Women of Courage, page 45
I don’t know whether to be relieved or cross. For true to his streak of cowardice, Roland has fled. I feel the stress roll off me though, as my shoulders slump while making my way to the study. I’ve been sitting at the desk for only a minute when Judith comes in carrying a tray.
‘Tea?’ she asks, putting the tray down on the table.
‘Please.’
She lifts the tea-cozy off the pot, and pours tea into a delicate teacup, adds a drop of cold milk and passes it to me.
‘Are you not having any?’ Silly question really, as Judith’s only brought one cup in.
‘I’ve just had some. Is there anything I can do for you?’
‘Hit my stupid husband on the head and hopefully knock some sense into him?’
‘Anything else? Something I won’t get arrested for?’
Half-hearted smiles pass between us, as she sits down opposite me.
‘I don’t suppose he told you where he was going, or when he’d be back?’
‘No, sorry. He wasn’t in good sorts this morning. He slammed doors all over the house, which is not like him.’
‘No, it’s not. Maybe he can sense that this time I’m really going to leave him?’
‘You are?’
‘You can’t be surprised.’
‘Well, I know despite everything you actually love him.’
‘Love, it seems, isn’t enough to hold a marriage together. How long have you been married now?’
Judith counts her fingers. ‘It will be nine years next May.’
‘Are you still close?’
‘Oh yes, very. He’s my everything, if you know what I mean. He’s such a good dad to Daisy as well. I was certainly blessed the day we were introduced.’
‘That’s nice.’ I’m overcome with jealousy. Why couldn’t I be enough for Roland, why couldn’t I have been his everything? Why couldn’t I have had a child? ‘I need to make some phone calls now.’
‘Yes, of course. I’ve finished everywhere except the kitchen, so you’ll find me there if you need me.’
‘Thanks Judith.’
The emotions going through me are just yuck. I mean really yuck! I feel like a dinghy being bounced by rough seas, battered from all sides and quickly sinking. Before I chicken out, I pick up the phone and call Sebastian.
‘Good afternoon, how may I help you?’
‘Hello Mary, is Sebastian free please?’
‘Oh, hi Charity, hold the line please, I’ll just check.’ She comes back fairly instantly. ‘He’s free, I’ll transfer you now.’
‘Thank you.’ I’m reminded that it is good practice to be friendly with both your lawyer and their secretary.
‘Charity, how the devil are you? Sorry I couldn’t make your birthday bash on Friday. Did you have a marvelous time?’
‘Not really.’ I can’t help laughing.
‘Sorry to hear that, what can I do for you today?’
So like a man to not want to know the details. ‘Have you heard from Roland?’
‘Not since he rang to invite me to your party. Is everything alright?’
‘I’m divorcing him, and I would really appreciate it if you could handle everything for me. I know you are technically Roland’s family lawyer, however, he uses Trevor & Cornelius for his businesses, so he can go to them for this.’
I didn’t expect congratulations, or condolences, but the silence really cuts me. I feel judged and extremely uncomfortable. ‘Of course, if you would prefer to handle things for Roland I’ll understand.’
‘No, no, not at all. It’s not that.’
‘What is it then?’
‘Look, I don’t want to say anything over the phone, I’d rather come and see you if that’s alright with you? Plus, before I see you I need to check some things out. Are you free tomorrow morning, let’s say, about ten? I’ll call on you at home.’
‘I wasn’t planning on staying here, could you come to my grandmother’s house in Holmes Chapel?’
‘Yes, of course. I’ll put you back to Mary so you can give her the address. Right, I’ll see you tomorrow then.’
‘Sebastian?’
‘Yes?’
‘Is there something I should be worried about?’
‘Look, I don’t want to lie to you, but I do need to find out more before I tell you anything. Try not to worry. I’ll see you tomorrow.’
What on earth was that all about? My mind launches into overdrive, the worst possible scenarios vying for prominence in my too active brain. I start pacing the room. The thought trail that somehow, without my knowledge, Roland has a prenuptial contract hidden away finally demands center stage, although I can’t remember signing any contracts. But then I’d been so young and naïve. Would it matter if there was a contract? Did I really need to take any money from him? What about my plans to help people? I stop pacing in front of the patio doors and stare into the garden. Everything from the party has been taken away and the lawns are pristine once more.
If I have to walk away with nothing, my life won’t be so neat. I have no money of my own, no house, no business, not even a career. Lord, what an idiot I’ve been. There’s movement to the side of the garden and my eyes shift slightly to find Luke talking to Joe, one of the gardeners. I didn’t even know they knew each other. What’s he still doing here? As if sensing my look, Luke turns his head and studies me. Warmth tingles over my skin. He really is shockingly handsome. He turns back to continue talking to Joe, and I feel the loss of his gaze. What on earth is wrong with me?
Suddenly, an urge to gather anything of mine that is worth anything slams into me. I run over to the safe in the wall behind Roland’s desk. Kneeling down I open the fake panel and punch the numbers into the keypad. It doesn’t open. I re-try them. It still doesn’t open.
‘Damn and blast that man!’ I should never have given him a warning that I wanted to leave. My most expensive jewelry is in that safe. I pick up my cell and call him; it goes straight to voice mail as if it isn’t on. Frustration rips through me and I throw the phone at the wall. It lands with a crunch. I realize straight away that was probably not very clever of me, given that there’s a good possibility I’m going to be broke. I pick it up and thankfully it still works.
Judith appears in the doorway. ‘Everything OK?’
‘No, actually, I don’t think it is.’
We look at each other for a moment. It’s hard to know what to say when you think your husband has taken you for a fool and exploited your ignorance. What’s that saying again, a fool and his money are soon parted? We’d married as soon as we’d finished university. His parents had tragically died in a plane crash six months earlier, and I had just about held Roland together as he grieved. With only a few weeks left in Cambridge he’d announced he couldn’t stand the thought of being without me, so we had married straight away. Only Dotty and two of his friends had attended. Even though we married in St Matthew’s Church, near the university, I had worn a simple flowery dress not wanting to spend money on a traditional white dress. It wasn’t until he drove us home that I realized he came from extreme wealth. I’d known he had money, of course I did. How many students drive a car, let alone a Ferrari? It hadn’t been brand new, but still. But the extent of his father’s wealth, obtained from building a hotel chain, only became apparent when he showed me around his estate, my new home.
‘I think I’m about to be poor.’ If I had a different disposition I might have found myself fainting right now. The sudden awakening to how stupid I’ve been with my life is punching at me: six rounds with Muhammad Ali would be better than the punches I’m throwing at myself. Stupid, stupid, stupid girl! I’ve wasted my life. I’ve done nothing with my architecture qualifications, and who would want me now? How am I going to get a job when all I can write on my CV is lady of leisure, throws excellent dinner parties, can swim for hours, oh and has very good dress sense!
Judith walks over and places a hand on my arm. ‘I’m sure Mr. Byron will look after you.’
‘Maybe, but something tells me it’s not going to be plain sailing. Will you help me pack please, Judith? I’d planned on taking just a few things, but I think it might be best if I take everything I consider to be mine.’
Three hours later, I’m standing on the drive surrounded by a pile of suitcases and boxes. I had taken more clothes than I would need with the thought I might be able to sell the ball gowns. Thankfully, my personal jewelry box is still full. I wish now that I preferred big pieces of jewelry, liking small dainty pieces meant the price of them was far less than what Roland would happily have spent on me. I keep muttering ‘que sera sera’, and I’m dying to burst into my best Doris Day impression!
There are seven cars in the garage. I’ve asked Joe if he will fetch the Range Rover for me. I figure it will take most of the stuff I’ve packed, plus it’s the most sensible car in the garage. It’s also one of two cars that are actually registered in my name. Many hands make light work and soon the three of us have filled the car to capacity, I’ll just be able to see out through the mirrors.
‘Is there anything else?’ asks Joe as he closes the boot.
‘Nothing that I can say is mine,’ I answer with a weary smile.
Joe hovers and I get the distinct impression he would like to hug me, I take a quick step towards the car. I don’t think I can handle sympathy right now.
‘I’ll come back in a few days, make sure everything is OK. Just call me if you need me. You have my grandmother’s phone number don’t you?’
Judith nods. She’s also trying to hold back tears.
Too much pain! I dive into the Rover, turn, give a feeble wave, and then I’m off down the driveway. I’ll come back soon and make sure everyone is alright, but first I need to sort my head out and figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. That’s after the harbinger of bad news arrives tomorrow, and tells me exactly what’s going on.
Chapter 4
I’d been up since five. After going for a jog in the damp, cold darkness, I’d returned for a long shower and tons of coffee. Normally a run would sooth me, but today my nerves are like electric shocks, zinging me to death! The last half an hour has been spent pacing the kitchen, and I was glad when Dotty decided she just had to have some fresh cakes to offer Sebastian when he arrives. I guess she really just needs some peace for a little while. No doubt she will be praying for me too, which actually even as a non-believer I feel quite comforted by.
It’s nearly quarter past ten when both Sebastian and Dotty approach the front door at the same time. I hear Dotty going on about how mild this December is as they approach the kitchen.
‘Morning,’ Sebastian’s smile is wide and warm. He doesn’t look like a person about to deliver dire news.
‘Hi. Would you like to go into the living room, or is here suitable?’ I gesture towards the kitchen table.
‘Wherever is most comfortable for you.’
‘Let’s stay here then.’ I try to smile at him, but I can feel the awfulness of it, and sit down quickly.
‘Tea or coffee anyone?’ asks Dotty.
We both confirm we’d like a cup of coffee. As the filter’s been ready since ten all she has to do is fill two cups, which she brings over with a plate full of different fancies. ‘I have some things to do, so I will leave you to it.’
‘Thanks Nana.’ She pats my shoulder before leaving, her way of saying ‘it will be alright, and I’m here for you.’ My throat tightens, and I have to force myself to take a breath and focus. ‘So, you have some news for me?’ I didn’t know how else to begin, and I couldn’t beat about the bush, I really needed to hear the bad news sooner rather than later.
‘Well, as you probably gathered from our phone call, there are certain things going on that I believe you are unaware of.’ He stifles a little cough.
Oh, for crying out loud, please tell me. ‘What things?’
Sebastian takes a drink of coffee, delaying tactics I guess as he tries to find the right words to tell me. ‘It came to my attention two years ago, that Roland is gambling, quite heavily so.’
‘What?’ This wasn’t what I was expecting. Why is he telling me this?
‘He asked me to witness a promissory note.’ Sebastian’s leaning forward, talking slowly as if to a child. I feel as if a huge sledge-hammer is slowly swinging towards my head. ‘He was in debt to Roxy’s Casino to the tune of two and a half million. They refused him any more credit until he cleared it. As he didn’t have that amount in cash, he asked me to set up a promissory note stating he would pay it as soon as he sold the yacht.’
‘He’s sold the Blue Byron!’ My heart is hammering. That was his dad’s treasured possession. I can’t believe Roland has sold it.
‘He did. I’m afraid that’s not all.’
I want to get up and scream. What’s going on? Roland is a coke and sex addict. When did he start big-time gambling? ‘Tell me.’ My hands are shaking as I place them on my lap.
‘He repeated the request just six months ago, for a similar amount. I’m afraid he sold the Spanish villa.’
I feel sick. My head is swimming. Is Sebastian going to tell me we’re broke?
‘Are you OK, Charity?’
I nod.
‘He has been coming to me for the last six months instructing me to sell various antiques and paintings from around the house.’
‘I’m a fool. I asked him what was happening with the paintings that were getting replaced by modern pieces. He told me he wanted a more modern feel and was slowing replacing the old stuff with new.’ A thought strikes me. ‘Do we still own the house? What about the hotels? Are they safe?’
‘As far as I am aware both the house and the hotel chain haven’t been touched yet. But I must be honest; he might have had Trevor & Cornelius deal with it. After we spoke yesterday, I had a meeting with a friend of mine who works there. He said he hadn’t heard of the hotels being sold and he was sure he would have heard if they had been. So I think we can safely assume the house and business are still intact.’
‘And there’s no prenuptial contract?’
‘What? Oh, sorry. I didn’t think yesterday after my cryptic conversation that you would think that. No, there is no contract. You have been married for seven years so you will receive a settlement. Obviously, the business and house are Roland’s inheritance, so I think you would have quite a battle on your hands if you wanted fifty per cent.’
‘Goodness, no. I’d never dream of asking for half. I am, however, very grateful to know that I will receive something.’
‘Right then, I’ll get the paperwork started and contact Roland to see what sort of offer he is happy to make, and then we’ll go from there.’
‘I hope you have better luck than me trying to get hold of him. I’ve been calling his cell since yesterday morning with no response.’ Lightness is dancing inside me. It wasn’t total bad news after all, how blooming marvelous! I knew the last time the business had been evaluated it had been valued at thirty million, and the house was about two million, so if Roland was happy to give it, I would be happy with half a million, and if he felt generous and wanted to give me one million that would be even better. I figure that would be enough for me to start a charitable business. What type of charity I have no idea yet, but I plan to do loads of research and see where I can help out best. If I can do something within the housing sector, I might even be able to put my masters to use.
I must have zoned out because I realize Sebastian has been talking to me. ‘Sorry what did you say?’
‘I said I should get going. The sooner I can contact Roland the quicker we can get this ball rolling.’
‘Oh, yes of course. Thanks so much for driving out to me. I really appreciate it.’
We stand and walk to the door. Dotty appears to say goodbye. As we watch him walk down the drive to his car, I slip my hand in Nana’s.
She gives my hand a quick squeeze. ‘Everything going to be alright?’
I turn and give her a big hug. ‘Yes Nana, I think everything’s going to be fine.’
The phone in the hallway starts ringing.
‘I wonder who that can be?’ says Dotty getting up out of the armchair. It’s one of those little things that amuse me, that she refuses to get the phone moved into the living room, ‘got to keep moving,’ she says, ‘go stiff as a board otherwise.’ I listen to her speaking and realize that the call is for me. As I get up to go into the hallway, she calls out.
‘Charity, it’s Judith for you.’
‘Thanks,’ I say taking the phone from her. ‘Hi Judith, is everything OK?’
‘Mrs. Bryon, there are gentlemen here to see you. I’m afraid they won’t leave until they’ve spoken with you.’
‘Really? Who?’
‘He’s say his name is Mr. Green and that he works for the Hollingworth jewelers.’
‘Hollingworth, the jewelers?’
‘I believe so.’
‘Please put him on the phone.’ My stomach is whooshing back and forth like the tide, so much so that I’m tottering on the verge of being mighty sea sick.
‘Good afternoon Mrs. Bryon.’ The voice is deep and very business-like.
‘Good afternoon, tell me how can I help you?’
‘We have come to collect the Blue Nile necklace, which was lent to your husband for your birthday party, I believe.’
‘Lent?’
‘Yes, it was on loan to heighten its publicity. Mr. Byron was due to return it to the office yesterday, unfortunately he never appeared. Do you have the necklace, Mrs. Bryon?’
Invisible hands are clasped around my throat, threatening to strangle me. ‘No,’ I whisper.
‘Do you know where it might be?’
‘I assume it’s in the safe in the study.’
‘Would you mind coming back to the house please and opening the safe to check? We really would prefer not to involve the police at this stage.’
