Page 105 of Discovering Her Earl

“I received it when we returned from Egypt and was instructed not to open it until after your wedding.”

Julian began pacing as he read the letter, but Lainey stopped him so she could read it as well. He held it out so they could both see.

Dear Friend,

I know you have always had a soft spot for my son, but I must ask you to do your duty since I will not be there to see to the matter myself.

I have instructed my solicitor to give away the mines if my son is not married to a proper countess by his thirtieth birthday.

He defies me with his every breath, but he will have no choice in this if he wants to continue in the lifestyle he is accustomed to.

I need you to ensure his wife is acceptable. Of good breeding, without scandal, a woman of grace who will bear the next Melville heir. You know the type of woman I would pick for him if I’d been there, and I ask that you judge the woman as I would myself.

This is the final request of a dying man. I know you will see to my last wish to the letter, old boy.

Earl of Melville

He and Lainey shared a glance and then turned as one to face the valet. The anger in Julian’s chest was for the man who had written the letter. Who had placed such a burden on Bentley.

Elaina’s lip trembled when she looked up at him.

“I’m so sorry.”

He shook his head, rejecting her apology.

“No. We knew this is how it would be. It doesn’t matter. We are happy and we will find a way.” He turned to Bentley and patted the man on the shoulder. “I’m sorry you had to be involved in this. I don’t blame you in any of this. I know you are only doing your duty.”

The valet looked between them with a crease between his brows.

“Do you really think I would give you such a thing as a wedding gift if it was not good news?”

Julian and Elaina waited in silence.

“I approve,” he said.

“You approve?” Elaina said with the surprise he felt.

“Of course.”

“But my father said—”

“Pfft.” The older man waved his hand. “Your father left the decision up to me. He wanted to ensure you selected the perfect countess, and I can say without a doubt you have. As far as I know, there is no scandal attached to your name. Your grandfather was a duke so your breeding is commendable and you are the epitome of grace, my dear. When the two of you are blessed with an heir, I am certain you will raise him with love and honor.”

He swiped his hands together as if the matter was settled before he continued.

“Those were the man’s requirements and as I see it, they were well met. When we arrive in Cairo, I will send word back to the solicitor to let him know you have passed this ridiculous test, and that the mines will remain part of the Melville estates.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bentley,” Elaina said with tears running down her cheeks. Julian might have given Ben the riot act for making his wife cry except Julian himself was having a bit of tightness in his throat.

“There is nothing to thank me for, my lady. I should be thanking you for making Julian so happy and showing him what it is to be loved unconditionally. I feel not a trace of guilt with my decision since the man who wrote this letter, failed to love his son in the same manner as you do.”

Julian hugged the man who was more like a father to him than his sire ever was.

“I’ll see you are well compensated for this, my friend.”

Ben laughed. “I would be willing to forgo compensation so long as I might stay in Egypt during the winters. I do prefer a warmer climate.”

With a promise to do just that, and a few more hugs, Ben excused himself to allow them privacy.