Shadow of the Son, page 35
Squirm all you like, but squirming won’t change what you have set in motion.
There were only two things I ever asked of you after we reconciled—only two, and you swore you would uphold them until the day you died. Shall I remind you of that perfect day, and the promises we made each other as we looked over that shifting blue-gray sea to the horizon far beyond?
The first was that you would never return to this house, and yet here you are. How did you manage that? You needn’t answer. I know. You forced your way. It’s what you do.
The second promise was to never involve Percy in your gambling or your schemes. This you swore to me upon that perfect day.
Now both your pledges lie broken at your feet. Did you think I wouldn’t find out?
But those were only words—promises that you made. There is that one unforgiveable act you did, and I’m so enraged. How could you, after all we had and did together?
~ * ~
I had to stop and rest. I was getting too upset, and that is bad for me right now.
It’s not only you I’m mad at, I’m mad at both of us.
I loved and trusted you! It grieves me to think of all we had, and that it’s gone. Not once but twice! But those tragedies did not shatter my heart completely nor cause my soul to break. What you did sealed both our fates.
It was that copy that you managed to put into my hands. You know the one I mean. The sections I needed most, you removed. You did that … knowing what would follow. All else I can forgive, but never that, and so I solemnly declare the following should my curse not be lifted:
What is mine shall be yours.
I will make one last attempt, and should I succeed, I will stay my hand, but should I fail, know that my torment and all its dark horrors will be yours. You will be locked away, underground, without light, suspended halfway between life and death.
By reading this letter at this time and in this way, know that what I write is real.
By breaking your oath to never set foot in this house, realize the magnitude of the power that I have called down upon you.
There are also twelve at the table with you who will know what you did and what will happen to you, and that includes your son.
My fate is sealed now and having read this, so is yours.
I will see you soon. I will.
— ALICE
85
We sighed as one like the tragic cries of some ancient Greek chorus echoing up the years. There were no words that could be said. Not yet. Silence followed for a time until the library door opened, and Stanley announced that jasmine tea would be served, and that by inhaling the fragrance and sipping on occasion, we might feel partially restored.
I took a cup from Simon. It was small and white, almost Japanese. The yellow tea steamed. I inhaled the aroma and felt a calm. The taste was not quite bitter but having sipped it, I did feel more grounded. Bruni came up beside me.
She whispered, “Good Heavens! Alice certainly didn’t mess around. Not even I could have come up with that! What an extraordinary woman! I wish I’d met her.”
“Alice was in a league of her own. And my father … what am I to say about him?”
“Later tonight we might discuss it, but not now. Let’s work the room. I will start at the far end, and you, the opposite. Who knows what our guests are really feeling? Suppressed joy is what I’m getting. I could be wrong. We’ll meet in the middle and compare notes.”
“That’s a smart idea. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Right now, we need to salvage what’s left of the evening. I refuse to allow our first big bash to be anything but a roaring success.”
I smiled at her. “Your mom is likely ecstatic and will count it among her most memorable evenings ever, so you have at least one who will agree. Let’s find out.” We kissed, and I went up to John Sr. and Anne who were standing to the side.
“Are both of you all right?”
“As well as can be expected,” said Anne. “And speaking of unexpected: dear Alice. Dear, dear Alice, I just love that woman. Beneath all that elegance, is—was—who knows which it is—something of great quality and extraordinary strength. She had tremendous courage. I feel proud to have known her. I don’t wish to cause you pain, Percy. He was your father, after all. There are few who deserve such a fate, but he was one. I’m happy to be rid of him. Speaking for myself, I say we break out the good stuff. It’s time to dance on some tables. John?”
John smiled. “I quite agree. I’m relieved that he is gone. The messes he created can now be cleaned up once and for all, and without him, it will be much easier. Even the house seems happier … calmer, and more joyous. Can you feel it?”
“Yes, I can,” said Anne.
I looked at her. “Anne, what would you consider to be the good stuff?”
“Ask Stanley. He’ll know.”
“Of course.”
And so I did.
Stanley smiled broadly. “Well, I do have this most unusual brandy that might suit.”
“Please tell me it’s not from Napoleon’s cellar.”
“Not his. Josephine’s.”
“Oh God. Well, it seems I may have misread the sentiments of my guests. Many seem in a celebratory mood. You might as well bring up a bottle or two. Do you think we have enough?”
“It’s very strong. The two bottles we have should do it.”
“Okay then. I’ll catch you before you retire.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Stanley looked about before saying, “Make sure Cobb has a drop and don’t be surprised if he starts singing. It’s ghastly, but worth a listen. I’ll return momentarily.”
Before I moved on to Bonnie and Angus, I told John and Anne that, per their request, a very suitable something would be served shortly. Bonnie and Angus were deep in conversation.
“If I might have a moment?” I asked.
They looked at me.
“I have one question: Are we feeling tears of sorrow or tears of joy tonight?”
“Joy!” they said in unison.
“In that case, I have just the thing. Stanley will be around with what I understand is brandy from the cellar of Malmaison or thereabouts.”
“Josephine’s house near Paris?” asked Angus.
“That would be the one.”
“Well, count me in. Bonnie, dear, would you care to raise a glass with me?”
“Only if it’s more than one, Angus.”
“Of course. What was I thinking?”
“Sign us up, Percy,” said Bonnie. “I am sorry about your father. I really am, but there’s an old saying I always keep in mind—rocky start, rollicking finish. The night’s still young and so are we. If you’re feeling blue, come join us. If you’re feeling relieved, come join us. If you’re not sure which it is, come join us. You’ll soon discover which it is, and I think the word better will cover it. We’ll be here.”
“Thank you both very much. I do appreciate it.”
I turned to Malcolm, who was staring at his drink.
“How’re you feeling, Malcolm?”
“Well … ah … um … like an accountant who’s lost his best client. It’s a peculiar mixture of relief and sadness. His lordship really was a pain, but he paid very well. The problem I find is when the client’s a pain and doesn’t pay well. Then one’s simply elated, and of course you feel bad for feeling that way. I think I’m in between.”
“Is that good?”
“Not bad, all told. I could go either way. I’m waiting to find out.”
“I see. To help you with that, Stanley is bringing out some of the good stuff. It will be with you shortly: a rare brandy that Josephine drank when Napoleon was off traipsing about the rest of Europe.”
“Well, the thought of that makes me feel a great deal better. Thank you for asking how I’m doing. The only one who ever did that was Alice. I’m sorry about your father. And speaking about Alice, she sure had a way about her, didn’t she? Do you really think she … ah … cursed him and has him suspended in some limbo? Can she do that?”
“Malcolm, I have no idea, but given the circumstances, and what happened this evening, I wouldn’t count it out. Not by a long shot.”
“I know. I know. It’s that possibility that keeps rattling around in my head. She really was an extraordinary woman. So very, very strong!”
“Very.”
Johnny came up beside me with a snifter of brandy. “Try it. I think Hugo and I were had. It’s either that, or Josephine really knew where to shop. This is a superb drop, and it’s going fast.”
I turned around. All my guests were mobbing Stanley and Simon.
“Good God!” I said, “This will get out of hand rather quickly.”
“Oh yes,” said Johnny. “It’s all those pent-up spirits I’ve been sensing since that boisterous lunch. This is going to be one for the books, I think.”
“I think so, too. Bruni will be pleased. Angus sings, by the way.”
“Really? I didn’t know that. Well, when we hear his voice, we’ll know the party has finally started. Care for a cigar?”
86
Hugo was swirling his brandy. I asked him, “Which is better? Napoleon’s or Josephine’s?”
He looked at me. “This one. Absolutely, this one.”
“Excellent. How are you doing, if I may ask?”
“I am fine.”
“I’m glad of that.”
“I’ve been thinking about your father. Others will celebrate his passing. Instead, I give him my thanks. That being said, I doubt, we’ve heard the last of him … or her, and that is of interest to me. Now, if you get me a cigar, I will have that drink with you.”
“I will find one.”
“Then be quick about it.” He chuckled. “You’ll need a thick skin where I’m concerned, Percy, so get used to it. I’ll be waiting.”
I went in search of the humidor and saw Elsa speaking with my mom. It seemed an unlikely association, but they looked like they were enjoying each other’s company.
Elsa saw me. “There you are, Percy. I missed talking with you tonight, but I suppose that couldn’t be helped. You are forgiven. I am also sorry about your father, although not completely. On another subject, I simply love your mother. We have far more in common than I expected. Isn’t that right, Mary?”
My mother smiled. “Quite right, Elsa. Given half a chance, we’d rule the world.”
We all laughed. I said, “I wanted to check up on you two, but you seem to be doing fine. I have to get a cigar for Hugo.”
“Some advice, Percy,” said Elsa. “The key to my husband is to do what he wants as quickly as you can but always kick him when you do. That way he will learn to temper his demands. That takes some time, but we have a wonderful marriage as a result.”
“Oh, yes? Well, I suppose it’s lucky that I’m not married to him.”
“He’s your father-in-law, Percy, or soon will be. It’s much the same. By the way, Mary, we must discuss the wedding. I have some thoughts. I’m sure you do as well.”
I left them to it.
As I searched for the humidor, a fine baritone voice broke out above the hum and burble of conversation. It sang an old English folk song with vigor, a cappella, and I knew that the party had officially begun. Johnny was staring at Angus in amazement. I stood next to him.
“You know, he’s not bad,” said Johnny, turning to me. “He and Jimmy Buckley ought to get together.”
“Who’s Jimmy Buckley?” asked Bruni as she joined us.
“An ex-handyman that Percy and I helped become an opera star. It’s a long story and not suitable at this time.”
“I see,” said Bruni. “Perhaps later then. I must say this party is finally coming together. I think we may have actually pulled it off. Now, all we need is some music. Percy?”
87
After a quick consultation with Stanley, the drawing room furniture was moved to the side, the carpet taken up, and a dance floor prepared. While the furniture was being rearranged, I managed to locate the humidor in the library and pocketed two cigars.
Shortly after, I heard Burt Bacharach on the sound system in the drawing room. Bruni announced that the party was moving down the hall. I was about to speak to Hugo when Bruni grabbed my arm and Elsa grabbed her husband’s. The ladies wanted to dance. We wisely agreed.
ABBA replaced Burt, only to be replaced by the Rolling Stones. The volume was cranked to eight and then to nine as the dancing went into high gear. My guests spiraled and twisted about as couples were cut in on with abandon. Everyone danced with everyone. I think I actually danced with Angus for a moment, before Bruni replaced me with Maw and got me to herself. She whispered that it might be better if the doctor got to know Maw a bit better and vice versa, but Johnny cut in on me before I could answer, and Bruni was whisked away.
In a brief pause I managed to catch Stanley’s eye, and we headed for his office. I doubted either of us would be missed. Dagmar had already retired before we passed through the kitchen, yet the work of washing up and putting away was still in full swing.
Stanley observed it for a few moments and nodded in satisfaction. He closed the door to his office, and we sat down. The noise from the music and the clatter of dishes faded away.
I looked at Stanley across the desk. “Stan, I do believe we survived.”
“Percy, we did, and the house seems to be in a celebratory mood.”
“It does. I’m not sure of the propriety of having an exuberant bash the same night as my father’s death, but there it is.”
“I understand, but considering the alternative, a party is better. Don’t you think?”
“I do. There are still a few financial matters to sort out, but I think they will be put to rest before too long.”
“Without your father’s presence, I should think that will be fairly simple. Are you distressed that he’s gone?”
“I suppose I am. It was both surprising and shocking to me.”
“It was surprising, but not unanticipated. I kept my word to her ladyship, but doing so didn’t mean that what she wrote was a complete surprise.”
“I wondered about that.”
“Sometimes it’s necessary to know what’s going on in spite of orders to the contrary. Her ladyship was very clear in regards my not reading what she wrote, but she didn’t say that Dagmar couldn’t, at least not specifically. I turned the letter over to Dagmar unopened, with the understanding that she do whatever she felt necessary and appropriate, based upon its contents. Dagmar never told me what it said. When we heard about your father’s pending arrival, she reviewed the letter once again, and then made sure that events played out as intended.”
“Dare I ask how she did that?”
“She controlled the menu and was able to create an atmosphere that was suitable: languid, but not too languid—excited, but not too excited. She also made sure that Cobb and your father were at the dinner tonight, white tie. The rest was up to her ladyship.”
“Were you surprised by tonight’s events?”
“I was, and more than once. Dagmar and I discussed this evening after I learned of his pending arrival. She warned me that your father might survive the dinner, but on the other hand, he might not. She suggested I be prepared for either eventuality. I took her advice and then waited to see what would happen. Standing there looking at him as he read her letter was like watching the slow turning of the handle of a jack-in-the-box. I didn’t know what to expect and then bang. I watched him die and said to myself, ‘She got him. Good.’ I suppose that’s rather crude, but that is what I thought.”
“I didn’t know what to think. I still don’t, at least not fully.”
“Yours was and is a more complicated relationship, and uncertainty as to what to feel is to be expected. Given time it will become clearer.”
“It is my hope. You mentioned that you were surprised more than once.”
“I was. The second surprise came while you were reading. They had been seeing each other intimately for years! I had no idea that was happening, although your father’s ultimatum had me thinking along those lines. To me, it spoke of a monumental blindness on my part. How could I not know?”
“It isn’t hard to understand. She played on many levels. If she chose to hide what she was doing when she was away, how could you have known, and even if you did, what then?”
“My thoughts exactly. And that leads me to the third surprise of the evening, but before I tell you, I realized after hearing her letter that I wasn’t the only one who underestimated her abilities. Her former husband did as well. Only an expert would have known that there were missing portions, but her ladyship really was such an expert. She must have realized what he’d done, and then suppressed all the turmoil she must have felt. I don’t know when she found out, but obviously she considered her response carefully and made her preparations.”
“Yes, the deliberateness of it shocked me.”
“It was calculated and, of course, dramatic, but that was her style. Watching all of this play out over the years was as fascinating to me as observing a chess match between two grand masters. I followed every move as best I could. When her ladyship died, I thought that she had lost. For years I believed that, and then tonight, she pulls off a draw. It really was a surprise. It might even be construed as a victory given the odds against it.”
“She certainly didn’t lose, but I don’t think I would go so far as to say she won. Based on the incidents with Sir Henry and myself, she’s still trapped.”
Stanley sighed. “You are correct. Still, the power and the force of what she did stuns me, and I do feel stunned. But that wasn’t the biggest surprise for me tonight.”
“What else could there possibly be, Stan?”
“It’s odd, but I am free of her.”
“Free of her?”
“I know that may sound strange, but it’s true. I actually felt hurt when I learned of their reconciliation in that letter. She knew my feelings about your father, and knowing that, she hid what she was doing. There was no obligation for her to tell me, none at all, but there is such a thing as trust and friendship. I think she knew that what she was doing was debatable, if not an outright mistake, but she couldn’t face me, had she told me. That, too, was a choice she made. It’s why she insisted I not read it. After you did, I felt a massive shift in my head. I stood about in shock, wondering what had occurred, and then I understood. The spell she had over my heart, if that is what it was, broke.”
