Harry was the last person to visit his mother-in-law that night, and was just about to leave when Elizabeth whispered, ‘Can you stay for a few more minutes, my dear? There’s something I need to discuss with you.’
‘Yes, of course,’ said Harry, sitting back down on the edge of the bed.
‘I spent the morning with Desmond Siddons, our family lawyer,’ Elizabeth said, stumbling over each word, ‘and I wanted to let you know that I’ve executed a new will, because I can’t bear the thought of that dreadful woman Virginia Fenwick getting her hands on any of my possessions.’
‘I don’t think that’s a problem any longer. We haven’t seen or heard from Virginia for weeks, so I assume it’s all over.’
‘The reason you haven’t seen or heard from her for weeks, Harry, is because she wants me to believe it’s all over. It’s not a coincidence that she disappeared from the scene only days after Giles learned I didn’t have long to live.’
‘I’m sure you’re overreacting, Elizabeth. I don’t believe even Virginia could be that callous.’
‘My dear Harry, you always give everyone the benefit of the doubt because you have such a generous nature. It was a lucky day for Emma when she met you.’
‘It’s sweet of you to say so, Elizabeth, but I’m sure that given time—’
‘That’s the one thing I don’t have.’
‘Then perhaps we should ask Virginia to come and visit you?’
‘I’ve made it clear to Giles on several occasions that I’d like to meet her, but each time I’ve been rebuffed with more and more unlikely excuses. Now, why do you think that is? Don’t bother to answer, Harry, because you’ll be the last person to work out what Virginia’s really up to. And you can be sure she won’t make her move until after my funeral.’ A flicker of a smile crossed Elizabeth’s face before she added, ‘But I still have one card up my sleeve, which I don’t intend to play until I’ve been lowered into my grave, when my spirit will return like an avenging angel.’
Harry didn’t interrupt Elizabeth as she leant back and, with all the energy she could muster, removed an envelope from under her pillow. ‘Now listen to me carefully, Harry,’ she said. You must be sure to carry out my instructions to the letter.’ She gripped his hand. ‘If Giles should contest my latest will—’
‘But why would he do that?’
‘Because he’s a Barrington, and Barringtons have always been weak when it comes to women. So, if he should contest my latest will,’ she repeated, ‘you must give this envelope to the judge who is selected to decide which member of the family will inherit my estate.’
‘And if he doesn’t?’
‘You must destroy it,’ said Elizabeth, her breathing becoming shallower by the second. ‘You are not to open it yourself, or ever let Giles or Emma know of its existence.’ She tightened her grip on his hand, and whispered almost inaudibly, ‘Now you must give me your word, Harry Clifton, because I know Old Jack taught you that should always be enough.’
‘You have my word,’ said Harry, and placed the envelope in an inside pocket of his jacket.
Elizabeth relaxed her grip, and sank back on the pillow, a contented smile on her lips. She never did discover if Sydney Carton escaped the guillotine.
Harry opened the post while he was having breakfast.
Bristol Grammar School,
University Road,
Bristol
July 27th, 1951
Dear Mr Clifton,
I am sorry to inform you that your son, Sebastian, has not been . . .
Harry leapt up from the breakfast table and walked across to the telephone. He dialled the number at the bottom of the letter.
‘Headmaster’s office,’ announced a voice.
‘May I speak to Mr Garrett?’
‘Who’s calling, please?’
‘Harry Clifton.’
‘I’ll put you through, sir.’
‘Good morning, headmaster. My name is Harry Clifton.’
‘Good morning, Mr Clifton. I’ve been expecting your call.’
‘I can’t believe the board came to such an ill-founded decision.’
‘Frankly, Mr Clifton, neither could I, especially after I’d pleaded your son’s case so vehemently.’
‘What reason did they give for turning him down?’
‘That they mustn’t be seen to be making an exception for an old boy’s son when he’d failed to obtain the pass mark in two compulsory subjects.’
‘And that was their only reason?’
‘No,’ replied the headmaster. ‘One of the governors raised the matter of your son being cautioned by the police for shoplifting.’
‘But there’s a perfectly innocent explanation for that incident,’ said Harry, trying not to lose his temper.
‘I don’t doubt there is,’ said Garrett, ‘but our new chairman couldn’t be swayed on the matter.’
‘Then he’ll be my next call. What’s his name?’
‘Major Alex Fisher.’