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Wait. What?

Lucius was the second son? Cedric was son to heir? Um... doesn't that make HIM the heir to the earldom? (That's what happened in Downton Abbey; when the Earl's heir died, his newborn son became the heir to the Earldom.) Lucius would only inherit the entail and the title if the heir hadn't had any sons. Cedric and EVERYONE else would know this, so it's not like Lucius could steal the earldom from Cedric unless Cedric wasn't a legitimate son to the late Earl's first son and heir.

Oh, what foreboding. What will happen two days hence? Has Lucius set a trap for the Avenger using the new groom? /stars biting fingernails/

I must say, I really don't like his conceited attitude towards Lavinia. I hope she breaks his heart... with her fist.

No, Cedric is the son of the 7th Earl's youngest son, Charles. There was John, then Lucius, then Charles.
Back in part 4 it says that Lucius is Cedric's only living uncle.
In part 6, when Lucius is showing Lavinia and her father the gallery, and Lavinia is standing in front of the little picture of Cedric with his mum and dad, Lucius says, "Oh, yes, that's my youngest brother, Charles."
When John died without issue, Lucius became the heir. If Lucius dies without issue, Cedric, as his father's only male child, will inherit the Earldom.
Hope this helps with this question.

/writer cackles gleefully/ "Wait and see!"
I'm with you! He just assumes that she's his for the taking! We'll have to see what we can do about that. ;-)

Thanks for clarifying that. I missed (or didn't retain) those earlier details.

Sure thing ... no worries! It's not hard to miss stuff when we get these stories in bits and pieces over several days, or weeks. One reason I'm looking forward to plunging into some of the longer stories on the boards once the grandson gets bigger. I'll be able to read lots of parts ... one after another! <g>

Caught up / . Not sure how to feel about that? So excited for more--and being able to read right when you post it...BUT...it was really fun catching up, reading lots of posts right after the other .

Definite foreboding! . You really have put all the evil that makes Lex fun to hate into Lucius .

And I agree...how he sees Lavinia. Ugg--almost as a means to an end .

But, Lavinia's a smart lady, knows (seemingly already) where her heart is, and I'm not too worried (yet? ) about her being swayed away from Cedric/MA.

Now, as for these sinister plans in a couple of days? I'm not sure what to think about that .

I think I'll just have to pace--constantly--till you post again...

Hurry, Please! Give us more
Laura

Great job, Chris

Ah, yes ... Lucius' plans. I'd be worried, too! Just think whose soul we're dealing with here!
"As you wish!" :-)

Yay! and a 'Princess Bride' quote to boot !