That Mainwaring Affair

by Maynard Barbour

Overview

A long driveway led from the street to the main entrance and wound beneath the intertwining branches of two enormous oak trees. The mansion's rear was surrounded by lovely gardens that slowly fell to the edge of a small lake. The Hudson River, which was not far away, as well as the gardens and surrounding countryside, were all clearly seen from the main gate. With a revolver in his hand and an unsightly wound just above the right eye and close to the temple, Hugh Mainwaring was discovered dead in his Fair Oaks office. Less than three months before, they had been introduced at the New York Country Club, where Ralph Mainwaring and Mr. Whitney had first met. Richard Hobson, the uncooperative witness in the previous day's hearings, had fled without leaving even the tiniest trace of his whereabouts. Following Mrs. LaGrange's suicide, there were reports that legal action had been taken to challenge the previous will, but in the names of Ralph Mainwarry and his brother Harold W. Mainwary, since his son had completely withdrawn from the proceedings. On the eve of the contest, each side awaited the start of the battle after the intervening weeks filled with planning for the upcoming litigation had passed.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789357276771
Publisher:	Double 9 Books
Publication date:	01/22/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	821 KB

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER III THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF HUGH MAINWARING Immediately after breakfast the following morning, Hugh Mainwaring, having excused himself to his guests, retired to his private library, in company with his secretary and Mr. Whitney, his attorney. A number of fine saddle- horses having been brought around from the stables, the young people cantered gayly down the oak-lined avenue, intent upon a morning ride, their voices echoing musically througl' the grounds. The elderly people, after a short chat, gradually dispersed. Mrs. Mainwaring retired to her room for her accustomed morning nap; Mrs. Hogarth sought the large library and was soon absorbed in the works of her favorite author, while Ralph Mainwaring and Mr. Thornton strolled up and down the gravelled walks, enjoying their cigars. "This is a very good bit of property," remarked Mr. Mainwaring at length, running his eye with cold scrutiny over the mansion and grounds; "taking into consideration the stocks and bonds and various business interests that will go with it, it will make a fine windfall for the boy.'' " That it will, and Hugh certainly is a lucky dog !" responded Mr. Thornton; '' but you seem to have some definite knowledge regarding our cousin's finances; has he given you any idea as to what he is really worth ?'' "He? Not a word." Then noting an expression of surprise on his companion's face, Mr. Mainwaring continued. '' I have a number of business acquaintances on this sidethe water, and you may rest assured I have kept myself well posted as to the way things were going all these years. I have had something of this kind in view all the time." "I might have known it," replied Mr. Thornton, with an amusedsmile. " I never yet saw a Mainwaring who did not understand how to feather his own ne...