by Basil Copper
Miss Grimstone let out her breath in a long sigh.
"You are a good man, Mr. Pons."
Solar Pons chuckled.
"Let us just say, Miss Grimstone, that little would be served by further scandal. We will inform the police when they arrive that Silas Grimstone has disappeared on the marsh. There will be a search but nothing will be found. It will be a nine-day wonder and nothing more."
There was silence for a moment and then Miss Grimstone gave Solar Pons her hand.
"I will myself settle your fee, Mr. Pons."
There was an awkward silence.
"It was providence, Mr. Pons. This young man has been robbed of his patrimony. We cannot recompense him for the death of his father or the injustices he has suffered. But I feel free, as Silas Grimstone's beneficiary, to offer him his rightful half-share in the company and a place here at the manor with me. On my death the property and the business would revert to him, as I have no other kin."
"Justice, indeed, Parker," said Solar Pons softly. "Providence moves in mysterious ways."
And he said no more on the subject.