“I came to your family as hired help. I am not above doing that again. I can work for you.”
Anton stared. His mind filled with memories of his family. He remembered the dinners in the grand dining room -- his grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, Marie, and him. How had it come down to just the two of them? “I’m not sure how this arrangement will work. I don’t exactly have need for household staff at this point.”
“You will.” In the midst of total chaos, Marie’s tone rang with confidence. “You are Nathaniel’s grandson. You will succeed. I have no doubt.”
Anton remembered Nathaniel’s evaluation: She is mighty remarkable. He replied, “I will not abandon you. In a few more days we should be able to move you. Once we get you back to New York, we will create a timeline, an iron clad alibi for your whereabouts during my parent’s death. The future will work itself out.”
“It will, Anton. I have confidence in you.” She reached for his shoulders, there was no sexual attraction. They were family. Marie felt as if she were looking into Nathaniel’s eyes each time she stared into Anton’s deep dark irises. The touch was merely a point of contact. They were together in this mess and bound forever by Nathaniel. “You know, your grandfather had plans for after his release. I’ve had a lot of time to think about those during these past few days.”
“He told me.” Her determination impressed Anton.
“I can help. I want to help. Truly I didn’t intend to kill your parents, but I’m not sorry they’re gone. I could lie and tell you I am. But, I won’t.” Anton nodded. “There are others who assisted in putting Nathaniel in prison, your father was but one.”
“I have names. However, this will take time and money.”
Marie smiled, “I have time. You make us more money.”
The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
- Oscar Wilde
Chapter 46
Sophia exhaled and spoke determinedly, “Mr. George, I’ll consider the most recent offer, but I’m afraid I cannot give you an answer today or tomorrow.” She didn’t wait for his response. “I will call you when I make my decision. Good-bye.”
Silvia looked questionably at her daughter. “You are too busy to be babysitting your old parents.”
“I’m hardly babysitting. You and Pop are helping me get this studio ready to open.”
“I think getting away from home for a while has been good for your father, a change of scenery and all.”
Sophia smiled. The thought came to her as she was flying to Princeton. She wanted to spend time with her parents and get the studio open. At first her parents balked at the idea. It wasn’t until she told them how much work she needed to do that they willingly consented. Sophia knew if they felt needed, they’d be willing to go.
It was a good change of scenery for Sophia too. With Derek overseas, she didn’t want to be stuck in California. Besides, Mr. George was beginning to annoy her with his persistence. Although smaller than the studio in Palo Alto, her studio in Provincetown was home.
She and Derek had worked so quickly to secure some of her art for shipping, they’d left this studio in disarray. Sophia still had many paintings and chalk and charcoal drawings stored here. Now, she and her parents needed to work to choose the best ones to display. Once the choices were made, the pieces needed to be framed, or stretched and framed, depending upon the medium.
Sophia’s parents never claimed personal artistic skills. Nevertheless, when it came to displaying art, they were professionals. Silvia laughed saying they’d been doing it since Sophia was barely two years old – displaying her creations on the refrigerator door. Carlo’s memory may have difficulties, but when it came to constructing an appropriate frame for his daughter’s masterpieces, he was still on the top of his game.
Derek wouldn’t be back to Santa Clara for another week. It was the perfect time for Sophia to enjoy her family, her cottage by the shore, prepare her studio, and hire someone to manage it while she’s away. The income from her recent sales truly gave her more freedom than ever before.
*****
Tony and Claire returned to the house before five thirty. Claire hoped for a nap, before readying for the dessert celebration at Brent and Courtney’s house. Catherine promised dinner on the patio at seven, saying they shouldn’t go to a dessert and wine celebration on empty stomachs. Thinking of her condition, Claire agreed.