Lady Fenton guided Justin to the library table, where he was invited to sit. Sophie joined him, giving his arm a little squeeze of encouragement. At that moment, Gwen returned, accompanied by Clarissa. Lady Fenton indicated that they should join the happy couple.
"Now, Justin, your mother and I have had these papers drawn up by Fielding's, our family solicitor. I'm afraid they are mostly rather long and boring. Sophie was present at the drafting of the contracts, but if you wish to read through them, you are most welcome. However, to keep this brief, I would suggest that you both simply sign at the bottom, and allow Gwen and Clarissa to witness your signatures.
Justin took one look at the intimidating pile of legal text, and having looked over to receive a smile of reassurance from his step-sister, took up a pen and began to sign each document, presented carefully to him, Sophie and the witnesses.
Finally there was an application for a joint banking account for himself and Sophie, in the names of Sir Justin Smythe and Lady Sophie Smythe. For the first time, our hero raised a query:
"Lady Fenton, I don't understand; I'm not Sir Smythe. That's my father's title...and Sophie..."
Lady Fenton interrupted, and, smiling condescendingly, explained:
"Yes, of course, Justin, we are aware of that fact, but some day, (hopefully, a long way off), when your father passes away, you will inherit his baronetcy. A man in your position must be prepared."
"Oh, well, err yes, I see now," replied the hapless young man, who dutifully signed the banking document, along with his fiancee.
Poor Justin was of course, only vaguely aware of the financial implications of such an inheritance.
The party then rejoined Lady Agatha in the dining room for coffee and liqueurs, before retiring to their rooms.
It was decided next day, at breakfast that there was little to detain Lady Fenton and her party, and so it was arranged for their early return to Fenton hall, accompanied by a metal strong-box, filled to the brim with signed and witnessed legal documents, which effectively sealed Justin's fate.
Now that events had progressed satisfactorily, that afternoon, Lady Agatha once again made telephone contact with the Fairview sanatorium, and its consultant Psychiatrist.
"Yes Charles, I've decided. The gradual reduction in sustaining nutrients would, I think be in Michael's best interests, and the kindest course of action. By the way, you really must come to stay, once this unfortunate state of affairs is concluded. I'm sure we can find a bed for you somewhere!" she giggled.
Back at Fenton Hall, Lady Penelope Fenton was interviewing the local rector, who's small church was located next to her home in the grounds of the Fenton Estate.
"Yes, Roger, it's been a whirlwind romance. Took us all by surprise. Especially Sophie, who, it feels, only seemed to be baptised by you, five minutes ago!"
The Reverend Roger Wallace, a bachelor, was, like most men, entranced to be in Lady Fenton's feminine company. Like most incumbents of English country estate churches, he was fully aware of the power of his local aristocratic sponsors.
He responded: "How true, my Lady. So, a quiet, private affair, in two weeks time?"
"Yes, no fuss please. Monday the 7th I think, say 3.15 PM?
Later, sitting at his desk, in the Rectory, as he made the minimal preparations for the wedding, Roger could not help himself as he recalled the mature, poised, feline sexuality of Lady Agatha. She had even given him a delicious wet kiss on the cheek, on his departure. Shamefully, he took out his penis and masturbated to this vivid memory.