1.5 Mrs Sinclair and the Feather Haa

In which Mrs Sinclair interviews the banker and confuses him.

Dr McKay continued. ‘He’ll bring the will as well, I would hope. Best to get everything dealt with as soon as possible. I think that Lady Brae is your husband’s only relation?’

Mrs Sinclair nodded again, her pale cheeks colouring. ‘They have not spoken since shortly after our wedding. Lady Brae is a connection by marriage of his mother, I believe.’

He regarded her, nodding slowly. ‘The relict of Sir William Brae of Busta House. No other kin. That would be why Gilbert was so damned anxious for a son, hey?’

She flushed with annoyance, and he sighed.

‘Nothing for you to worry about now.’

She gulped, and to her amazement felt tears rising in her eyes. She looked upwards in an effort to seem not to cry.

‘Dr McKay,’ she waved her hand ineffectually, ‘I am discomposed. Please forgive me.’

Now the doctor looked even more satisfied. As he bowed and turned to leave her, she thought ruefully that at least this sad lack of self-control would be counted doubly in her favour. She could not have behaved more fittingly as a stunned and weeping widow than if she had practiced for a month.

Then the doctor turned, just as she was dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief.

‘I forgot to finish what I was saying, about the will. As you have no son, you will inherit the estate, I suppose? In trust for your daughters?’

‘I hardly know. I believe so,’ she said cautiously.

‘So your daughters will inherit from you, unless you are increasing with a son,’ he said, looking at her in a calculating manner.