Chapter 20 Chapter Twenty

The investigative court was over as I predicted, and it was postponed at the request of the police. We were all delighted with the good news from the hospital the night before that Josephine's injuries were much less severe than feared and she will recover soon.For now, Mr. Gray said, she is not allowed any visitors -- not even her mother. "Especially her mother can't be seen," Sofia murmured to me. "I made it very emphatic to Dr. Gray that, in any case, he knew what a mother was like." I must have looked a little suspicious, because Sophia asked suddenly: "Why do you look disapproving?"

"Oh—of course a mother—" "I'm glad you still have some good old ideas, Charlie. You don't quite know what my mother can do, though, and she can't help it, but there's bound to be a big show, and the drama is as good as any head It's not good for anyone who's injured and resting." "You really have it all, don't you, my dear." "Oh, now that grandpa has passed away, someone has to use his brain and take on the job of thinking." I looked at her thoughtfully, and I saw that old Leonides hadn't lost his mind, that his responsibility had fallen on Sophia's shoulders.After the investigation court, Gaskill accompanied us back to the gabled triplex.He cleared his throat, and pretended to say:

"It is my duty to declare to all of you." For this purpose, the whole family gathered in Magda's drawing room.At this point I had the pleasant feeling of being behind the scenes, knowing in advance what Gaskill was going to say. I prepared myself to observe everyone's reaction. Gaskill spoke briefly and coldly, eschewing all personal feelings and annoyances.He read first the letter from Aristide Leonides, and then the will itself. It was so much fun to watch from the sidelines, I just wish I could keep my eyes on everyone at the same time. I didn't pay much attention to Brenda and Lawrence, the terms of the will about Brenda remained the same, and I paid more attention to Roger and Philip, and then Magda and Clemency.

My first impression is that they all performed very well. Philip's lips were pursed, and his handsome head was thrown back on the back of the high chair in which he sat.He didn't speak. Magda, on the other hand, began to speak so loudly immediately after Mr. Gaskill's announcement, that her voice drowned out his thin tones, and her voice rose like a tide and drowned a small river. "Sophia darling - what an anomaly... how legendary... can't imagine old sweetheart being so cunning, so deceitful - like a dear old urchin. Did he not trust us? Did he ever think we would be angry? He never seemed to be particularly fond of Sophia. But, really, it's the most legendary thing."

Suddenly, Magda jumped up briskly, slid towards Sofia like a dancer, and quickly gave her a very elegant court salute. "Lady Sophia, your penniless and impoverished old mother begs you for alms." Her voice had a weeping Cockney accent. "Give us a penny, my dear, your old mother wants to go to the movies." Her hands were bent into pincers, and she squeezed Sophia urgently. Philip did not move, but said with stiff lips: "Please, Magda, there's no need to be a clown there." "Oh, but, Roger," cried Magda, turning suddenly to Roger. "Poor Roger, old sweetheart was going to help, then, before he could do so, died, and now Roger got nothing. Sophia," she turned urgently to Sophia, "You must help Roger."

"No," said Clemency.She took a step forward, a look of protest on her face, "No, nothing." Like a big friendly bear, Roger staggered towards Sophia. He took her hands warmly. "I don't want a dime, my dear girl. As soon as the matter is cleared--or subsided, as it seems more likely--then Clemency and I will go to the West Indies at once, Live a simple life. If I'm cornered, I'll ask the head of the family—" He gave her a charming grin—"but before that, I don't want a dime. I'm a very simple person , really, my dear—just ask Clemency."

An unexpected sound cuts in.It was Edith Haviland's voice. "That's true," she said. "But you have to watch what kind of thing it is. If you go bankrupt, Roger, and then sneak away to the ends of the earth, and don't accept Sophia's offer of help, then you will invite a lot of bad intentions for Sophia." gossip." "What does other people's gossip matter?" Clemency asked disdainfully. "We know it doesn't matter to you, Clemency," said Edith Haviland sharply, "but Sophia is here to stay. She's a good-hearted, kind-hearted woman." Girl, and I have no doubt that Aristide chose her to manage the wealth of the family. Although in our British concept, it seems strange to ignore your two sons who are still alive -- but I think it would be very unfortunate to have people gossiping about her being greedy -- seeing Roger go broke without helping him."

Roger walked up to his aunt, and he put his arms around her. "Aunt Edith," he said. "You're a sweet--and a staunch fighter, but you don't understand. Clemency and I know what we want--and what we don't!" A blush suddenly appeared on each of Clemency's thin cheeks, and she stood angrily facing them. "None of you," she said, "understands Roger. You never do! I don't think they do! Come on, Roger." They left the living room, and Gaskill began to clear his throat and organize his papers.There was a deeply disapproving expression on his face. It was obvious that he didn't like the scene just now.

My eyes finally fell on Sophia herself.She stood upright by the fire, her posture beautiful, her chin protruding, her eyes determined.She had just inherited a large fortune, but what struck me the most was how alone she was all of a sudden, and a barrier had arisen between her and her family.From now on, she will be isolated from them, and I think she already knows and faces this fact.Old Leonides had a burden on her shoulders--he knew it, and she knew it.He was convinced that her shoulders were strong enough to bear the burden, but at this very moment, I felt an indescribable sadness for her.

So far, she hasn't said a word - she really has no chance to speak, but now she will soon be forced to speak.Beneath the warmth of her family, I could already sense an underlying animosity, even in Magda's graceful performance, a subtle animosity, I think, and other undercurrents that hadn't yet surfaced . Mr. Gaskill's throat-clearing voice melted into precise, measured words. "Let me congratulate you, Sophia," he said. "You're a very rich woman. I shouldn't give you any -- er -- flippant advice. I can advance you some cash to cover your current expenses. If you'd like to discuss further arrangements, I'd be happy to do my best Can offer your best advice. When you have had enough time to think it all over, give me a call at the Lincoln Hotel and we can arrange a time to discuss it."

"Roger," Edith Haviland said stubbornly. Mr. Gaskill quickly went on to say; "Roger, got to fend for himself, he's a grown man - well, fifty-four, I believe. And Aristide Leonides is quite right, you know. He's not business material." , never will be." He looked at Sophia. "If you get United Catering back on its feet, don't underestimate Roger's success." "I wouldn't want United Catering to stand up again," Sofia said. It was the first time she had spoken, and her voice was prim and short. "That would be an idiot," she added. Gaskill gave her a sudden look and smiled to himself.Then he said goodbye to everyone and walked out. There was a moment of silence, and everyone realized that it was just a family present. Then Philip rose stiffly. "I must go back to my study," he said. "I've wasted a lot of time." "Daddy—" Sophia said almost pleadingly. Philip turned her head and looked at her with cold hostility, and I felt her tremble and wince. "You'll have to forgive me for not congratulating you," he said. "But it came as a bit of a shock to me. I didn't expect my father to humiliate me like this - to disregard my life's devotion to him - yes - devotion." For the first time, this calm big man broke through the frozen shell. "My God," he exclaimed. "How could he treat me like this? He's never been fair to me — always has been." "Oh no, Philip, no, you shouldn't think so," cried Edith Haviland. "Don't take this as another slight, it's not. When you get old, it's natural to turn to the younger generation... I'm pretty sure it's just... Besides, Aristide is very shrewd in business. I often hear He said estate tax twice—" "He never cared about me," Philip said.His voice was low and rough. "Always cared about Roger—Roger. Well, at least—" His handsome face suddenly took on a strange disdain. "Father knew that Roger was a fool and a loser. ruled out." "And me?" said Eustace Until now I had hardly noticed Eustace, though I felt that he was trembling with some strong emotion.His face was deep red, and there were tears in his eyes, I thought.His voice rose, shaking hysterically. "Shame!" said Eustace. "It's shameful! How dare grandpa treat me like this? How dare he? I'm his only grandson. How dare he pass me over to Sophia? It's not fair. I hate him, I hate him, I won't Will forgive him. Damn old tyrant, I want him dead. I want to get out of this house, I want to make my own way, and now I have to be bullied by Sophia, bossed around like a fool. I wish I died ..." He left the living room angrily. Edith Haviland clicked her tongue. "No self-control," she murmured. "I know how he feels," Magda exclaimed. "I'm sure you understand," Edith said bitterly. "Poor sweetheart! I must hurry to him." "Magda—" Edith hurried after her. Their footsteps slowly faded away.Sophia was still looking at Philip, and I thought there was something pleading in her eyes, and if that was the case, her pleading had no effect.He looked at her coldly, quite self-possessed again. "Your means are very good, Sophia." He said and walked out of the living room. "It's cruel to say that," I exclaimed. "Sophia—" She held out her hands to me and I put my arms around her. "This is too much for you, my sweetheart." "I know how they feel," Sofia said. "That old devil, your grandfather, shouldn't have let you do this." Her shoulders are straight. "He believes I can take it, and I can. I wish--I wish Eustace didn't care so much." "He'll be fine." "Would it? I doubt it. He's the type to hold a grudge. And I don't like Dad getting hurt." "Your mother is fine." "She kind of cared, and asking her daughter for money to do her show is not in her favor. She's going to ask me to pay for that Edith Thompson show right away." "Then what would you say? If it pleases her..." Sofia pulled away from my arms, throwing her head back. "I'll say no! It's a terrible scene, and Mom can't play the part. It's a waste of money." I laughed softly, I couldn't help it. "What are you laughing at?" Sophia asked suspiciously. "I'm starting to understand why your grandfather left his fortune to you, and you're a perfect duplicate of him, Sophia."