Page 218 of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt
‘Yeah! We laugh about it the whole time. If anyone ever tells a fib, we say “pulling an Orlando”!’
Mouse burst out laughing at the sight of his brother deflating like a balloon.
‘Excuse me for interrupting,’ said Georg. ‘It has just occurred to me that I need a signature on some inheritance documentation. May I briefly borrow you?’ he enquired.
‘Lead on, Georg!’ Merry gave a small wave to the group, and followed him inside the house.
‘I am so glad you finally got to go on your world tour, Merry.’
She chuckled. ‘As am I, Georg. Although it was hardly the route I was expecting to take! I only flew in from Granada last night!’
‘I heard. I must say, I think it is wonderful that you decided to visit all of the places your father found himself across the years.’
Merry nodded. ‘I just wanted to see it all for myself. His story was the most amazing thing I’ve ever read.’
‘And did you manage it all?’
‘Oh, yes,’ Merry replied proudly. ‘I saw the railway station in Tyumen, Landowski’s old atelier, Bergen Harbour, Coober Pedy... the list goes on. I feel so close to him now.’
Georg put an arm on her back. ‘I am sure he is with you. Speaking of which... I hear from Ally and Jack that Monsieur Peter accompanied you to a few of the European destinations?’ He raised an eyebrow, and Merry tutted.
‘You’ll make me blush, Georg.’
‘Apologies. But I am glad to hear it,’ he replied sincerely.
‘As am I about you and Marina!’
A smile appeared on Georg’s face. ‘We have loved one another for over thirty years. During that time, I observed her grace, her beauty, her patience... but never did I have the courage to say anything. As it turns out, neither did she...’
Georg led Merry into Atlas’s study. She had only been in once before, and had shivered as she felt the physical and material essence of her father. Although the banks of computers and video screens were impressive, her eyes had landed on the personal treasures placed randomly on the shelves behind the desk. She smiled as she noted several of Grieg’s ‘lucky frogs’, a battered old fiddle and a lump of opal, still encased in the rock which surrounded it.
Merry followed Georg to the desk, and he presented herwith a document. ‘If you could sign where I’ve indicated, it will officially incorporate you into Atlas’s trust, as he intended.’
‘It’s very kind of the girls to allow it. I never had any expectations of—’
Georg interjected. ‘As you know, the six girls haveinsistedthat you are treated as an equal.’ Merry nodded, and removed the cap from the pen. ‘By the way, must you leave us tonight, Merry? We’ll all miss you.’
She sighed. ‘I’m afraid I have to go. It’s only me that’s off, though – MK is staying on with Jack and Ally. I promised I’d get over to Dublin to see Ambrose.’ Merry looked dispirited. ‘His health is really declining. He’s done so much for me over the years that I need to be there for him now.’
Georg gave a sympathetic nod. ‘I know everyone will understand.’
‘Plus...’ Merry finished signing, and sat herself in Atlas’s deep leather chair by the window.
‘Yes, Merry?’
‘Do you recall that in my father’s journal, he mentions Elle’s brother... My uncle. He wrote that he was adopted as a baby and taken to somewhere in Europe.’
‘I do recall that,’ replied Georg, leaning on the desk.
‘I’ve been trying to find out what happened to him. Doing a bit of digging and that sort of thing.’
A smile played on Georg’s lips. ‘Have you discovered anything?’
Merry shrugged. ‘I’ve got a couple of little bits and pieces. I started investigating with Ambrose, just to keep his mind occupied. But now I’m totally desperate to find out what became of him. It’s unlikely, of course, but...’ Merry’s eyes twinkled. ‘It’s just about possible that he’s still alive.’
Georg nodded. ‘I see the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, Merry. It goes without saying, but if ever you wish toenlist my services, it would be my honour to help.’ He looked out at the gathering of people they had left a few moments ago. ‘I also understand that Orlando Forbes is pretty useful when it comes to this sort of thing, too.’
Merry chuckled. ‘Is he indeed?’
