Shadow of the Son, page 4
6
“Two? Bruni spoke of the accidental death of a governess. What’s this about a second?” My world wobbled on its axis.
Stanley continued. “There were two deaths. Both were governesses, and it was the second following shortly after the first that raised troubling questions and necessitated Brunhilde being whisked off to the United States to stanch further developments. When added together, the cases paint a disturbing picture, but facts tell only part of the story. They omit the necessary context that is required to fully grasp an event and allow rightful condemnation or exoneration of the parties involved, even when the party is guilty of the act. Please know that it is not my intention to cast doubt upon your fiancée’s character. From what I have seen, she is a fine lady, intelligent, personable, and empathetic. The deaths may have been accidental and not deliberate, as was bandied about at the time. It is all too easy to jump to conclusions. Allow me to tell you what I know and give you my thoughts when I’m finished.”
“Please, go on.” I glanced over at Johnny, who wore a thoughtful expression.
“The facts are these. Two governesses died while bringing up your fiancée, both within a few months and at the same location. The first was the result of a slip and fall down the main staircase of the von Hofmanstal castle in Austria. Brunhilde was twelve at the time and the only witness. On that day she was in residence with a few staff while her parents were away on business. Those present heard a scream, came running, and found the governess sprawled at the foot of the stairs. When it proved impossible to revive her, the doctor was called. He pronounced her dead and informed the police. The subsequent investigation found that the unfortunate nanny had taken a misstep, tumbled end over end to the bottom of the stairs and broken her neck. The death was ruled accidental.
“Three months later, the parents were away once more when another governess fell several stories from a high window. Brunhilde reported that they had both been reading in her personal library, when the woman heard something below in the courtyard and rose to investigate. She threw open the window and looked down. Unable to see clearly, she clambered onto a chest that was set below the windowsill. While leaning out, she lost her balance and toppled through headfirst. Her shriek cut off abruptly when she struck the paved courtyard below with a report that witnesses said sounded like a gunshot. Brunhilde told authorities that there had been a moment when the nanny almost regained her balance, and that she had lunged for the flailing woman in an effort to save her, only to have the woman’s clothing slip through her fingers.
“While Brunhilde’s recollection of events was the primary source as to what happened in the first instance, this wasn’t the case in the second. A maid was cleaning the parents’ room when she chanced to look out precisely when the governess fell. Although she did not have a clear, unobstructed view, she contradicted Brunhilde’s account by saying that she saw the daughter push the governess from behind. This version of the mishap spread as only a sensational rumor can.
“Who was to be believed? Was it a crime or an accident? The castle, the village, and the surrounding community were initially divided, but opinion gradually swung against Miss von Hofmanstal for two reasons.
“The first was that she asserted that there were no ill feelings between herself and the new governess; however, this statement was contradicted by several members of the castle staff, who stated quite emphatically that they had overheard arguments, some loud and angry, between the two.
“The second was the suspicious delay in the second witness coming forward. Many of the locals imagined that the von Hofmanstals had tried to suppress the maid’s allegations. The maid was also outraged by the lost opportunity to voice her version of events, and rather than meekly accepting the official report of death by misadventure, she told her story to the papers. It was a journalistic coup. Her account sold like nothing else, and several tabloids leaped on the bandwagon. They each reported in different words that the von Hofmanstal daughter had killed her current governess, and likely the previous one as well. They quoted the maid as saying, ‘Something must be done. None of the staff are safe. I fear for my life.’
“With that very public betrayal, the maid was dismissed, but rather than the public viewing the sacking as a logical consequence, her discharge was seen as a reprisal for voicing what she had seen. Views in the matter grew heated and loud.
“The growing negative sentiment and the sensational newspaper reports were not without aftereffects. Whether motivated by the growing popular interest, their own sense of outrage, or the opportunity for public distinction and recognition, momentum gathered in favor of an official re-examination of the findings submitted in both investigations. When news of this hit the wires, headlines announced that the outcome would likely find what the public knew all along: that a spoiled and vengeful Brunhilde von Hofmanstal had pushed both governesses to their deaths in fits of childish petulance.
“At this point, the public relations situation had spiraled completely out of control. The family had always wished to remain anonymous, but now they had a nightmare scenario on their hands.
“Seeing there was no winning the battle in the minds of the public, the family resorted to the tried-and-true method of simply buying the scandal out of existence. They compensated and retired the witness, as well as her entire family, to another locale in spite of what she had done. They bought silence wherever possible, both internally and externally, at whatever the cost. They convinced the local police and judiciary to suppress any attempts to reopen the investigations in exchange for substantial stipends. They even met personally with the editors of several of the papers that had taken up the story and threatened suit. In one case, where the editor refused to let the matter drop, they bought the paper in its entirety, and fired him.
“Through the family’s tireless efforts, the contrary news dried up, the official findings were reconfirmed, and the public’s attention moved on to other things. With some semblance of calm restored, they quietly transferred their daughter to a boarding school in the United States, where she remained out of public view and far from any further media attention.
“After several years, Brunhilde returned to Austria without even a mention. The nanny affair was dead as far as the public was concerned.
“Although all of this may be alarming, it was what happened to the maid several years later that I find particularly disturbing.”
7
“I bet she was killed, wasn’t she?” asked Johnny. A strained smile crossed Stanley’s face.
“Perhaps she was. One day, she simply disappeared. Months later, her partly decomposed body was discovered in a forest clearing not far from the town where she and her family had been relocated. It had lain there for some time open to the elements and had been partly consumed. More to the point, the tongue was missing. She was identified by a locket around her neck that she had worn since childhood.
“The von Hofmanstals were of course suspected, but there was no evidence to connect the family to the grisly find. In addition, the manner of her passing acted as a harsh warning to those who might have been inclined to make accusations or come forward with additional information. The crime, if it was a crime, remains unsolved to this day.”
“Do you think Bruni—or her parents—did it?” asked Johnny. He quickly looked at me. “I’m sorry, Percy. That was callous.”
“It was,” I said, “But it is the question, isn’t it? The whole matter is disturbing, but unproved one way or the other. Is that not correct, Stanley?”
He nodded. “Doubt is not a wholesome sensation. I would counsel that further evidence is needed before drawing a firm conclusion. In the end, you may have to ask her yourself, but the moment to do so would have to be well-considered. I’d be interested to know the answer, if you should ask the question.”
Stanley looked at me. I could tell he was troubled. I felt the same, where before I had been ambivalent and listened to his story with a growing sense of alarm. Bruni had a dark side. I knew that. To me, it was part of her allure. Nonetheless, Bruni liked to control her own narrative and often omitted the parts she felt did not cast her in the best light. These flawed, occluded bits that she chose to hide would come at me sideways in the form of surprises, like the news of the second nanny. I had hoped she would realize that I would always give her the benefit of the doubt. Now, I felt a growing sense of dismay and apprehension. What else was there? Was it possible that she could be a murderer? Had I misread her so completely? I knew that I could be extraordinarily naïve. It was a terrible weakness that I had recently discovered, and if unchecked, could lead to my own destruction; but I did not sense in her a nature so violent and imprudent that it would allow for such an outcome. Nonetheless., Bruni was made of hardened steel like her parents. I loved her, but whether my love could stand against the onslaught of my suspicions, I had no answer.
I looked at Stanley. “I’ll speak with Bruni about all of this, but as to when, I don’t know. Perhaps I’ll ask the baron about the whole affair tomorrow. Johnny? Any thoughts?”
“I would say that the von H’s are quite the family, but having heard some of our own history over the last couple of weeks, I’m not surprised we’re on friendly terms. I can tell you one thing: if ever I have to walk down a long flight of stairs with Bruni, I’ll do so arm in arm, with a tight grip. I know such dark humor is in bad taste, but I’m worried. There is much about her that we don’t know. Asking Hugo might be a start, but what if he takes offense? The repercussions could be catastrophic.”
“It’s possible,” I answered. “But I doubt the baron is unaware of the rumors. Trust is a mutual enterprise. Perhaps he can explain. Still, all this is ancient history. Is there anything more recent that might confirm or substantiate Bernard’s warning? Do you know anything about him, Stanley? I certainly don’t.”
“Not a great deal, although I asked an old contact in Provence about him the other day. He told me that Bernard Montrel was born in Algiers, educated in France, and now manages several successful businesses that he has expanded from there to the rest of Europe. He has a reputation in many circles as a playboy and is rumored to have lost and won over twenty million francs in a single night at the Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco, where he resides. My friend also heard that the baron and Mr. Montrel were involved in a business transaction that soured and was being overseen by the daughter. Whether before or after their elopement, he couldn’t say. Other than that, I know nothing more recent that would give credence to the warning. Unfortunately, we must end at this point. I have duties to perform that are beginning to press.”
“Of course. Stanley you’ve been more than helpful,” I said.
He stood as we heard the gravelly crunch of tires on the driveway at the front of the house. Stanley, I was glad to see, was as alert as ever.
8
We filed out of Stanley’s office, through the kitchen, and into the foyer. There, we were joined by Simon to help with the luggage. Stanley opened the front door and went down the steps as Raymond was opening the door for Anne Dodge, Johnny’s mother, who got out and looked about her.
She saw Johnny and me and smiled. “Darlings, what a pleasant surprise. We weren’t expecting either of you ’til Friday.” She kissed Johnny and then me, stepping in closer.
“You’re early,” she said.
I smiled and said, “Johnny and I came up for the night. He has something to discuss with his father. We’re heading back tomorrow morning. How are you?”
“Looking forward to a long weekend. You and Bruni are still coming up on Friday, yes?”
“Of course.”
“Well, good. I believe John has some news.”
John Sr. came up beside Anne and said, “Can’t keep away, right?”
“Something like that,” I said.
“It’s good to see you. Your being here has saved me making a telephone call. I have some information you’ll want to hear, and I take it from your presence that you might have some news as well, but we’ll speak more on that in a bit.”
After we had finished exchanging greetings, Stanley herded us into the drawing room and excused himself. He returned wheeling a cart of champagne flutes and two bottles of Cristal in silver ice buckets. I realized that I was now the host. I moved toward the bar, but Stanley had the flutes filled in no time. He excused himself once everyone was served and ghosted away, silent as always.
Once more I was made aware that although little had changed on the surface, underneath everything had. What happened and when was now on my shoulders, even though Stanley and his crew kept everything moving seamlessly. I wondered at Johnny’s parents’ ability to take such vicissitudes in stride. I had detected not a hint of rancor, only their deep affection. I wondered how I would have felt if our positions had been reversed. I turned away to refill my flute at the bar and think on other things. John Sr. followed me.
“May I refill your glass, John?” I asked, sensing his presence and turning toward him.
“Absolutely. Cristal is a wonderful indulgence.”
“Yes, it is, but I may have to reassess that decision.”
“Let’s hope not. Although, to be honest, I’m relieved that such decisions are no longer mine to make. It’s what Alice wanted, after all, and that can only be good. You should know that Anne feels the same. The estate is in good hands.”
“Thank you for your confidence, although I think it will take some getting used to.”
“It will, but give it time. On another matter and relevant in that regard, I am sorry to say that the maintenance trust is still short the 1.5 million agreed to by Hugo and Lord Bromley. The funds were supposed to have been wired in this morning, according to our agreement. When they weren’t, I rang Hugo to ask about the delay. He told me that he’d gotten off the phone with your father, who had stated in no uncertain terms that he wanted to see you, speak with you, and feel the treasures in his own hands before any funds would be delivered. In keeping with that intention, he’s on his way to this country to do that.”
“Good God! I’m not sure which piece of news is worse.”
Alone, each was distressing; together, they were staggering, their ramifications overwhelming. Not only was the money being delayed, but I would likely have to meet a man I didn’t want to know, even though he was my father. In addition, I would have to convince him to honor his part of the deal. How was I to do that? I cringed at the thought.
When I had received the estate the other week, I had learned that the maintenance trust, which was supposed to provide the funds necessary to keep the estate running, was insolvent and required an additional $4.5 million to make it self-sustaining. Johnny and I had chipped in the two million from the restitution we had received from Maw, Johnny’s grandmother, for deliberately sinking our partnership. John, Sr. had added one million, half the amount he owed the trust, leaving $1.5 million yet to be raised. After some negotiations, the baron and my father, through his representative, Malcolm Ault, had agreed to purchase Alice’s treasures for $1.5 million, split between them, while also agreeing to keep them at Rhinebeck, a stipulation that I had insisted upon, based on Alice’s bequest. The deal had required a formal agreement that Bruni and I marry, a point that allowed the baron and Lord Bromley to join forces rather than bid against each other. That had proved the easiest and most enjoyable part of the negotiations. Now, I had my father to deal with. I had heard much about him that was disturbing. A dark, sadistic, and malignant cunning lay deep within him.
John Sr. continued, “I wish I had better news. It also puts you in an awkward position. Do you invite him here, or don’t you?”
“Exactly. The baron and I have a dinner scheduled tomorrow night. Perhaps that is what he wishes to impart. My father coming here will create extraordinary complications.”
“Stanley won’t like it, and I might go so far as to say the estate won’t like it, either.”
“Yes, I agree. I’ll have to consider what to do, although I can’t see a way around not inviting him. I noticed that Hugo didn’t ante up, either.”
“Hugo has the money, rest assured, but he won’t budge until your father has put in his share. It’s the way Hugo is, I’m afraid.”
“It’s a game of who will go first. The estate certainly needs those funds.”
“It does indeed, and to resolve the matter, I suggest you invite them both to Rhinebeck this weekend. You can also speak to Hugo about the situation over dinner tomorrow night and how best to proceed. He and Bromley have been playing games for years. The trick, as I see it, is to shift their focus away from each other and onto something else, but to do that you need more players. My mother is in town this weekend and so is my half-sister, Bonnie. It’s up to you, of course, but I’m sure they would be interested in the outcome, and neither of them will let Hugo and your father hog the spotlight for any length of time. It changes the game for a start and puts the two rivals on the back foot.”
“It’s a good idea, and I think the only option available at this time. Can you find out if Bonnie and Mary are willing to come up for the weekend?”
John, Sr. smiled. “They are available, but you’ll have to be the one to make the invitation. I’m sure they’ll be only too happy to accept. I have it on good authority.”
“I’ll ring them tomorrow, and thank you, John, for your advice.”
“Don’t mention it. You’re in a tricky position. Anything I can do to assist, I will. All you have to do is ask.”
“Thank you for that. By the way, have you ever met my father?”
John Sr. paused before answering. “Yes, I have. It was not a happy meeting. I’ll tell you about it in the library after dinner.”
Anne slid up beside her husband. “I hate to interrupt, but I’m tired and feel like taking a nap. Will you join me?” she asked, looking at John Sr.
