He continued without waiting for an answer. “The entire estate would pass to Swanton’s nephew Charles, who is still in England, and who is, I believe, only seven at the moment. He is the closest male heir to the Swanton land and money.”

Lucy listened in disbelief. “You’re speaking utter nonsense. How do you know all this? And what interest is it of yours?”

“I know this because I am the rightful heir to The Peaks, to the plantation Lord Swanton built. I am the heir ...