'The contract was drawn up on very good advice.'
'Yes, Mother. You were told to insert a clause about the male heir being a true and legitimate progeny.'
'We had good reason. Everyone knows about the Knowles. They have the breeding habits of field mice. We had to make sure the inheritance went to a true Gascoigne ... not to the offspring of some casual dalliance.'
'They're bringing up the clause against us.'
'I am aware of that, Harald. They're saying Guy is William's father. I can't see the problem ... Guy is a Gascoigne.'
'The problem is in the meaning of the words true and legitimate.' Harald laboured to get the point across. 'We have to show that there can be no reasonable doubt that William is my son. Otherwise the terms of the contract are breached and Judith's dowry must be returned to her family.'
'How are you going to do that?' Margery bore down on him. 'You'll spend a fortune in lawyers' fees. I just wish your brother were here. Guy would teach those Knowles a thing or two.'