she felt the bubbles of laughter popping in her chest. An utterly foolish reaction to the reading of their grandpapa’s will, but then again, she often suffered from foolish reactions to all kinds of situations thanks to her past. Simply taking a hack to get to her brother’s townhouse had been enough to set her mind on the path to folly.

  Mr. Barton, a gray-haired, balding man, did not look up from his papers. She squinted and tried to make out the writing on the document but could see little.

  “You are late,” her mother whispered to Angel while the lawyer shuffled a few papers.

  “Well, you see…there was a problem with my hair. And then I saw Miss Newhurst as I was about to leave, and naturally I could not be rude. And there was trouble with my carriage…” The chatter stopped, and Minerva assumed their mother had issued a silent warning—one they all knew too well from their childhood. Minerva was grateful that she had rarely ever had to suffer that stern look that both their mother and Theo were so excellent at. Mama was not the sort to scold at all, but unruly Angel had been the most likely to suffer their mother’s occasional wrath growing up.

  Minerva gave in and offered her sister a brief smile before turning her attention back to the lawyer. How she envied Angel. Even in gray, her sister sparkled. Light and vivacity emanated from her eyes, and though Angel’s darker coloring did not go well with her mourning gown, she was still infinitely beautiful.

  Glancing down at the simple gray silk she wore, Minerva bit back a sigh. She could not have chosen a simpler gown, and that had been deliberate. It was far better to fade into the background, and mourning wear helped with that. Something for which she was grateful—for the most part. It still did not prevent that silly little pang of envy that burst into her chest every now and then when she thought of Angel and how she lived her life, caring little what others thought and enjoying practically every moment.

  Shaking her head to herself, Minerva forced her attention back on Mr. Barton. There was no sense in envying what one had missed out on. All she could do was try to do better. To forget what had happened and move on. Somehow, she would. Once this reading was over, she was going to do better—just as her grandfather would have wanted.

  The lawyer cleared his throat. A thin sheen of sweat covered the man’s forehead, and he licked his lips. Mr. Barton had been their family lawyer for many years, and Minerva could not quite fathom why a simple will reading would invoke such a reaction.

  “Well, now that we are all here, shall we begin?” he asked, looking to Theo.

  Theo gave a stiff nod. “If you please.”

  The lawyer tweaked his cravat and pushed spindly glasses back up his nose. “As you are aware, your grandfather had no sons, and there are no male relatives to inherit.”

  This was all common knowledge, so she was not certain why this was being reiterated. Their grandpapa had been a man of excellent means, but with his daughter—their mother—being his only surviving child, it had been anticipated that she would inherit much of the fortune or else it would be passed down to Theo, as the oldest male grandchild. Whatever happened, Theo would ensure their mama was looked after. He always did the right thing for all of them, no matter the cost to himself.

  Mr. Barton fixed his attention on their mother. “My daughter will inherit a sum of one thousand a year for the rest of her natural life and my beloved family home—Holbury Hall.”

  Mama kept her expression placid, but Minerva was grateful the family home had been passed on to her. They had enjoyed many wonderful memories at their mother’s childhood home. At least before things had changed…

  Mr. Barton licked his lips and drew out a handkerchief to dab his forehead. “And finally, I, George Lockett, decree that my grandchildren, herein named, will inherit the rest of my fortune in its entirety, so long as they fulfill the following terms.”

  Minerva leaned forward. Well, this was unexpected. But certainly not unwanted. Since Theo’s wife had passed and left him in financial trouble, any monies would be gratefully received. All the siblings had already been trying to live on less, and it was not easy—even for Minerva, who preferred a simple life.

  “Each person must complete their task to my lawyer’s satisfaction or their share of the inheritance shall be forfeit,” Mr. Barton continued.

  Minerva glanced around the room, aware of the lawyer watching for their reactions. What in the heck did the man mean? Minerva pursed her lips and opened her mouth before shutting it again. Theo tugged his jacket straight. Seth leaned in then shifted back in his chair.

  Angel huffed and held up a finger. “Mr. Barton, if I may, what on earth do you mean by ‘task’? And to whom shall the money be forfeit?”

  The lawyer shifted in his seat and scanned the paper in front of him. “I was just…um…about to get to that.”

  “Well…?” Angel pressed.

  “Angel,” Mama hissed.

  Adopting a pouting expression, Angel folded her arms across her chest and tapped a finger against an arm.

  “Let’s see.” Mr. Barton’s brow puckered. “Ah.”

  “What is it?” Theo asked, a hint of irritation edging his voice.

  “If you are unable to fulfill your tasks to my satisfaction, all remaining inheritance shall be bestowed upon a Mr. Hastings.”

  A sharp inhale of breath echoed around the room. Oh Lord, no. Minerva glanced at Angel, who shared her concerned expression.

  “That’s preposterous,” Theo blurted.

  “Theo,” Mama scolded.

  “What the devil was Grandfather thinking?” murmured Seth.

  Minerva shook her head. “This cannot be right. He would never give his money to that man.”

  Mr. Barton lifted his shoulders. “The will is quite clear. Should you fail, Mr. Hastings shall inherit.”

  “He is not even family,” Theo said, his tone bitter.

  Especially not after he separated from their cousin and brought utter scandal upon their family when he tried to gain a divorce and ran off with a nursema
id to Ireland. As far as they were all concerned, Mr. Hastings had not been part of the family for a good five years, and their grandpapa had been suitably riled at the whole sorry mess. It was unfathomable that he should inherit anything after what he’d done to their poor cousin, who passed away only six months after the event.

  “You said there were tasks, correct?” Seth leaned back in his chair and waved a hand. “We’ll do whatever it is that Grandfather wanted of us, and that will be the end of the matter.”

  Mr. Barton grimaced. “Well, ah, the instructions are extremely specific. All four grandchildren must complete their tasks within two months of this reading.”

  Seth’s expression turned smug. “Easy enough.”

  “For you, perhaps,” said Theo. “You have few commitments.”

  “And I had volunteered to help Lady Whitbury reorganize her library. I can hardly back out now,” cried Minerva.

  Besides which, this was going to be her time—her time to do new things and finally gain the bravery she had been so lacking. Grandpapa’s death had reminded her that time was short, and she knew he would not want her living such a life—scared of everything and anything. Somehow, she had to conquer her fears. How could she play conqueror when she was busy doing whatever this task was?

  “I am sure she will survive without you, Minnie,” Angel said.

  “But—”

  Mama lifted both hands. “Perhaps we should find out what these tasks are before we leap to conclusions.”

  Theo straightened in his seat. “Quite. Yes. Mr. Barton, what exactly did our grandfather want of us?”

  “There are letters for all of you…” Mr. Barton lifted a stack of letters. “Each describes your task.” He handed them out.

  Minerva fingered the seal on the letter, her heart pressing against her ribcage. She could not be certain if it was because of what could potentially be hidden in the letter or because it had been some time since she’d seen her grandfather’s seal and she missed it. He had always been kind and loved them all dearly. Even after her kidnapping, this old man, who many knew as stern and no-nonsense, took the time to be gentle with Minerva and try to reassure her that it could never happen again. He had been the one person she could confide in, and she missed that so much.

  Drawing in a breath, she went to press a finger under the seal.

  “But before you do.” The lawyer dabbed his forehead again before thrusting his handkerchief back up a sleeve. “You must understand that no one can know of your task. The only people who may be privy to your task are the people in this room, including me. I will, ah, assess whether or not it is felt you have completed your undertaking.”

  “So, we can discuss this with each other?” Theo clarified.

  Mr. Barton nodded. “And your lady mother. But no one else.”

  “Well, let us get this thing done, and then we can ensure that awful man does not get a penny of Grandpapa’s fortune.” Minerva flicked open her letter and scanned the contents.

  Oh no.

  Oh no no no no no. This could not be. What was Grandpapa thinking? He knew all too well of her problems, and yet, he wanted this of her? Yes, she wanted to defeat her fears…but not like this!

  “What is it, Min?” Seth demanded.

  “I…” She waved the letter at Seth. “Perhaps you should open yours.”

  Seth rolled his eyes. “You do not need to be scared of everything, Min. How bad can it be?”

  Minerva ignored the comment. Not a single one of her siblings quite understood her fears. Well, she supposed she didn’t always either. But none of them had suffered what she had as a child either.

  “Bloody hell,” Seth murmured.

  “Seth!” their mother scolded.

  Well, Seth’s had to be about as bad then. Her rather relaxed brother was seldom shocked by anything.

  “Theo?” Angel nodded to the unopened letter in his hand.

  His shoulders dropped, and he pulled out a penknife to work open the seal. His lips compressed into a thin line.

  “Will no one tell me what theirs say?” Angel asked.

  Mama tapped Angel’s hand. “Perhaps you should open yours, dear.”

  Angel’s hands shook a little as she opened it, and Minerva held her breath while she watched for her sister’s reaction. Her gaze scanned the letter, and Minerva saw the color drain from her cheeks.

  “No.” The word escaped Angel.

  “Well, what is your task?” pressed Minerva. “Is it truly awful?”

  Angel’s throat worked. “I…I have to get a job.”

  A laugh exploded from Seth. “A job?”

  Angel scowled at him. “Yes.” She waved the letter. “I have to go be a lady’s companion.” Her scowl deepened when a spluttered laugh escaped Seth. “It’s not funny.” She jerked her head toward Seth’s letter. “What does yours say anyway?”

  “I, dear sister, have no sympathy for you at all I am afraid, because I…” He sucked in a breath. “I must be engaged to be married within two months.”

  Minerva blinked. Good Lord. Angel’s task did not sound too terrible, though her high-spirited sister would have a hard time working for two months. Seth’s, however, was not a pleasant task at all. Their brother enjoyed the company of women, no doubt, but he was not ready to be married, and after seeing Theo’s miserable arranged marriage, none of them would wish such a thing for Seth. Minerva had always secretly hoped he might meet some wonderful woman who would turn his world upside down and make him fall desperately in love.

  “I am sorry, Seth.” Minerva squeezed his hand. “I cannot believe Grandpapa would press such a thing on you.”

  “Nor I,” he breathed.

  She pressed a finger to her lips. “Perhaps…perhaps there might be a way out of it. I mean…forced into marriage. It can hardly be ethical, can it?” She glanced to Mr. Barton, who lifted his shoulders.

  “I may only do what I am instructed by my client. I cannot help in any other legal matters.”

  “I know of an excellent private library,” Minerva told Seth. “It is said to have the biggest collection of legal documents in the country. You should apply to visit.”

  Seth shook his head. “Less worrying about me, Min, and more worrying about yourself. What do you have to do?”

  Cold dread ran its bony fingers down her spine. She’d almost forgotten about her own task. Drawing in a long breath, she swept her gaze across the writing once more.

  “I must…” She had to swallow a knot that bunched in her throat. “I must travel to Scotland to collect something that belonged to Grandpapa,” she announced.

  “Oh boy,” murmured Angel.

  A heavy silence hung about the room. Everyone knew of her fears—how they restricted her life. If she could not even travel to the next county, how was she to travel all the way to Scotland?

  Angel leaned over and squeezed her hand. “You have been talking about trying to be braver, Min. Perhaps this is your chance.”

  Minerva pressed her teeth into her bottom lip. Yes, she had, but she was thinking something more along the lines of attending a ball and dancing with a man she did not know. Or perhaps visiting one of the London parks that she had not been to since she was a girl.

  Not spending days on end on the road!

  “I am surprised my father would put such a task upon you.” Her mother sent her a worried glance. “He knows how awful that time in our life was.”

  Minerva cast her gaze over the letter once more. It spoke of courage and living a full life. She exhaled slowly. It was something she had not done since her kidnapping, even though it was over fifteen years ago. The memories were too fresh, too painful. Too terrifying. Even now, when she thought of those men grabbing her and threatening to kill her if her father didn’t pay a ransom, her body grew cold and shaky. She had been held for three days in a dark, damp room, listening to their threats and expecting the worst.

  She met her mother’s gaze and offered a shaky smile. “It will be fine, Mama. As A
ngel said, I have been trying to become braver. If Grandpapa thinks I can do this, then I must.”

  Mama’s lips tightened. “I nearly lost you then. Now I am to send you away?” She shook her head. “Surely, there must be some other way?” She sent a look toward Mr. Barton, who merely shrugged.

  “Min can do this,” Seth assured their mother. “She’s tougher than she looks.”

  While Minerva appreciated her brother’s confidence in her, she was not certain that was true. Yes, she had been taking steps since their grandfather’s death to try to push herself, but they had been minor, minor steps. Travelling to Scotland was one giant leap.

  “Perhaps I should come with you,” her mother suggested.

  Shaking her head vigorously, Minerva folded the letter and tucked it into her sleeve for safekeeping. “You need rest, Mama.” Their grandfather’s death had taken a toll on their mother, who was the delicate sort. The last thing she needed was to spend days on the road. “My lady’s maid can accompany me—I am sure she shall enjoy seeing Scotland.”

  Mama twined her hands tightly together. “And you shall have to take some strong men with you. Who knows what you might encounter?”

  “Oh, take Mr. Young. He’s tall and handsome,” Angel suggested with a grin.

  “Handsome does not matter,” their mother said tightly. “But he is strong.”

  “See? I shall be fine.” Somehow Minerva kept a smile frozen on her shaky lips. A glance to her siblings told her that they did not believe her words any more than she did.

  Chapter Two

  Minerva stretched and waited for the inevitable heart pounding that would come with waking up in a strange room. She took a deep breath and held it. Sunlight slipped in through the tattered curtains, tripping across the small but neat room. Though she had stayed in finer inns, the bed had been comfortable and the sheets were clean. She blew out a breath. What had her grandfather been thinking? Sending her on a journey like this? He knew full well how much she loathed travelling. If anyone understood what she had gone through as a child, it was her grandpapa.

  And yet…