But, even in these early days, friends and enemies did not hesitate to say
that Lizzie Greystock had done very well with herself; for it was known by
all concerned that in the settlements made she had been treated with
unwonted generosity.
CHAPTER II
LADY EUSTACE
There were circumstances in her position which made it impossible that
Lizzie Greystock, or Lady Eustace, as we must now call her, should be left
altogether to herself in the modest widow's retreat which she had found at
Brighton. It was then April, and it was known that if all things went well
with her she would be a mother before the summer was over. On what the
Fates might ordain in this matter immense interests were dependent. If a
son should be born he would inherit everything, subject, of course, to his
mother's settlement. If a daughter, to her would belong the great personal
wealth which Sir Florian had owned at the time of his death. Should there
be no son, John Eustace, the brother, would inherit the estates in
Yorkshire which had been the backbone of the Eustace wealth. Should no
child be born, John Eustace would inherit everything that had not been
settled upon or left to the widow.
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