The Codicil (On Hold)

Prologue

cod·i·cil - [kod-uh-suhl] 

a supplement to a will, containing an addition, explanation, modification, etc., of something in the will.

PROLOGUE

March 1806 – London

Life is rarely about the large choices.  The accumulation of myriads of small decisions made daily can have as much impact as inheriting a large fortune.  As a solicitor to many fine English gentleman, Cyril Butterfield knew the truth of that!  But his most important asset was not his tendency to make good choices, it was his ability to read people.

At this moment Cyril was preparing for a meeting with Mr. George Darcy of Pemberley following an urgent request from the Gentleman to make a change to his will.  The tone of the missive requesting the meeting suggested that this would be a matter of some delicacy and of utmost importance to the heir of the grand estate. Cyril sensed something would be asked of him, something not easy, something unusual.  But what? He wondered as he glared at Mr. Darcy’s words scribbled on the paper.

The relationship between the Darcy family and Butterfield & Butterfield extended back to the marriage of Mr. Darcy to Lady Anne Fitzwilliam, when Cyril was still a clerk at his uncles establishment.  Over the years careful management of the Darcy interests had cemented the relationship into one of mutual respect and satisfaction. Cyril seemed to know what great gentlemen meant when they said nothing important at all.  It was his gift.  Cyril  tapped the message from Mr Darcy in his hand and it worried him.  What does the man really want?   While still musing on the subject his clerk entered to announce the arrival of his client. 

Cyril’s shock at seeing Mr. Darcy enter leaning heavily on a cane and attended by a servant who hovered nearby ready to lend assistance should it be necessary, was so great that the normally unflappable solicitor uttered a small gasp.  The frail sallow faced, man being led to a seat bore little resemblance to the man he had known for so many years and had seen less than 3 months ago.

“Mr. Darcy, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Cyril managed to say as he stood and bowed his head in greeting.

“Butterfield, ever the diplomat I see!”

Cyril was surprised that in stark contrast to his weakened body, Mr. Darcy’s voice was clear and strong. 

“You can hardly be pleased to see me in a state such as this. However, it is my very condition which has prompted the need for your services.”

 “I am indeed distressed to see that you have not fared well since last we met, but my pleasure at our meeting today is sincere.”

“Let us hope you have the same sentiments by the time today’s business is complete.”  Cyril heard little discernible emotion in his client’s voice, but Mr. Darcy’s eyes burned with an intensity that betrayed his bland expression.

“In the letter I received yesterday you stated a wish to protect the heir of your estate by making some changes to your will.  I took the liberty of reviewing your current will carefully and I can assure you that it is legally sound in every respect and no one attempting to contest any of its particulars would be successful.  Your estate is secure for your heir and your daughter’s dowry is likewise safe.”

“Yes, yes.  I am quite sure that is so, but what I wish to do is add some provisions that will serve in my absence to protect my son from a ruinous marriage.”

“Very well, sir. There is no problem for me to draw something up that will protect your son’s wealth from being wasted by the woman he marries.  Such documents are not uncommon and if you give me the specifics I can have the paper ready for you in about 3 days.”