I'll Get By by Janet Woods Read Free Book Online Page B

that. Cambridge?’ he reminded.
    ‘Ah yes . . . Cambridge. The plan is that I might decide to study law as a career eventually and I thought that having a degree of sorts would be an asset.’
    ‘ The law? You’re an enigma, do you know that, Margaret. However, I do love it when the occasional lady lawyer emerges from the ranks and splutters of outrage go around the old boys’ clubs. Good luck to you.’
    Meggie could only remember one person who’d called her Margaret. That had been her grandfather. She’d always thought it to be an old-fashioned name because it had been her Sangster grandmother’s name. But if the name was good enough for an English princess then it was good enough for her, and she was grown-up, after all.
    She decided that she liked Rennie Stone, and wished she hadn’t been so bumptious.

Four
    Meggie discussed the outcome of her meeting with her Aunt Esmé. ‘Rennie Stone was quite nice, but he didn’t tell me anything, except to say that he thinks the estate isn’t worth much now. He wants to go through the files to familiarize himself with it. I expect he’ll consult my stepfather because he acts on my behalf. Then I’ll be in trouble.’
    ‘You could always ring Denton yourself. He’s not unreasonable.’
    ‘I know . . . but he’s always so busy, and Mummy likes him to relax when he’s not working.’
    ‘As we’re all inclined to do with our men. But Denton is trustee of your legacy, and that is your business and his. You have no choice, Meggie. Denton will be much more inclined to see reason if you explain things to him personally. Ring him now.’
    ‘He won’t be home yet.’
    ‘Then ask your mother to pass on a message for him to ring you.’
    As luck had it, Denton was having a rare day off. He sounded pleased to hear from her. ‘Meggie . . . this is a surprise. Your mother isn’t in. She’s at Nutting Cottage with Chad, measuring up for some new curtains.’
    ‘It’s you I wanted to talk to,’ and she drew in a breath and plunged in. ‘I went to see the solicitor handling the Sinclair estate. He’ll probably ring you before long.’
    There wasn’t even the slightest censure in his voice when he asked, ‘Is there anything important I should know about?’
    ‘Well . . . I don’t suppose you’ll think it that important. Did Mummy tell you I wanted to go to university . . . to become a lawyer?’
    There wasn’t even a blink of silence. ‘No . . . no, she didn’t, but what’s that to do with the Sinclair estate, poppet?’
    ‘If I’m accepted I’ll need money to support myself with.’
    ‘Good lord, yes, I suppose you will. Nothing comes cheaply these days. So you’re going to follow in your father’s footsteps, are you? Richard would be delighted.’
    She felt a little teary. ‘You don’t mind, do you? What if the Sinclair estate can’t afford the fees? I’m given to understand that Girton College is dreadfully expensive. I don’t want to sound selfish or anything because I know you have the boys to educate—’
    ‘You’re not responsible for their education, Meggie. Besides, Grandfather Elliot left them a legacy, enough for their education. We can only wait and see what Mr Stone comes up with. I’ll discuss it with Livia, too. She might have some thoughts on the matter. Poor Meggie, we haven’t given your future much thought, have we? What have you been up to in London?’
    ‘Leo took me flying . . . it was such fun. We did all these twists, turns, and somersaults in the air. He said it helps him to unwind after the stress of his job.’
    ‘Working with sick children can be extremely stressful, as well as rewarding. Children have such fear along with the trust in their eyes when they look at you. Knowing you’re going to have to cause them pain to effect a cure doesn’t lessen the guilt you feel. I have a great deal of respect for Leo. How is your aunt?’
    ‘She’s well, though a bit rattled at the moment. I adore them both.’ Not only