About this story
You try to stay neutral between Wylder, the family lawyer Larkin, and Lord Chelford, Dorcas's trustee, while an unexplained hostility grows between Wylder and Rachel Lake's brother, Captain Stanley Lake. Days before the wedding, Wylder walks off toward the village with Stanley and never comes back — no luggage taken, only a pencilled note promising honest business and a Saturday return that doesn't happen.
How it opens
Mark Wylder's delayed letter found you in London after pursuing several earlier addresses across England.
Mark WylderCome to Brandon before my marriage and rescue me from settlements written in another language.
He was an old school acquaintance rather than a trusted friend, but the family title once occupied your legal work.
I am trustee for Dorcas, so Mark reasonably wants an adviser who owes him separate loyalty.
Dorcas BrandonWelcome back, Mr de Cresseron; this house remembers childhood more confidently than its guests do.
Choose
I will explain clauses to Mark but negotiate for neither side.
I should read nothing until Dorcas approves my presence.