Rachel G you make me laugh with your right-on description of Mr. Shepherd! Diplomatic contortions indeed! I am both in awe of his abilities yet scornful of their use because it is thoroughly false and manipulative. Mr. Shepherd is so dodgy and quick I wonder if it is not just necessity (How else could one manage Sir Walter?) but a natural trait. So far it seems Mrs. Clay does not fall far from the tree but I have seen nothing yet to equal her father.

I agree too. I think Mr. Shepherd’s interest is most likely that of being paid. I doubt not he cares for his professional reputation but anyone with a vague acquaintance with Sir Walter could not possibly blame his lawyer for the estates troubles—at least I think it would be an unfair criticism.

I also offer congratulations on an excellent review of Sir Walter’s mind-set—your past incarnation serves you well. I can’t quite sympathize with him because he brought his troubles upon himself but I better understand the enormity of the threat retrenching is from his point of view. To me what takes the cake is Sir Walter’s sincere belief his financial troubles are not his fault. Poor wretch, he is just a victim of circumstance: