frequent visitor to the house and was loved by all.
Winn gave them a grateful look. “So am I. He was a good man. I’ll miss him.”
“We all will, sir,” Arthur said. “Is there anything we can do for you?” He wanted to ease his employer’s burden, if he could. Winn and his uncle had been very close, and the butler knew this was as painful for him as his parents’ deaths had been all those years ago. One never became accustomed to death, though one did eventually manage to deal with it and accept it.
“No. I’m just going to speak with Father Michaels and then I’m going to rest for a while.”
“If you need anything at all, just call for us. Father Michaels is waiting for you in the parlor.”
“Thank you, Arthur.”
Winn went downstairs and spoke with the priest at length. making the necessary arrangements for the funeral. When everything was completed, he saw the priest from the house and then retired to his own bedroom.
Winn was amazed anew by Arthur’s insight and abilities. A hot bath and a tray of food awaited him. He bathed quickly, too tired to enjoy it. Then he got ready for bed. He ran a hand over his face in an exhausted gesture and was surprised by the roughness of his beard. A quick glance in the mirror over the washstand confirmed the dark shadow of more than three days’ growth. He rubbed his jaw idly as he contemplated shaving, then thought better of the idea and went to lie down. As tired as he was, there was no telling how accurately he would be able to wield a razor. The bed’s softness was a welcoming embrace, and he gave a low groan as he stretched out upon it and rested a forearm over his eyes. Emotional and physical exhaustion claimed him, and he slept.
Philip and Robert were excited as they returned to the house after the burial. Everything was working out perfectly. By 7:30 that evening, they were going to be rich. They sat alone in the study and passed the balance of the afternoon drinking and trying to estimate how long it would take them to find the hidden crown once the lawyer gave them the books that night. The thought of having to pack up and go chasing after the damned thing angered them both, but they knew the prize was worth the inconvenience. When at last the hour neared, they freshened up so they would be ready for Thomas Dell when he arrived for the reading of the will.
Dell reached the house promptly at seven. He summoned Henry and Martin into the study, along with both Philip and Robert. He knew the next few minutes were going to be traumatic, but he was prepared. He thought the two sons despicable, and he realized now that Lawrence had been right about changing his will.
“If everyone is ready, I’ll begin,” Thomas announced as he sat down at Lawrence’s desk to read the document. He let his critical regard sweep over the four men who were seated before him.
Though Philip and Robert were taking great care to appear somber and serious, Thomas could see the mocking gleam of victory in their eyes. He knew they were immensely satisfied with themselves, and he found he was actually looking forward to disclosing the terms of the will.
“I, Lawrence Anthony, being of sound mind and body as of this day, 18 March, the year of our Lord 1857, do hereby leave the sum of 1000 pounds to each of my faithful servants, Henry and Martin. They have served me well through the years, and I thank them. The balance of my estate . . .” Dell paused for effect before continuing, for he wanted both Philip and Robert to feel the full brunt of their father’s disgust with them. “I leave to the Church . . .”
“What!!!” Philip and Robert both went pale.
The lawyer continued to read, “Through the years, the good works of my closest friend, Edward Bradford, have shown me the importance of love, kindness, and faith. It is with great pleasure that I leave absolutely nothing to the two men who, only now in my death, take pleasure in claiming me as their father.
Winn gave them a grateful look. “So am I. He was a good man. I’ll miss him.”
“We all will, sir,” Arthur said. “Is there anything we can do for you?” He wanted to ease his employer’s burden, if he could. Winn and his uncle had been very close, and the butler knew this was as painful for him as his parents’ deaths had been all those years ago. One never became accustomed to death, though one did eventually manage to deal with it and accept it.
“No. I’m just going to speak with Father Michaels and then I’m going to rest for a while.”
“If you need anything at all, just call for us. Father Michaels is waiting for you in the parlor.”
“Thank you, Arthur.”
Winn went downstairs and spoke with the priest at length. making the necessary arrangements for the funeral. When everything was completed, he saw the priest from the house and then retired to his own bedroom.
Winn was amazed anew by Arthur’s insight and abilities. A hot bath and a tray of food awaited him. He bathed quickly, too tired to enjoy it. Then he got ready for bed. He ran a hand over his face in an exhausted gesture and was surprised by the roughness of his beard. A quick glance in the mirror over the washstand confirmed the dark shadow of more than three days’ growth. He rubbed his jaw idly as he contemplated shaving, then thought better of the idea and went to lie down. As tired as he was, there was no telling how accurately he would be able to wield a razor. The bed’s softness was a welcoming embrace, and he gave a low groan as he stretched out upon it and rested a forearm over his eyes. Emotional and physical exhaustion claimed him, and he slept.
Philip and Robert were excited as they returned to the house after the burial. Everything was working out perfectly. By 7:30 that evening, they were going to be rich. They sat alone in the study and passed the balance of the afternoon drinking and trying to estimate how long it would take them to find the hidden crown once the lawyer gave them the books that night. The thought of having to pack up and go chasing after the damned thing angered them both, but they knew the prize was worth the inconvenience. When at last the hour neared, they freshened up so they would be ready for Thomas Dell when he arrived for the reading of the will.
Dell reached the house promptly at seven. He summoned Henry and Martin into the study, along with both Philip and Robert. He knew the next few minutes were going to be traumatic, but he was prepared. He thought the two sons despicable, and he realized now that Lawrence had been right about changing his will.
“If everyone is ready, I’ll begin,” Thomas announced as he sat down at Lawrence’s desk to read the document. He let his critical regard sweep over the four men who were seated before him.
Though Philip and Robert were taking great care to appear somber and serious, Thomas could see the mocking gleam of victory in their eyes. He knew they were immensely satisfied with themselves, and he found he was actually looking forward to disclosing the terms of the will.
“I, Lawrence Anthony, being of sound mind and body as of this day, 18 March, the year of our Lord 1857, do hereby leave the sum of 1000 pounds to each of my faithful servants, Henry and Martin. They have served me well through the years, and I thank them. The balance of my estate . . .” Dell paused for effect before continuing, for he wanted both Philip and Robert to feel the full brunt of their father’s disgust with them. “I leave to the Church . . .”
“What!!!” Philip and Robert both went pale.
The lawyer continued to read, “Through the years, the good works of my closest friend, Edward Bradford, have shown me the importance of love, kindness, and faith. It is with great pleasure that I leave absolutely nothing to the two men who, only now in my death, take pleasure in claiming me as their father.
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