Shadow of the Son, page 15
30
We awoke to the braying of my alarm.
“What in God’s name is that?” asked Bruni from underneath the covers.
“My Big Ben.”
“It’s hideous. Make it stop!”
I reached over and turned it off.
“Thank God!” Bruni peeked her head out and then sat up. She looked like a sleepy goddess. “That will have to go.”
“How else are we to wake up?” I asked.
“I have a telephone service, but I’m sure someone can knock on the door with a tray of tea or coffee in the future.”
“Oh.” I hadn’t thought of that. Bruni raised her arms above her head and stretched. If I was half asleep before, I was now fully awake.
Bruni looked over at me. “Don’t get any ideas. I haven’t even brushed my teeth.”
“Breakfast isn’t until nine.”
“Tough luck. You should have set it earlier, but … I suppose we could shower together.”
“That’s a good idea. We can save water.”
After dressing, Bruni and I wandered into the dining room hand in hand. Anne and John were already down, looking refreshed. Bruni squeezed my hand and motioned in their direction with a slight nod of her head. They did look happy. I was, too, and I had breakfast to look forward to.
Breakfast at Rhinebeck was my favorite time of the day. The familiar smells of coffee, bacon, and toast would assail me, and I would feel happy. Today, there were even breakfast sausages. I was in heaven.
Bruni and I said hello as Anne and John looked up from their papers. Anne nodded her head and went back to reading with a smile on her face. John was smiling, too. Bruni and I sat down and started in. I would catch her looking at me from time to time. I suppose I did the same.
When there was no more left, and we had finished the last of our coffee, Bruni and I excused ourselves and went in search of Dagmar in her kitchen. A quick look told us that speaking with her would be impossible. She had three assistants doing different tasks while she moved rapidly from one to the other to make sure they were following her instructions. Bruni and I hastily retreated to the foyer.
We stood by the clock as Bruni said, “Dagmar’s certainly very busy. She makes even me feel lazy. Shall we take a walk? We would then be doing something, and I can tell you what happened to me on the rock.”
“Good idea,” I said. “Why don’t we swing left past the tennis court, say hello to the crows if they’re there, and walk among the trees to the south?”
“Why not.”
We passed out of the front of the house and to the left. The day was bright and sunny with a band of high clouds in wispy streaks to the west. The crows were high up in the trees at the edge of the south lawn, chuckling and cawing among themselves.
“I wonder what they’re talking about?” I asked Bruni.
“Food.”
“You think so?”
“With the occasional snippet of gossip thrown in.”
“I’ve often wondered. So, what happened to you? You said it was very different from my experience.”
“Completely different.”
“Tell me.”
“Okay, here goes,” she began. “I was in a pretty odd place to begin with. I had finished my story, and the relief I felt at having finally said what I’d thought impossible to say was indescribable. It was its own euphoria, and then another feeling came along, a kind of contented bliss. I felt so relaxed, I laid down and awoke in the middle of the day, not the late afternoon. The sun was shining down from above, and I was hot. It felt like late spring. The surrounding woods were quiet and still. I looked about and saw a large doe at the edge of the meadow standing underneath the trees. She was like a statue watching me with her ears alert. After a time, she began to make her way toward me. Her belly was large and round. I watched her as she approached. She moved slowly and deliberately. She would bend down and nibble at some blades of grass and then take a few steps in my direction. I was fascinated and sat as still as I could. She ended up quite close.
“She raised her neck and stared at me. Her eyes were liquid pools in which I could lose myself. They held no fear. They simply looked at me as if to say that we were the same. I’ve never felt so calm as I was in that moment. I can’t possibly describe it. There we were, the two of us, together.
“I’ve looked into the eyes of horses and seen them looking back at me. You can sense that they know who you are and have an intelligence, but this was different. There was not merely a recognition, but a knowing.
“The doe then turned and walked slowly, step by step, back into the trees. I watched her until she disappeared. I think I lay back down and went to sleep again. I awoke and asked you what time it was, but you weren’t there. I called your name and heard something move next to the rock. I knew then that you’d fallen off. I found you on your back looking up at me. I jumped down to help you. I was back in the world. My dream was thankfully very different from yours, powerful yet filled with peace.”
“It sounds it.”
“It really was. I’m not religious, or even spiritual, but that vision, if that is what it was, has made me reconsider. The doe had a presence. It was sacred. I use that word because I know of no other that comes close. Like you, I don’t know what to make of it.”
“If it strengthens you, then it is good.”
“Yes. It was distinctly female. Perhaps your dreams were distinctly male?”
“Being filled with terror is not so male, I think.”
“Maybe it is.”
“How so?”
“Overcoming fear is what a man must do. How that is to be done is a mystery. It is part of the hero’s journey, Percy.”
I looked at Bruni. I hadn’t considered that. “Perhaps it is. But in the end the hero must defeat his nemesis or be destroyed.”
“It’s how the story goes.”
“Then we’ll have to see.”
“We will, but now we must shift our focus away from such things. Guests will be showing up, and we must deal with that. I must also make some calls. I want to know when Papa is arriving, and any news on your father. While I’m doing that, why don’t you speak with Stanley about the schedule for today? We must return to the house, but before we do, kiss me. We won’t be able to be alone for much longer.”
We kissed by the trees at the edge of the south lawn.
“Thank you, Bruni.”
“No, thank you, Percy. That will have to hold us. I’ll join you when I’m finished. I won’t be long.”
We walked back to the house, she to the library and me to Stanley’s office. I thought about what Bruni had said and wondered if because I was afraid, I was less of a man. Or was I more, given the magnitude of that fear? A case could be made for either, but fear or no fear, I would do what I had to do. How I felt was immaterial. I’d learned that much at least.
31
Stanley was at his desk and offered me a chair.
“How can I be of service?” he asked.
“I just wanted to know how it’s going. Bruni is finding out when her parents and my father will be arriving.”
“All is prepared on this end. How about you? Are you prepared?”
“About as much as I can be, I think.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear it. On another matter, have you spoken to your fiancée about the secret library?”
“Not as yet. It hasn’t come up.”
“Good. I recommend that you keep its whereabouts and access strictly to yourself until after this weekend. I might even suggest until after you both are married.”
“Any particular reason?”
“Just a hunch, but I’ve learned to trust such things.”
“I see. I’ll follow your advice, although I’m curious as to why you say that.”
“I know no more than what I’ve told you, but what I suggest will do no harm and could prove helpful in discovering what others are planning. Should anyone make such a request to visit or look over the library, I would be interested in knowing.”
“You don’t trust Bruni?”
“The more important question is, do you?”
“I do, but there are likely earlier threads that have yet to be unraveled, particularly having to do with her family and their business. I’m sure both come with obligations. Untangling those will likely take some time.”
“I would agree. Being open is not easy if one habitually hides what one thinks. Such a behavioral change is difficult, even if she should want to change.”
“Quite true. Still, we’re making progress. You mentioned the library; do you think that’s the reason behind my father’s coming here?”
“I think it highly likely, although I have no evidence. It’s a guess at this point. On another matter, how are your new quarters? Are they acceptable?”
“Very acceptable. By the way, I didn’t have any dreams last night, so I think I can sleep there with no further issues.”
There was a knock at the door, and Bruni entered.
She greeted Stanley, who offered her a chair. She thanked him and sat down. “I’ve spoken with my father. Lord Bromley will be arriving with my parents early this afternoon. Malcolm Ault is coming. He may not be invited specifically, but he will arrive late this evening as well. By the way, Stanley, where have you decided to put Lord Bromley?”
“In the room you stayed in when you were here last,” Stanley replied.
We were interrupted by the sound of a car crunching around the roundabout. I hoped it was Johnny and not one of our guests.
32
Stanley had opened the front door for Bruni and me when Johnny stepped out of a black limo. He wore dark aviator sunglasses and looked a little worse for wear.
He waved halfheartedly at Bruni and Stanley, gave me a pat on the shoulder, and said, “Meet me in the common room with a thermos of coffee in about fifteen minutes. While you do that, I’ll attempt to scale the stairs one at a time, keeping my head absolutely still. Should it somehow detach itself en route, please pick it up gingerly and bring it with you. We’re probably going to need it. I have news.”
Bruni and I watched Johnny slowly mount the stairs. Bruni whispered, “I can’t imagine how much they drank. Papa was not exactly bubbly when I spoke with him. Other than telling me that he would be giving Bromley a lift, he didn’t have a lot to say. He told me to call him back when he was more recovered. I think I’ll do that now while you speak with Johnny. Later we can compare notes. We need a plan.”
“Good idea. Give your father my best, if you think it will help. I’ll speak with Johnny. See you in a bit.”
I went to the kitchen where Stanley was already preparing a thermos, two mugs, and a small glass of greenish-brown liquid that had been placed on a small tray.
“One of Dagmar’s concoctions?” I asked, examining the contents of the glass.
“Hardly. I don’t prepare it often, but it is an excellent palliative for those moments when we have gone too far but have an active day ahead. Have him drink it first, with a coffee chaser. It should do the trick.”
“What’s in it?”
“Never ask a question if you aren’t prepared to receive the answer.”
“I withdraw the question.”
“Would you like me to bring this up to him?”
“No, I’ll do it.”
Stanley smiled. “Always a good idea.”
I thanked Stanley and made my way upstairs balancing the tray. I found Johnny sprawled on the couch with his eyes closed and a damp washcloth on his forehead. He was making odd gurgling sounds.
“Good heavens, Johnny, how much did you drink? Don’t answer that. Lucky for you, Stanley has sent up a concoction that can wake the dead.”
“It’s not one of Dagmar’s little treats, is it? If it’s all the same, I’d rather not. I don’t think I could survive it.”
“No such luck. It’s a Stanley original. He said to drink it all at once and then chase it with some coffee. You’ll feel better rather quickly.”
“I’m game. Put it down and then help me sit up. I will open my mouth, and you can pour it in.”
“I’ll help you up, but you drink it.”
“A worthy compromise. Help me.”
I took the damp cloth from his forehead and placed it on the coffee table. I helped him sit up and handed him the drink. He looked at it and said, “Well, anything is better than the way I feel. Here goes.”
He tossed it back and swallowed. His eyes seemed to bug out slightly as he reached for the coffee, spilling some in his haste. He drank eagerly. I thought the coffee a little hot, but that didn’t seem to deter Johnny in the slightest.
“My God, I’ll never drink that again. Just the same, I think it’s working. Although what it’s doing exactly, I have no idea. I’ll be right back.” He headed for the bathroom.
Five minutes later, Johnny opened the door. Some color had returned to his face, and his eyes looked clear.
“Good morning,” I said.
“It is, compared to how I felt earlier. Everything looks up from here. I’m not well, but I’m alive. I suppose you want to know my news.”
“Yes.”
“And I suppose you have some of your own.”
“Yes but tell me yours first.”
“Very well. Hugo was surprised to see me, as you can imagine. He was sitting in a back corner on the first floor. I was escorted to his table, said hello, and sat down. I handed him the invitations and duly informed him that I was treating him to dinner. He put the invites unopened in his breast pocket and looked at me steadily, saying nothing. I felt like an insect looking at a toad right before it decides to have dinner. Realizing at that moment that he and I were at a critical juncture, I went all in. I picked up the wine list and pointed to a section with some very large numbers next to them. I couldn’t see what they said exactly, as they were upside down. After a few seconds of looking at me while I held the proffered list, he looked down, and seemed to smile. ‘Three of these might be worth drinking. We’ll give them our attention. Do you know how your father and I met?’ And we were off. What followed was the most extraordinary meal I’ve ever had, only I can’t recall how it ended exactly, other than with a great deal of applause and lot of waiters herding us out the door into a waiting limo as we staggered in each other’s arms. I do believe Hugo drooled on my suit.”
Johnny picked up his suit jacket and pointed to a stain on the lapel. “See? There it is. Proof. It was one hell of a night. I’ve never experienced such debauchery. I don’t know where I slept, or even if I did. I don’t know how I got here. I don’t even know if I paid the tab, although I must have. I came to when the chauffer opened the door, and I stepped out. You were all staring at me with some concern. That’s it. That’s all I can remember.”
“Surely you remember more. You said you had news.”
“I do. The details are slowly coming back to me. It was after we opened that bottle of Napoleon’s brandy. It created quite a sensation apparently. Any more coffee?”
“What?”
“I wish it wasn’t true, but there it is. Can you please pour me another cup? It might help me remember more.”
“Johnny, you’re scaring me.”
“And with good reason, but there is some good news. Hugo is definitely on our side, or at least on mine. He told me I was the finest fellow he’d ever met, other than my father. It could have been the drink talking, but maybe not.”
“Johnny, I think I’m going to kill you if you don’t start from the beginning. Did you say napoleon brandy or Napoleon’s brandy?”
“Napoleon’s. We even have proof, although I can’t recall what happened to that letter. It came with the bottle. I think I’ll pour that coffee myself if you don’t mind. I see you’re a bit preoccupied.”
“Preoccupied?”
Johnny poured some more coffee. “Yes, preoccupied.”
“Stunned is more accurate. You drank Napoleon’s brandy, his personal brandy? You have seconds to start telling me all of it from the beginning or, so help me God, I’ll strangle you right now.”
“Steady. There’s no cause for violence, at least not at this point. It’s coming back to me. What a night.”
“Johnny!”
“Okay, okay. Keep your shirt on. We started off with Hugo telling me about my father and their adventures together. They met at a fencing school in Spain, of all places, when they were lads. I never knew my dad fenced, but apparently he was rather good. Both of them were. They were bitter rivals until one night they were jumped after practice by five very tough fellows.
“Together, they managed to kill one before the others were driven off. They dumped the body in a river and fled the city. By the time they arrived at Hugo’s castle all the way in Austria, they were friends for life. They never could figure out who did the deed exactly, so they agreed to split it. I never knew any of this.”
“Your dad killed a man?”
“Apparently. It was self-defense, but still, it was a revelation. No wonder they’re such pals. At least you and I didn’t have to go to those lengths to form a friendship. It was after that story that we ordered the Chateaubriand and a rather exceptional Margaux. Bottle followed bottle in the course of the meal, the next one better than the last. After each was emptied to the last drop, Hugo and the sommelier would huddle together and discuss what they should open next. A selection would be made, and the sommelier would almost burst into tears of admiration. He would repeat over and over ‘outstanding choice! Simply outstanding!’ and literally run to do the man’s bidding. New glasses would be put down. The entire service would be removed and replaced. By the end of the evening, there must have been at least eight waiters seeing to our every need. It was extraordinary. Hugo told me story after story of he and my father going here, going there, and getting into all kinds of trouble. If even half of it is true, they both deserve our admiration and respect. I was completely captivated. The baron and I matched glass for glass. By the time dessert was served, we were pretty far gone. During a pause, he told me that my father was his one true friend, and that he saw a lot of him in me. It was a joy. I think he even cried at that point. He then announced in a sober voice that we needed to commemorate this moment with something truly extraordinary. He called out in a commanding tone to the sommelier who was hovering nearby. ‘I want the bottle. It is time.’ Well, there was a hush. The sommelier began to quake and then stumbled to do his bidding. After a minute or two, a team of waiters, assistant sommeliers, maître d’, kitchen staff, chefs—the whole shebang came out in a somber procession with an ancient bottle resting on dark blue velvet in a leather case. I may have been seeing double at that point. I don’t know. It was quite a parade. A table with various surgical tools was laid out, and the opening began. Both bottle and cork were carefully assessed by various members of the staff. They could have been attempting open-heart surgery from the way they were carrying on. The entire process took several minutes, with several intervening urgent discussions before the cork was finally drawn, the brandy carefully poured and presented, along with the letter signed by the esteemed emperor himself, proving its authenticity. You could have heard a pin drop as we both raised our snifters and toasted each other before inhaling deeply and taking a sip.”
