Shadow of the Son, page 5
“Of course,” he answered. He turned to me. “We’ll see you for drinks later.”
As they left, I looked around for Johnny, who was gazing out the window at the grounds. I came up beside him.
“Care for a walk?” I asked. “I have news.”
“That makes two of us. At least I don’t ever have to grab the leash for that damn dog.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure of that.”
9
Johnny and I slipped out the French doors and onto the south lawn. The shadows of the trees had lengthened, and the small, puffy clouds that dotted the sky sent dark patches skidding across the freshly cut grass.
“You know something. Tell me,” Johnny said as we walked.
“I will, but I need a moment first.”
“Fair enough. Smoke?”
Johnny offered me his pack. I took one and lit it. Johnny lit one for himself. We walked and smoked in silence as we made our way down to the canopy of leafy trees that lined the south boundary of the lawn before heading west along it, and then diagonally back to the bench behind the cypress trees. I tried not to think of anything in particular but concentrated on the woods, the grass underfoot, and the sky above. Regardless of the problems coming at me from all directions, my surroundings let me know that they would be here long after I was gone. The thought calmed me as we reached the bench and sat down.
“Mother commented that the estate may have a funding issue,” Johnny said.
“She’s right, but that’s not the half of it. Hugo told John Sr. today that my father wants to speak with me personally and touch the treasures with his own hands before he puts in any money. To make matters worse, he’s on his way here.”
“To Rhinebeck? Good God! Stanley’s going to have a cow!”
“That was my first reaction, although it depends on whether I invite him. That being said, I can’t see a way around not doing so. My father won’t put up the money until his demands are met.”
“Why am I not surprised? It reminds me of that Bertie Ajanian disaster. We arranged that splendid financing, but each time we sat down to sign, he would read over the contract and say, ‘But what about this point?’ Or ‘I want a better guarantee.’ Or ‘I want a credit of thirty thousand because the funding is taking so long.’ We’d spend days working out a solution only to have him do the exact same thing again and again. It was like one of those horrible Oriental tortures I’d read about where the victim was made to believe he would be rescued any day but had to offer up a body part to keep himself from being killed outright. I ended up hating that man.”
“I remember that all too well, and then he signed with someone else. I often wondered if that had been the plan all along. I thought he was a jerk. I wonder if my father is playing similar games?”
“It’s possible, but to what end? Frankly, I wish we could tell both of them to stuff it.”
“I do too, but one and a half million is a chunk to pull together right now, and then there’s my engagement. If we blow them off, and Bruni and I decide to go through with our marriage, there will always be a residual animosity between the baron and myself. He wants control of those treasures, and he’s a man who always gets his way. He could make things very unpleasant. Perhaps that’s what happened to Bernard Montrel?”
“You still love her, don’t you?”
The question seemed out of the blue, but it wasn’t. Johnny didn’t have to say what he was thinking. If Bruni were out of the picture, we would be free to explore alternatives, but he knew me well enough to keep that thought to himself for now. I would have to consider that at some point, and likely we would discuss it, but the shock from what Stanley had divulged still had me reeling. I wasn’t ready to think about it. My world was spinning, and the simple fact of loving her was a way to make it stop.
I sighed. “I do. I also haven’t heard her side of the story yet.”
“Quite right. I think we need to do some serious planning—and soon.”
“I agree. John Sr. suggested a get-together this weekend and that I invite Bonnie and Maw to balance the potential friction between Hugo and my father. That, of course, assumes that I invite the man, something I hardly know how to do.”
“I know what you mean. I also see where your dog comment came from. Don’t think I’d forgotten about it because I didn’t mention it immediately, but onto more pressing matters. How you can make Stanley go along with the idea is something I hardly know where to begin. It might even be impossible.”
“We’ll have to think of something quickly. He has a way of finding out things and predicting them long before they happen. He might even know already. In fact, I see him coming this way.”
“What?”
We watched Stanley through the branches that hid us from the house, heading in our direction with a resolute stride. I had never seen Stanley outside the house other than at the front steps greeting guests. That he was on the south lawn and approaching the cypress trees was unusual enough for me to suspect that he had gotten wind of his nemesis’s possible visit this weekend.
As he rounded the trees, Johnny and I stood up.
I greeted him. “Stanley, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you out here.”
He gave a stiff smile. “When no one is in residence, I find this an ideal spot to reflect. It is soothing. I’m here now to pre-empt any potential uncertainty. I have had physical altercations with Lord Bromley in the past. I find his duplicity abhorrent, his bullying despicable, and his dark soul repugnant. To say that I dislike him would be an understatement. However, I place the needs of the house before any such personal feelings. Should you wish to invite the man, I stand behind your decision. Do what you must. You will always have my support. My only advice is to be extremely careful. He is a rogue and untrustworthy.”
With that, he gave me a nod and walked away, but before he rounded the cypress trees, he stopped and turned. “One other matter: the rules of the guest-host relationship are sacred. In ancient Greece, it was called xenia. So important were those matters of conduct in the distant past that the father of the gods kept them as his sole jurisdiction. We honor those precepts here. Know full well that should a violation occur by either party, there will be consequences.”
He nodded once again and made his way back to the house.
Johnny and I were speechless until Johnny broke the silence. “Good heavens! That was unexpected, but at least that solves one of our pending issues. Thank you, Stanley.”
I agreed. “I wonder how he knew?”
“It’s classic Stanley, I’m afraid. Ask him, of course,” Johnny continued. “But I’m pretty sure it’s a trade secret. You do need to ask him about those consequences he mentioned, and what they are specifically. If memory serves, the host has the obligation to ask no questions until the guest is fed and accommodated, and the guest has to be cordial and not take advantage of the host’s hospitality, but that’s all I recall on the subject.
“The good news is we don’t have to worry about Dagmar poisoning the broth or Stanley sticking a knife in your father as he walks up the front steps, although I suppose that is subject to change, depending on what Lord B. chooses to do. Stanley unleashed would not be a happy thought, but we must move onward. We have an hour or so before drinks, and I remembered that you have no clothes here. The suit you’re wearing will suffice, but change the tie. I have several. Will you be sleeping upstairs or down?”
“I thought I’d sleep downstairs and check out the firmness of the mattress in Alice’s bedroom.”
“Really? Well, better you than me,” Johnny said with a smile.
“I’m afraid so.”
“If you get scared, know that your room upstairs is available. Speaking of which, I think we should wend our way up there now, grab a yellow pad, and go over the several issues we have going. What do you say?”
“Onward and upward, but I’m beginning to appreciate how Sisyphus must have felt.”
“He had only a rock to worry about. You, my friend, have weightier problems.”
10
Johnny sat on the leather couch with his yellow pad, writing up his notes on the issues that now confronted us. As per usual, Johnny took the lead when it came to planning. Some things would never change, and likely just as well, I thought. He was good at it, and I was feeling unsettled.
While he wrote, I wandered about the common room where Johnny and I had spent much of our younger years. Rows of books lined the walls from floor to ceiling, interrupted by several doorways. The one to the south led to my former bedroom, Johnny’s was to the north, and a governess’s residence and bathroom lay to the west. The eastern doorway opened onto the narrow stairs that led up to our sanctuary. I pulled out various titles and put them back as I thought about Stanley and his announcement that he would not object to my father’s visit. Coming to no immediate conclusion, I sat down in one of the comfortable reading chairs as Johnny finished.
He looked up. “Very well then. I’ve listed the major issues we need to work through. Are you ready to begin?”
“By all means.”
“Excellent. First on my list is the funding shortfall. Both the baron and your father need to honor their agreement, but I sense there are other issues and perhaps other motives behind the delay. As a first step, you must get written invitations to them for a visit this weekend starting on Friday. As a side note, I would add a personal invitation to the baroness. Elsa likes you, and frankly, we may need her help with Hugo. I would deliver all of them to the baron when you dine with him at 21 tomorrow night. He can pass along the one to Lord B., since we have no idea where he is, and it is likely that Hugo has the resources to find out and get it to him. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” I said.
“Next, you must ring up Maw and Bonnie. Father’s idea of inviting them to distract Hugo and your father from their rivalry is a good one. He has their phone numbers. The surprise factor of their being here this weekend, although small in the grand scheme of things, may force an adjustment to both of their agendas and allow you to re-exert some measure of control. It’s the best we can hope for at this point. Does that make sense?”
“It does. I’ll take care of both, first thing tomorrow.”
“Excellent. Thirdly, you will have to inform Stanley and company that what was once a quiet weekend in the country has now escalated into a formal affair totaling nine guests plus yourself. With any luck, it will help keep everyone on their best behavior, at least as much as can be expected. I also noted that this weekend will likely be expensive, but I think you must shelve any thoughts of economy, given the circumstances. I would set a bold course. More staff will be required and on this, you must speak to Stanley and Dagmar regarding how to proceed. I should also point out that this is your first experience at being a host of a major shindig, and I would ask their advice about what you need to do and the protocols that must be followed. I would also take the opportunity to get the fine points on that guest-host thing that Stanley mentioned. With me so far?”
“Absolutely, I agree.”
“Next, in spite of any uncertainties, Bruni will have to assume the duties of hostess. I’ve noted that you will also have to speak with her about Stanley’s revelations, but that will likely have to wait. As hostess, she will have to handle some potentially awkward moments, such as speaking with her former lover and future father-in-law. I suggest you review with her how she plans on dealing with him. I noted that you might need to consider that as well.”
Johnny gave me a long look, as if to ask if I was up to the challenge. In addition, the mere thought of meeting the father I had never met, and the infamous Lord Bromley at that, had me feeling distinctly ill. I knew that as the meeting approached, my agitation would only increase.
“I have no idea what to do. Let’s table that for now and let me work on it. As for Bruni, the woman’s a professional negotiator. She’ll likely handle the situation far better than any of us. What else?”
Johnny paused as if he wanted to say more but checked himself.
“Fair enough,” he said at last. “There is time, but I want to hear what you decide regarding your father—and soon. Next on my list is the seating at meals. Although seemingly minor, the arrangements will have to be seriously considered. Mother is a master at such things. Lastly, speak with Dagmar tonight. Probably after dinner would be best. She might be able to explain what’s been happening to you.”
“Let’s hope, but likely a little later than immediately after dinner. I asked John Sr. if he’d ever met my father, and he said he had. Apparently, it wasn’t a happy meeting. He said he would tell the story over brandy in the library.”
“He met Lord B.? I didn’t know that.”
“Nor did I. You should also add to your list getting your father’s permission to leave the firm, which was the primary reason for our visit.”
“Good heavens. What with all the excitement, I quite forgot. I’ll put it down. Okay then, lastly, and on a more mundane note, I have extra toothbrushes, razors and all that sort of thing up here so you won’t do without.”
“Very thoughtful, Johnny. Thank you. All doable for the most part.”
“For the most part, with one or two exceptions. Now, even before our little talk I noted that you had something on your mind.”
I sighed. “I’ve been thinking about that conversation with Stanley. He agreed to my father’s arrival far too easily. I expected a massive fight. He stated he’s putting the good of the house above his personal feelings, and I’m sure he is, but my father’s presence here might be one of those lucky breaks that he’s been anticipating for years. He’s usually several moves ahead of us mortals, and he’s had a great deal of time to think about such an opportunity possibly unfolding.”
“Your devious mind is working, I see. I noted that as well. I hope he doesn’t off Lord B. until after the funding is secured. Although, come to think of it, if you are his sole issue and stand to inherit in any case, what would it matter?”
Johnny paused and tapped his number two pencil on his teeth. “You know, this scenario might be exactly what Stanley’s been hoping for. He has both a calculating mind and the necessary patience to capitalize on such a serendipitous opportunity, which means it’s been gone over from every conceivable angle. Under normal circumstances, I would applaud such initiative, but Lord B. is your father and your guest. The host-guest dynamic is a pretty severe constraint, unless—”
I interrupted. “Unless my father really had something to do with Alice’s death, then Stanley could make a case for retribution, and justify setting aside the guest-host constraint.”
“Exactly. Your father’s continued health would depend on whether he played a part. Fascinating. I probably shouldn’t be speaking this way. Neither of us should, but intellectually it has its merits.”
“I don’t know what to think. At this point, it’s all conjecture, and yet what we’re thinking has a strange feel to it.”
Johnny said, “It does. For Stanley to act, he would have to know that Lord Bromley was complicit and had deliberately played a part in Alice’s demise. Since her immediate cause of death was quite by accident, I’m not sure how he might reach such a judgement.”
“I’m not sure, either, unless he already has the necessary evidence, but that wasn’t all I was thinking. It’s not my father I’m worried about. It’s Stanley.”
“How so?” Johnny asked.
“My father will have anticipated such a move and perhaps has a plan of his own, wouldn’t you think?”
Johnny sat up. “You’re right! Stanley could be in danger himself! After all, he’s the only man I know who’s managed to give Lord B. a taste of his own medicine. In fact, your father’s sudden condition to release his funds only after he sees Alice’s treasures is a rather cunning way of arranging such an outcome. We’re definitely in over our heads.”
“It would seem so, and by inviting him, I will have set all this in motion.”
Johnny looked at his pencil for a moment. “Maybe, but maybe not. From what I can tell, the most likely outcome between the two is a Mexican standoff. Think about it. They’re evenly matched in the planning department, so neither party has a measurable advantage, but given their history, neither can feel secure enough in the other’s presence to stand down and put aside whatever it is they have in store for each other. It would be like two professional gunfighters facing each other with weapons drawn but neither is able to pull the trigger without mutual destruction, hence a stalemate. Would that be so bad?”
“No. That might be the best, as well as the most likely outcome. I feel a little better. But remember, it’s usually some unexpected event, like someone opening a door at the wrong moment that starts everyone shooting.”
“You’ve watched too many movies,” said Johnny, “but you have a point. Perhaps there is more involved here than we know.”
“Like larger forces are at work.”
“It would be a stretch, of course, but stranger things have happened here.”
“Too true,” I said. “Which is why I get the feeling it doesn’t matter whether I invite my father or not. He’ll be here.”
“I agree. Invite him. Don’t invite him. Makes no difference. There are so many variables and dynamics in play at this point, with the stakes so large that all we can really do going forward is to weather the storm while trying to maintain a sense of humor. It’s going to be one hell of a weekend.”
I laughed. “No doubt. I feel better having talked about it.”
“And on a happier note, it’s time to head down for dinner, but do change the tie. You might even want to chuck it.”
“What’s wrong with it?” I asked. “It looks perfectly fine to me.”
“It’s brown.”
“There is that.”
After changing my tie for one of Johnny’s, we made our way to the drawing room for drinks.
11
