2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Phoebe tricks Edward’s father into giving her the estate ledgers after Edward goes on vacation. She promptly turns them over to West for review and analysis. Do you think she knew at the time there would be something nefarious to find or just some mismanagement?

She thought there was mismanagement. She trusted Edward and never thought poorly of him. Her worry was she knew Edward wasn't a fan of "new farming," but she liked what West did for his tenants.

I think she knew there was something not right or else Edward would have just sat down with her and explained the books to her.

Phoebe knew Edward was avoiding bringing the ledgers back to her home. He was hiding something. She may have thought he had made some bad decisions and didn't tell her that the estate was losing money. I don't think Edward taking out a loan based on Justin's inheritance ever crossed her mind.

I think she suspected there was something smelly going on with the books, more underperformance than embezzlement. Certainly not paying for the support of a mistress.