I am sorry that your first visit to Ashley Castle must be on these terms, but I think you will come to love both the castle and the countryside as much as I have over the years. With this letter, you will find the documentation showing that you are the legal heir to my legacy. As I hope you know, you were adopted by American parents through an American agency. You were adopted from England though. Your birth mother had an affair with my cousin, the Earl Chauncey. You were the product of that affair. The Earl paid your mother a stipend, providing she put you up for adoption, so that you would never lay claim to his title. Unfortunately, your father squandered his finances, so legally; there is nothing left for you to claim from him. However, you, as his son and my nephew, are titled as Viscount Chase Barrett Chauncey, and thus eligible for my inheritance. However, there are conditions and stipulations to this agreement, which must be followed. If you choose not to honor this agreement, you will forfeit the castle and the rest of my holdings. .....