Shadow of the Son, page 37
We walked along the access road. The sun beat down through the trees.
“You cast a long shadow,” I said. “You have been part of so many things that have happened here. Elsa joked that she is happy whenever you’re around as something always happens. Why do you suppose that is?”
“It’s true. Alice said the same, and even Bromley said it. Perhaps it’s how I see the world. I’m drawn to knots. The threads of people’s lives tangle and snarl in strange ways. Knots fascinated me as a child. They still do. I know so many, and they each do different things. There is purpose to them. It’s not what they are made of that matters most, but their shapes and forms—how the loops bite and prevent movement in one part, while allowing movement in another. I suppose I’m drawn not to the substance of things, but to their arrangements. I love elegance above all, and so I worked for your father. I found obscure but beautiful pieces for him. Ours was a strange relationship. Left to my own devices, my life would have certainly run differently. But I loved Alice, and your father was kind to me. I followed them because I wanted to be with them. You are similar in that regard. You ask permission when others only command. It’s why I’m speaking to you. I wouldn’t otherwise.”
“Thank you for saying that. I’m happy to hear my father wasn’t all bad.”
“He really wasn’t. He was simply obsessed.”
“With Alice?”
“With Alice, with money, with appearances, with himself. I, too, am obsessed, but then aren’t we all? He acted on his obsessions. I never did. How can one trust an obsession? Left to seed, they quickly run riot. It happened to him. I never trusted mine. My life as a result hasn’t been as dynamic as some, but I’ve been compensated. I’ve shared in so many critical moments. I’ve seen the world rearrange itself. If you’re immersed in your own desires, how can you possibly see the patterns and the knots that develop? I am quite happy, all in all. I just hope that I might enjoy your company in the way I did his—and hers. I’m not too much trouble. I pay my way, and I see a great deal. It’s really the reason why I’m tall. I have to be, to see so far.”
We laughed. He was remarkably easy to get along with. I’d never known that, but then I’d never taken the time. We headed back.
We parted in the foyer. I thanked him for his company during our walk and told him that he would always be welcome here. I asked one more question as he mounted the staircase.
“What do you see, Malcolm, being so tall?”
“Everything, Percy. I see everything. I just don’t know what it means.”
He laughed and up he went, four stairs at a time.
91
Johnny must have heard us come in. He motioned me into the drawing room.
“How was the talk with your dad?” I asked.
“He wants to retire and turn the firm over to me, with you as my partner.”
“That’s good news, yes?”
“I hardly know what to think. Taking over from him is truly terrifying.”
“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve felt the same, so welcome to my world. Besides, I’m sure your father will apprentice you. You’ll do fine. It’s what you were born to do, and I’ll help you as your second in command. We’ll have a terrific time.”
“Well, that’s unexpected, I must say. I thought you’d be a little more reserved in your assessment of the future, and that you would only agree to us being on an equal footing.”
“You were always the senior partner, Johnny, and that works for me and for you. As to my happy assessment of the future, the alternative is far too awful to contemplate. Besides, anything less could have global consequences, so I go with the more empowering and more optimistic view.”
“I agree. That would be a better choice. Was it Malcolm you were talking to?”
“It was, actually.”
“Please talk to him some more. In fact, talk to him regularly. That will be my first order to you as senior partner. This will be great fun. And don’t think for a moment I didn’t notice that little comment as you left the breakfast table. You had me worried all over again. Perhaps I’ll have you bring me coffee from now on to make up for it.”
“Really, Johnny! Power simply goes to your head!”
“It does. Payback is so … delicious, but not to worry. You and I will continue the way we’ve always done things. I won’t have it any other way. I won’t. Fifty-fifty it is, but I cast the deciding vote, of course. Now let’s see if we can’t get that check from Hugo before lunch.”
We opened the door to the hallway as Maw was coming in with Robert.
“Oh, God,” said Johnny.
“Not ‘Oh, God,’ Johnny. ‘Oh, Robert!’ The three of you could use some exercise. Now, off you go. Be back by lunch and don’t be late.”
Johnny and I looked at each other, and as we slipped out the French door to the south lawn with Robert in tow, Johnny said, “You know, just because one’s supposedly in charge doesn’t necessarily mean one is. Have you noticed that, or is it only me?”
92
We walked toward the bordering trees to the south.
“Johnny, you might as well let him off. You’re going to anyway.”
Johnny looked hurt and replied with some annoyance. “I’ll have you know that I’m in excellent control over my impulses.”
“I’m sure you are, but let’s bow to the inevitable. Besides, I much prefer strolling at our leisure and stopping every now and again. Note the direction that creature heads in since we’ll need to collect him eventually.”
“Yes, and collecting him is usually where things fall apart, but you’re right. I’ll let him off.”
Johnny reached down and unclipped the leash. Robert sped off, frolicking toward the edge of the lawn in giant leaps. We watched him disappear into the shadows beneath the trees and followed more sedately in his general direction.
Johnny said fondly, “I think the unclipping defines the nature of my relationship with him. He always looks so happy when he’s free, and I love that.”
“I know, and he gets even happier when you try and reattach him.”
“That, too. He’s a most peculiar dog. So strange! He made one hell of an entrance last night.”
“That he did. Maw told me earlier last night that she had left him upstairs sleeping. I remember thinking that was a mistake.”
“Leaving him alone for long periods is definitely not a good idea. I’m sure he got hungry. He also craves attention. One of the reasons I kept him in Stanley’s office was that he learned to open every door in the house looking for me. That one he couldn’t figure out, or maybe he chose not to. The kitchen was right there, and the nearness of all that food pacified him.”
“He certainly doesn’t like being alone, and he is peculiar. How did he know to butt that door at exactly that moment, and not once, but twice?”
“The twice is the easier to answer. It didn’t open the first time. As to why he did so at that particular moment? That is a much more complex question that I’m still wrapping my wits around. Did you notice he was also doing that slow-motion moonwalk thing when he entered the dining room?”
“I did. He looked so … unnatural. When I heard the door bang behind me, I turned with a start. The second time, the doors burst open, and the drawing room looked pitch black. I couldn’t imagine what was happening, until I recognized Robert.”
“God knows what your father must have thought. Do you think the sight of Robert killed him?”
“The thought did cross my mind.”
“I think it crossed everyone’s, but I don’t think it was Robert who did the deed. The timing was too perfect, and that puzzles me. I was watching your father closely as he collapsed. He saw something. I know he did, and it scared him to death. He didn’t die of heart failure directly. He died of fright.”
“So, did Alice kill him, or was it what he thought he saw that did?”
Johnny looked away into the distance. “I think it was several things: the surprise of Alice’s letter, and what she said, for a start. Robert’s appearance at the precise moment in that exact way shortly thereafter helped to conjure up sufficient mystery, and something else besides. Something underneath it all that links the letter and the doors opening that I can’t explain.”
I considered that. “The timing was extraordinary. Perhaps there was some other factor involved. A more prosaic explanation is that my father’s vanity was a contributory cause. He should have been wearing glasses but chose not to. Likely his vision was blurred, and he saw only what he imagined. People see patterns in random things. He saw something, and whatever that was, it killed him.”
“I’m sure that’s true to some degree. His fears materialized. Still, his death required all the elements we mentioned. I’m sure the fear that I sensed within him played a part as well. None of them alone was sufficient to cause his death. It was all of them acting together that killed him.”
“It was certainly no accident.”
“And if it wasn’t accidental, then it must have been deliberate. But to solve the mystery fully requires that we open doors we would rather leave shut—death being one of them.”
“I know. Malcolm doesn’t know what to think, and he’s the one who has to accompany the body to its resting place—that is, if there will be any rest at all.”
Johnny smiled. “I suppose that’s where the expression ‘no rest for the wicked’, comes from?”
“One of our favorite expressions, and speaking of which, it’s time to collect that dog. Are you prepared?”
“I am. I’ve decided to change my tactics. I’m going to try whistling. I’ve never tried it, but I’ve seen it work.”
“Well, that’s suitably different. Give it a go.”
Johnny gave a piercing whistle, and lo and behold, we saw the white speck in the distance turn in our direction and lope toward us. Johnny was in shock.
“Well look at that. It’s a miracle! We’re saved!”
I watched Robert skid to a halt in front of Johnny. Robert gave him an inquiring look and then took off again.
“I hate to say it, Johnny, but he wants you to chase him.”
“I know. I know. Damn that dog! Come on! I’m not doing this alone!”
93
Hugo was waiting for us as Johnny, Robert, and I entered the drawing room. He motioned for me to follow him with a wave. We headed for the library. The meeting must have dispersed, because it was only the two of us.
“Have a seat,” he said.
I sat.
Hugo took a seat as well and asked, “Tell me why I should give you my check?”
“You shouldn’t.”
“And why not?”
“The original transaction was the result of a coercion, and because it was, you are under no obligation to complete it. You owe me nothing.”
“I’m glad we agree.”
“I’m glad as well. If you don’t mind my asking, is the share business concluded?”
“It is, other than the paperwork.”
“And to your satisfaction?”
“That, too. Your mother took care of it for the most part. Cobb owed her a hefty sum for some pieces he had purchased. He has quite a collection, apparently. She persuaded the doctor to part with the shares in exchange for what she was owed. She threw in an extraordinary emerald necklace to clinch the deal. Angus was pleased with the arrangement and readily agreed to transfer the shares to me. Everyone is happy, including Elsa.”
“I’m very glad of that. My mother wanted to pay you back for what you did for her. I should thank you as well.”
Hugo shrugged. “What is the price of a broken heart?”
“I don’t know.”
“I doubt anyone does. I accept what she did. I’ll never forgive her, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a reconciliation. The doctor was wrong. It is possible to reconcile yet not forgive.”
“I suppose that’s a good thing.”
“I’m not altogether sure. For now, it is. Time will tell if it will be, or not. When are you getting married?”
“Soon.”
“You keep saying that.”
“We had other matters to contend with. By the way, your check never existed.”
Hugo looked at me sharply and then smiled broadly. “Finally, a flash of brilliance.”
He rose. “We might get along after all. I was beginning to wonder. I want a date before we leave. I told my daughter the same. I suggest you two have a powwow, as you call it, and tell me. You still owe me a cigar and a drink from last night.”
“I do.”
Hugo walked to the door and stopped. He turned and said, “And a dinner. You stood me up, and that is not easily forgiven in my world. You can tell that son of my oldest friend that I picked up the tab the other night in spite of his attempt to pay for it. Your brandy was better than mine. I kept that bottle there because it was secure, and I wanted it available for a suitable occasion. That evening qualified. Having drunk both, Josephine’s was better. I’ll remember that. Get back to me on that date before lunch.”
With a wave he passed out of the library. I sat back in my chair and shook my head. Life with my future father-in-law might even be as exciting as living with Bruni. We did need to set a date. I got up and went in search of her.
94
Bruni was in our apartment changing for lunch.
“There you are,” she said. “You’ll be happy to know that the share business is finally resolved, and that my father wants a date before he and Mama head back to the city. He was most insistent. I say ten weeks from yesterday. What do you think?”
“Is it auspicious?”
“I should think so, and if it isn’t, we’ll say it is. Besides, the divorce will be finished by then.”
“That would be a good idea before we marry.”
“Now, I have some not-so-good news. I must head back to the city with my parents. I must complete the paperwork on the share transaction and collect my dogs. I will return with them later this week. I did intend to stay on for a bit. Perhaps I will when I return, but maybe not. There is your father’s funeral and the castle to visit in Austria. Likely there is more. The list of what must be done seems to grow by leaps and bounds, but that’s how it is with you and me. The world hurries on, and us with it. Will you come with me or stay here?”
95
I chose to stay.
Lunch had come and gone. It was wonderfully relaxed. At the parting, I kissed and hugged them all, one by one, and thanked them. Four long limousines had lined up like so many train cars on a siding before they drove up the drive in a procession, turned right, and disappeared behind the trees that lined the access road.
Johnny had left with his parents. He had told me that his father had insisted that his apprenticeship begin Monday morning. I congratulated him but said that he would have to start without me. I needed some time. He had nodded in agreement. He told me that as senior partner he would give me a week to settle myself, but no more than that. I thanked him for being such an understanding and gracious senior partner. He whispered that if I needed more, he would consider it, but that too much self-absorption was unproductive. Further, that he would see what could be done about accelerating his father’s return of the one million he still owed the estate. He was quite sure that suitable arrangements could be made, now that we were part of management. With the $750,000 from my father, Rhinebeck might even have more than enough. I had thanked him.
Angus had gone with Maw and Bonnie. He and I exchanged numbers. We would see each other at the funeral service. Bonnie had taken me aside. She had said that the Pythia was spot on, and that she had a new necklace to prove it. Maw said she would see me in Austria. Hugo and Elsa had insisted she be there.
In private, Bruni had hugged and kissed me fiercely and said she would return as soon as she could. Elsa had squeezed me almost as hard as her daughter, but Hugo had outdone them both.
Malcolm and Mary had left together. Malcolm promised to telegram as soon as he had a date. He had invited Mary to accompany him on the voyage, since they had mutual interests to discuss now that he had room for another client. He also thought that they both could use some time to look at nothing but water rushing by. My mother pulled me aside and did what she did best. She melted my heart again and managed to extract a promise that Bruni and I would visit Florence before the wedding.
I had stood with Stanley, Dagmar, and the rest of the staff as we saw them off. Stanley mentioned after the cars had departed that Dagmar wanted a drop of the truly good stuff this evening and would I care to join them. I told him absolutely yes, and not to start without me.
I took a walk and stood at the top of the drive for some time, gazing back toward the house. The afternoon was bright and hot, and a layer of haze marked the edges of my world. I realized then that Rhinebeck was as much a summation of my fears as the realization of my dreams. Anything could happen here, even my wildest fantasies, Bruni being one of them. She had looked at me with some sadness when I told her that I had to stay. She had nodded and said that I needed time to consider what had happened, and that there were ghosts that needed my attention—Alice being one of them, and perhaps my father being another. Her words seemed odd at the time, but now I knew that she was right.
I could make Rhinebeck whatever I wished, and it would be that thing for me. And as for the ghosts, they jostled for my attention. They wanted a future as much as I did, but what it would be, I couldn’t tell them.
I had tried to explain that the future lurks out of sight, like them, seen but not seen. It is a most implacable hunter and will always run us down. It’s what the future does.
