Page 62 of A Family Affair
Clarissa nodded. ‘Let me explain, because it’s the final part of my story, really.’
* * *
My father was at death’s door, and it was only a matter of time. Time that had also run out where Oscar was concerned because, try as he might, he could not persuade Father to alter his will and name him as heir. He badgered, cajoled, ranted, and raved. Desperation oozed from his every pore. I could see it. He despised me.
Oscar was in terrible debt and needed to be bailed out, but this time it had to be big, not in the form of a Coutts cheque. He needed the estate. I stood in his way.
Ever since Ursula, I hadn’t put a foot wrong, living my life as a paragon of virtue thus thwarting Oscar’s grand plan. There’d been a terrible row in the study almost a year before. I overheard Father tell Oscar, with his own brand of brutish honesty, that he’d never allow the estate to be squandered on his many vices. Chamberlain was secure and in good hands – mine.
Old habits die hard, you see, and I was still an earwigger and heard it all. Oscar was dredging up the past, casting aspersions that once Father was gone I’d run amok and bring shame on the family.
Regardless of the ridiculous and lurid accusations, one of which was that I’d turn Chamberlain into a brothel for freaks like me, in the end, Father stood firm. He’d seen me as the safest bet and I took a small amount of pleasure from that, but it was getting one over on Oscar that had me dancing a little jig in the hallway.
Oscar stayed away until Mother made the call, saying he should come and say goodbye to Father. His absence until then had been a mercy because, whenever he’d visited in the past, I’d made myself scarce. This suited everyone because after all there’s only so much awkwardness anyone, no matter how thick-skinned, can take.
That weekend was the longest of my life, waiting for Father to take his last breath and be released from the agony he was in. And for Oscar to go away forever. And when both occurred, and the estate came to me, I promised myself that I’d honour Father’s dying wish. To care for Mother and Chamberlain and before I departed this earth, I’d make sure it was left in the safest of hands.
* * *
Clarissa was at the end of her story and there was an important parallel to draw.
‘As you know, in the end my uncle and his long-suffering wife fell on the mercy of their son and went to live in Chicago because when he lost everything, over my dead body were they coming to live here.’
Chuck shook his head, ‘Ain’t no wonder my daddy was the way he was, comin’ down the line from Oscar, but I hope you can see I’m nothin’ like any of them. Not even my mama.’
She placed her hand on his arm. ‘Dear man, I think nothing of the sort, and I might not have known you for long, but I can tell you haven’t a bad bone in that body of yours. I’ve seen you with the horses, and around other animals and they know, as do I, that you’re a good person. So don’t worry about that.’
At this Chuck smiled and his shoulders relaxed, ‘Well amen to that!’
‘But there is someone in our midst who does trouble me and that’s what I want to talk to you about.’
‘Who?’ Chuck had twisted his body and a frown creased his forehead.
‘My solicitor, Tristan Henderson. Over the past few weeks I’ve been aware of a sense of urgency, a pushiness perhaps with regards to my affairs, and the fact he takes a great deal of interest in you.’ She left that to settle and waited for Chuck’s reaction.
‘I can sure as heck agree with you on that! When he first got in touch I thought he would just be a go-between, kinda there to introduce me to you, but as soon as I arrived he wanted to be my best buddy, which is real weird seeing as the guy is nothing like me at all.’
Clarissa hummed and pursed her lips the way her mother used to when she was perplexed. ‘My thoughts exactly. And like with Uncle Oscar, I suspect there’s an ulterior motive to his urgency, and I must get to the bottom of it. I’ve always dealt with his father who is the polar opposite of his pushy – and dare I say rather slimy – son. That fact, and my other observations, have somewhat shone a spotlight on Tristan’s behaviour.’
‘Maybe he’s just being thorough or too keen. He might really have your best interests at heart and mine, too.’
‘Well it’s very gratifying to see you playing devil’s advocate and you could be correct, but I still want to be sure. Anyway, I trust my instincts and this time they’re warning me about Tristan. And even though you don’t like to think or talk of it, I’m not going to live forever and when I’m gone I won’t be able to protect you, Jennifer and Chamberlain.’
‘Okay… I hear ya. So do you have a plan?’
‘Oh yes, I certainly do. You and I need to join forces and thwart the enemy. Fight the good fight and all that. What do you say?’
Chuck’s eyebrows raised and he sounded wary when he replied, ‘Hey, you can count me in… but what exactly are we going to do? I hope it doesn’t involve any of those old pistols you got hangin’ about in the place. I told you I’m a pacifist.’
At this Clarissa howled with laughter at his sincere yet unnecessary worries. ‘I promise you no blood will be shed, but we might have some fun and make use of one or two hidden doorways about the place. We’ll enlist Jennifer too.’
Hearing the turn of the door handle and noticing the unmistakable aroma of buttered toast as Jennifer entered the room carrying a tray, Clarissa clapped her hands. ‘Perfect. The three musketeers are assembled at last.’
At this Jennifer gave Chuck a curious look and set the tray on the table. ‘What are you two up to?’
Waiting until the supper had been distributed, and everyone was settled, Clarissa got herself comfy and explained.
CHAPTER47
