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My Beloved Child,My name is Arthur Hanover, and what I am about to tell you may come as rather a shock: I am your uncle. A relative you never knew existed, and about whom no one has ever spoken. I have chosen this moment to reveal my existence because I am the last of my line, and growing old. More importantly, you are named in my will as the inheritor of my estate, title and wealth. This includes my ancestral home, Hanover Manor.
In order to secure your inheritance, however, there are some documents that must be presented by you to the local probate court. This will require that you come to England. To that end, I have enclosed an assortment of vouchers good for first-class travel to London and onwards to my estate. In addition, there is a cheque for £20,000, an amount I trust will be sufficient to cover your expenses during your journey.
You may, of course, choose to ignore this invitation and simply cash the enclosed cheque. The world is in such a state of utter paranoia these days that I would not be surprised if you did. However, if I’ve assessed your character correctly, you are neither faint of heart nor lacking a sense of adventure. I believe you will come.
If you do make the journey, what awaits you besides wealth, property and a title is this: a complete explanation of your relationship to me. Curiosity, I am certain, is what propels gifted people like yourself through life.
But for reasons I cannot disclose, I must urgently request that you tell no one of this letter or your plans. It is for your own good, my child, believe me. After the court receives the documents, you may say and do as you please.
Finally, as a reassurance that I am who I say, I’ve included a copy of my entry in Burke’s Peerage.
Affectionately,
