Page 81 of Charming Artemis

“‘To my son Stanley. You dedicate yourself so entirely to helping those who need you. I know I need not ask you to be a support to your mother, as I feel certain you will be without a second thought. The goodness of your heart brings peace to mine.’”

Mr. Layton was drawing nearer to Charlie. Panic was beginning to grow.

“‘To my darling little Arabella. It is my hope that my health held fast long enough for you to become an official part of our home and family. I have imagined you here among us many times. I hope you have grown up surrounded by these honorary brothers and a mother who loves you.”

She had not. Father had died before the arrangements could be finalized.

Only one brother remained before Mr. Layton would reach Charlie. One note. One letter. One moment in which to breathe and try to hold himself together.

“‘To my son Harold. You are young yet, and I cannot say with certainty what you will choose to do with your life. Your options are many, but I hope you choose something that brings you joy and allows you to serve others, as I see such happiness in you when you know you are making a difference in the lives of those you care about.’”

Charlie took a shaking breath. It was his turn. His moment. If Father hadn’t quite known what to say to Harold on account of his being young, he’d havenothingto say to Charlie.

Artemis took one of his hands between hers.

“I don’t think I can do this,” he whispered to her.

She wrapped an arm around him, leaning against him in a tight-knit embrace. Charlie did his best to push air in and out of his lungs as he braced himself to hear what his father had written to him.

“‘To my son Charlie, my favorite little playmate, the sunshine in our lives, my companion in so many adventures. My heart worries for you. You are so young, and I fear you will not remember me.’”

Tears began to obscure Charlie’s vision. Father’s fears had been confirmed; he remembered very little of him. Artemis held him more tightly.

“‘I have for you, my dearest Charlie, a letter, as with the others, but also this book. I hope it will help.’”

Mr. Layton held the book and letter out to him, but Charlie couldn’t force himself to reach for it. His tears were threatening to fall, and he knew he hadn’t the strength to add to his emotional upheaval.

Artemis accepted on his behalf and set both items under her chair. “I will safeguard them until you are ready,” she whispered as she set her arms around him once more.

Relief surged over him. He wouldn’t have to hold or touch those things or even admit to himself that they were real until he was strong enough to do so.

Mr. Layton continued his reading.

“‘To the Gents, the truest and most loyal friends I could have ever hoped for. We have walked with each other through countless difficulties, celebrated triumphs, and been part of one another’s lives for decades. I have been honored to count myself among you.’” Mr. Layton managed to read the words, but the emotion in his voice could not be mistaken.

After distributing their letters, he turned to face Mater. The entire room stilled, more so even than it was already.

The sight of Mater weeping tore at Charlie’s heart. He jumped to his feet and moved swiftly to her, reaching her just as Mr. Fortier sat beside her. Charlie met his eye and motioned subtly for him to give over his seat. No argument was made. No hesitation.

As Charlie sat, he realized he was not the only one to have rushed to her side. All his brothers were there. Some stood behind her chair. Some sat on the floor around her. Not a one had left her to face this heart-rending moment alone.

Through her tears, Mater nodded for Mr. Layton to proceed.

Charlie held her hand. Stanley set a supportive hand on her shoulder.

“‘My beloved Julia,’” Mr. Layton read, “‘I wish I were there to drink in the sight that surrounds you. I wish fate had proven kind enough to overlap our years more than it did. I love you with every breath I take and every beat of my heart, and I wish I were able to tell you so again. Pressed into the wax seal of your letter is a key. That key opens a box, the location of which Digby knows. When you are ready, please open it. Above all, remember that I love you. I always will.’”

Mr. Layton held Mater’s letter out. Philip accepted it for her, not requiring her to hold it as grief tore at her once more. All her sons moved in closer, offering a physical defense against the emotional darts. Charlie wished he could have saved her this pain.

Mr. Layton returned to his position beneath the portrait and faced the gathering once more.

His composure remained intact, but there was no missing the fragileness in his expression. He swallowed audibly, then read what remained of Father’s final words to them all.

Where and when you choose to read my letters, I will not dictate. Be good and true to one another. There is strength among you that, if depended upon, will see you through life’s difficulties. Fortitudo per Fidem. Love each other. Defend each other. And know that I love you all.

Think on me fondly, with smiles and laughter. Dry your tears. Hold fast to hope.

Forget me not.

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