Summary:
When Raymond Doyle unexpectedly inherits a fortune from his aunt his initial shock soon turns to horror as he realises that the inheritance involves conditions that are impossible for him to meet. In an attempt to take control of his life before it is wrested from him by his remaining family he leaves his home on an errand bequeathed to him by his aunt but soon finds himself embroiled in a case of mistaken identity, a situation which is inextricably linked to a hitherto unknown cousin of his and that gentleman's unconventional connection with the enigmatic Captain Bodie.
Excerpt:
"Ah, here is Captain Bodie now." Chaplin's voice cut into Raymond's wandering thoughts abruptly. He turned and extended his hand with a smile towards the newcomer. To his dismay the gentleman's jaw dropped in amazement and an expression of utter disbelief played across his face for just a brief second before his features contorted with fury.
"You!" he hissed incredulously. "I told you never..."
Raymond instinctively took a step back as Captain Bodie raised his riding crop to shoulder height, convinced beyond doubt that he was about to be struck.
In an instant Mr Chaplin, moving surprisingly quickly for a man of his age, was between them. "No!" he exclaimed. "Captain Bodie, you have made a dreadful mistake!"
"It is not I who have made the mistake, sir. I vowed to kill this blackguard if he ever again came within fifty miles of me."
Raymond stood transfixed. He had never in all his life witnessed such abject fury as that now displayed by this man.
"Hear me out, sir," Mr Chaplin continued. "This gentleman is not who you think. If you would but take a moment to calm yourself you would see that I speak the truth."
Raymond found himself being studied intently by a pair of the deepest blue eyes he had ever seen. He watched as the anger which those eyes had contained when first lifted to his face gradually abated to be replaced by a look of sheer disbelief.
There was silence in the room for several minutes as both men looked at each other. "I don't understand..." Bodie eventually croaked. "Just who are you?"
"You may know the face, sir, but you do not know the man," Chaplin said quietly. "Allow me to introduce Mr Raymond Doyle."
Again Raymond extended his hand, albeit somewhat hesitatingly.
"Doyle!" Captain Bodie almost spat the name.
"The cousin of the... er... gentleman whom you mistook him for," Chaplin continued. "The resemblance is remarkable, I'll admit."
Deciding that the time had come for him to play some part in the proceedings, Raymond took a step forward and bowed politely. "At your service, sir."