The lawyer that read the will? Had Miss Mason ever even met the fellow before then?

Malachi frowned, though his concerned glance was not unkind. It did not take knowing someone forever to know that you cared for them, or to develop so strong a connection as to wish to marry them... but he could not help but worry for her. The lawyer might have been kind, but there was no way for the inheritance not to factor in.

"I believe," he began, after a moment's consideration, "that you should do whatever you want to do. If a wardrobe would help you feel better suited, and the bedroom is to your taste, then you should feel no guilt in using the things Miss Harlowe left to you. Do not second-guess yourself -- if she did not want you to use the money, she would not have given it to you."

There was the requirement of marriage, of course, but even that he could understand. Miss Harlowe had likely only been trying to ensure that Miss Mason did not have it all taken away as soon as she got it.

"As for Mister Appleton, he would be a fool not to court you. But you should prioritize your own wishes first, and make sure that he is the kind of man you would not mind spending your life with."