by John Kelly
Warwick Steedman would have preferred that the meeting took place at his home, his palatial Tudor-style dwelling set on an acre of land in the fashionable outer suburb of Templestowe. Here he felt in complete control, the obvious examples of his success all too apparent to his brother and sister, who he hoped would be so overcome and intimidated that they would defer to all his suggestions concerning the estate of Andrea Steedman. 'If a two-storey dwelling, with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a four-car garage, swimming pool, tennis court and an entrance hall bigger than his mother's entire commission house, was not going to impress them sufficiently into compliance, what would?' he thought.
But Warwick's mother Elsie was aware of the effect his success had on Margaret and Robert, and under no circumstances would she allow either of them to be intimidated in such an obvious manner. When Warwick had proposed two days earlier, that Elsie join him and Susan for dinner at home ahead of the family meeting, the proposal was met with a stern rebuke. "No Warwick," she said firmly, "your place is not a satisfactory venue. I'm surprised you do not realize that." Warwick felt rather sheepish. He knew he was over-stepping the mark and not surprised his mother had pulled him up so quickly. "Well, I was only thinking of the comfort and the space for everybody to settle back and relax," he said. "You were thinking of no such thing," she countered. "You were trying to intimidate Margaret and Robert and I won't have it. We can have the meeting here at my place," Elsie said.
Warwick knew better than to argue with his mother, despite his unease at the cramped conditions. Elsie's housing commission flat was very much a product of the times twenty years earlier, when public housing shortages precipitated a flurry of activity that concentrated more on volume than either space or quality. "Okay, fine mother, let's have it at your place," he said. While Elsie had no intention of allowing Warwick the psychological advantage of a holding a family meeting at his home, she knew that his influence would still dominate proceedings. She knew that Robert felt uncomfortable near Warwick. Robert was easily intimidated. Unemployed, on benefits, and living alone after his second failed marriage, he struggled to cope. His first wife left him with their only daughter, claiming that he physically abused her. His second wife realized after two years that she was supporting him. At the same time she decided to leave him, a spectacular real estate boom spread across Melbourne's inner suburbs, doubling the price of their home. That fortuitous event gave Robert the opportunity to buy a small one-bedroom flat after the property settlement. Even then, it was Elsie and Warwick's idea that he should do so. Robert would have quickly lost it all on a slow horse or a get-rich-quick scheme. Elsie knew that if Robert were to attend a meeting at Warwick's home, he would not cope well, and the ill-feeling that she knew he felt for Warwick would overshadow his judgement and co-operation. She knew that his visit to her a few days earlier was a true reflection of his distrust and dislike of Warwick. What she didn't know, was that Robert had discovered something about Warwick, something that empowered Robert and now made Warwick vulnerable.
Elsie was also worried about Margaret, who was somewhat more stable than Robert, but also not without her marital problems. She too felt intimidated by Warwick and although less likely to allow it to cloud her judgement or behaviour, would still feel uncomfortable 'at home' with Warwick and Susan. No, the meeting had to be held on a level playing field. The meeting had to be at Elsie's place.
It was eight o clock in the evening, when Elsie answered the doorbell. Robert arrived first. Elsie was pleasantly surprised. If anyone was going to be late, she thought, it would be Robert. Yet here he was, first to arrive and smartly dressed. Even more surprising, he had a smile on his face. "Hi mum," he said as he pecked her on the cheek and entered the flat, making his way straight to the kitchen and the refrigerator where he knew a can of cold beer would be waiting.
"Got some good news," he said as he pulled the ring top and prepared to down the contents of the can. "What is it?" Elsie asked, taken by surprise at Robert's uncustomary positive attitude. "I've got a job," he said. Elsie's eyes lit up, her mouth opened and she clapped her hands together. "That's wonderful Robert. What are you going to do?" Robert took a large slow mouthful of beer, swallowed and said, "I'm going to be a taxi-driver."
"A taxi driver?" Elsie queried. "You need some sort of licence for that don't you?" Robert, feeling a rare moment of supreme confidence took another mouthful of beer and nodded. "Yep, it's all being arranged. I should have it in a day or two, and start driving from then. I know a taxi owner who has promised me a car and that's all there is to it," he said. Elsie was momentarily surprised. This was a new Robert she was seeing. The unusually well groomed, well dressed Robert with the positive mental attitude took her by surprise. "Robert, that's wonderful. I'm delighted to hear this,' she said. Robert put the can down on the bench and nodded. "Good. I'm glad you feel that way. In fact things are generally looking up for me right now. I have a good feeling my life is about to turn around." While Robert's comments were welcome, a strange disquiet clouded Elsie's mind. Robert had rarely shown bursts of enthusiasm in the past, and usually they were associated with either a woman or a win at the races. Sometimes he would call her, brimming with excitement over a new scheme that was, he assured her, foolproof and potentially worth mega-dollars. Each time, the enthusiasm would reach its zenith and then begin a sometimes slow, sometimes very fast decline as all the hype, all the false promises, all the dreams began to fade. When that happened, Robert would be left with nothing. Elsie had seen it happen before. This time was slightly different though. This time Robert was actually going to work, real work that gave him real money, even though from a variety of sources, she knew taxi drivers were not well paid. She quickly adopted a positive approach, not wanting Robert to sense her uncertainty. "Where will you have to go to get the car, when your licence comes through?" she asked. "It's not actually a licence. I already have a driver's licence. It's called a Driver's Certificate and it's issued by the Taxi Directorate. The taxi owner is a fellow I met at the races. We both won on the same horse and collected at the same window. We just got to talking and I told him I was out of work and one thing led to another and then he told me how the taxi industry works. Then he suggested I think about it." The real story of how Robert's association with Alberto began was quite different from the version he was giving to his mother, but Robert had no intention of allowing the truth to get in the way of a good story.
There was a knock on the door, and this time it was Margaret. Elsie welcomed her inside and a brusque greeting passed between her and Robert who had settled into Elsie's arm-chair in front of the television. Margaret appeared nervous and uncertain, a condition she often displayed when Robert was within eye-contact. Although her junior, Robert took a bizarre joy in bullying Margaret. Her weight was a constant target and a lack of self-esteem manifested itself in a defensive manner. She was attractive, with bright blue eyes, and light brown hair, but shy and easily dominated, particularly by the men in her life. Margaret quickly bypassed Robert and ushered her mother into the kitchen as if she had something important to discuss privately with her.
"Did you speak to Warwick about our discussion the other day?" she asked in a low wavering voice out of earshot of Robert.
"Yes, don't worry about anything," Elsie replied, "I'm sure Warwick will explain everything tonight and you will be able to sort things out." Elsie was far from certain of anything Margaret would sort out, but she was concerned for Margaret's mental state and the psychological burden she was enduring. She felt it more important to re-assure her than to speculate on what might or might not happen this evening.
"I'm sure Warwick will put everyone's mind to rest tonight. I know he's been very busy trying to help everybody. Don't worry. It'll all work out I'm sure. Why don't you try to talk with Robert. He's just told me he's about to become a taxi-driver," she said.
"A what?" Margaret shrieked aghast. "God, who would dare ride in a taxi with him?" she exclaimed, this time within earshot of Robert, who
appeared unperturbed by the remark.
"Well, I guess we'll find out soon enough, won't we?" he said. It would have been Robert's normal behaviour at this point to turn on Margaret with a barrage of taunts about her weight, her marriage, her nervous disposition, but Robert was strangely magnanimous.
"I'm branching out," he said. "I'm about to broaden my life's experiences, and I feel somewhat proud of that. It might just be the making of me," he added. Margaret heard the words he spoke but found it difficult to associate them with her younger brother. Turning to Elsie her mouth open in wonder, all she could say was, "What's overtaken him?" Elsie was quick to settle Margaret's astonishment. She could see that, if left unchecked this little repartee between the two siblings could easily get out of control.
"He's in a good mood. Let him be. He's being very positive at the moment, so let's not spoil it," she said softly. "Have you had dinner?" Elsie asked in a louder voice, intended for them both. "I have some party pies in the oven if you would like something." Robert responded, "Yes please." Margaret showed less enthusiasm. "No thanks. I have eaten. I'm trying to diet again." Normally this would be the excuse Robert would use to pass some disparaging remark about Margaret's weight and she steeled herself for his response. When Robert brushed passed her to attack the party pies, his only words were, "Excuse me sis," as he picked up the plate and returned to the armchair. Margaret was stunned. No insulting remark from Robert! "What has happened to you?" she asked.
"Margaret!" Elsie snapped. Still Robert was unperturbed.
"That's okay. I'm fine with that," he said to Elsie. "The fact is things are changing for me. Perhaps more than even I realize. I can't explain it in any great detail, but having a job obviously helps," he said. "And knowing that there's a little pot of gold somewhere in the future does wonders for my confidence too, so there you have it," he concluded. Little did either Elsie or Margaret realize that the pot of gold Robert was referring to, had nothing to do with Andrea's will.
A knock on the door distracted the three of them from their discussion. All three knew who it was. Warwick had arrived. Elsie was relieved that finally some clear information would emerge for everybody. Margaret was anxiously anticipating some information that she felt would bring her freedom, a new life. Robert was outwardly calm and relaxed. Deep down however, he was brimming with delight. He was supremely confident. He had never felt this way before.
Warwick entered the flat, kissed his mother on the cheek, looked in to see both Robert and Margaret and said, "Good evening everyone. Sorry I'm a bit late, had to tie up one or two things at the office."
"Would you like a drink," Elsie asked. "Yes that would be great. A rum and coke if you have it, mother," he answered as he placed his briefcase on the dining-room table. "Looks full," Robert said, referring to the briefcase. "Yes it is actually," Warwick answered, surprised not so much at the comment, but that it came from Robert. Taking a second look at his younger brother, Warwick noticed his changed appearance, the suit, the clean-shaven face, the positive attitude. "So, you look like you have another engagement tonight," he said to Robert.
"No, I don't, but I bet you do" Robert fired back.
Warwick was taken aback. He did have another engagement tonight but not one that he was willing to divulge to Robert or anyone else. "Er, no, I'm off home from here," he replied, annoyed that he had suddenly found himself on the defensive.
"Here's your drink Warwick," Elsie interrupted. "Thanks," Warwick said. "How are you tonight Margaret?" he asked, deflecting attention from his uncomfortable encounter with Robert. "I'm okay, thank you," she answered with a quiver in her voice. "I'm hoping you will be able to explain things for us tonight. It means a lot to me," she added, her nervousness now clearly evident. "Yes I'm sure I can. Why don't we get down to it now and perhaps have a little supper afterwards," he said looking to Elsie. "Yes let's," said Robert.
As the four of them arranged themselves around the dining-room table, and Warwick began removing files from his briefcase, a hush descended upon the room. Warwick put on his reading glasses and carefully perused each document he removed from his briefcase. He paused a moment as if undecided as to which piece of news he should give them first. Then, sensing the apprehension, he put the papers down and carefully looked around at each person sitting at the table.
"First of all, let me allay any fears you may have about Andrea's will. She has been generous to all of us. Her estate as you probably know is significant, but also a little complicated. There are shares, property and cash, all of which will need to be settled before proper disbursements can take place. However, all of you will receive a small cash sum and then an annuity," he said.
"What's an annuity?" Margaret asked.
"It's a regular sum of money paid monthly for a period of time or until it runs out." Warwick answered. "It will be managed by a firm of trustees Andrea has appointed. Their name is Spinner, Brady and Capper. They have an office in the city.
"What was that about a cash sum?' Robert asked, staring directly at Warwick. Warwick turned his head to look at Robert. "Andrea has allowed for each of us to be paid a cash sum of ten thousand dollars. I suppose she was thinking that it would enable those who need it most to take care of any outstanding debts, or anything else that was needed," Warwick answered. "And when do we get that?" Margaret asked. "The trustees will release that immediately probate has been settled, probably in about a month or so. If you are in some dire need for some money now, the trustees would be willing to advance some of the ten thousand now out of their own funds, but it would be better to wait until probate has been finalised." There was a silence in the air as both Robert and Margaret digested the detail that had so far been revealed to them. "That however is not the main point of my wanting to have this meeting tonight. There is something else you need to know," Warwick said slowly, taking a deep breath as he paused.
Elsie felt his tension and asked, "What is it Warwick?" As Warwick looked around the room, he wondered about the impact the next piece of information would have on each of them, particularly his mother.
"What is it?" Elsie repeated.
"Andrea has a daughter," he said with trepidation, uncertain as to the possible reaction. There was no reaction. Stunned silence! It was as if a bolt of lightning had struck suddenly leaving each of them momentarily paralysed. It was Elsie who recovered first.
"What?" she said, as if convinced that she had not heard him.
"Andrea has a daughter. Her name is Mary Therese. She's twenty-two years of age and she was born in Brisbane in 1974." Warwick allowed the release of this further piece of information the time it needed to be digested. The three of them sat there staring, and still no reaction until finally, the silence was broken.
"How do you know this?" Margaret asked.
"Andrea told me the day she died. She gave me all the details and asked me to find Mary Therese and ensure that she was included in the will. The same information was included in the documents held by Spinner, Brady and Capper. I have kick-started the process engaging an old university friend in Brisbane to help with the search. This is the complication I was referring to earlier. Until we find Mary Therese, we will not be able to formalise the annuities because we won't know the amount we can settle on. This was a condition of Andrea's will. We have to find Mary Therese.
"I don't believe it," Margaret said without thinking. Robert was stunned. His confidence level had been at an all time high but this sudden surprise had altered his state of mind. "How do we find her? I mean how do we start?" he asked. "Mary Therese was adopted when she was about four months old," Warwick replied. "There was an adoption agency involved somehow but from investigations already started, it seems that the records relating to that adoption have been lost. There is also something a bit odd about the way in which the adoption was handled and I'm beginning to think that it might have been an illegal process. Apparently there is no record of it with the relevant government department."
"What does
that mean?" Robert asked. "It means our job in finding Mary Therese is going to be that much harder," Warwick answered. "What I've been able to establish is, that the couple who adopted Mary Therese lived in Cairns for a time. The fellow who is making enquiries for me will be in Cairns this week and hopefully he will come up with something."
All the time as Warwick spoke and the two siblings tried to absorb the news, Elsie sat silently at the kitchen table. This unexpected revelation had shocked her. As she sat there, no longer listening to Warwick, her mind was transported back in time to 1974, when Andrea came to her with the news of her transfer to Brisbane. The temporary career move that lasted a year or so before Andrea returned home again. What had happened to her? Was she pregnant before she left? Was her transfer simply staged to get her away for the period of her confinement? Why didn't she just say she was pregnant? How was it that it never came to light later, when Andrea was financially independent and could have supported her daughter? Questions circled in Elsie's head until her mind could take no more. "I have to lie down," she said.
"Mother, can I get you something?" Margaret asked. "No, no don't do anything. I just want to lie down for a few minutes. Perhaps you could put the kettle on and make some tea or something," Elsie answered as she rose and walked to her bedroom. Inside the confines of her bedroom, Elsie stood motionless, her head erect, and her shoulders straight, her eyes fixed firmly on the dressing-table mirror. She stared into the mirror. It beamed back her reflection, faultlessly, precisely. She took account of the years passed, as she glanced briefly at her wedding photograph sitting on the dresser. How young she was then. She stood there for a few moments, staring at the photograph. She looked intently at the image of her husband Arthur. Then, as the memories came flooding back, suddenly it came. Overwhelmed by grief she collapsed onto the bed. She fell back, her hands clasping her face, fearful her body was about to fall apart. The tears welled up and poured from her eyes. She opened her mouth to release the pressure inside, but she made not a sound. Her children in the next room would not hear her cry. Her body rocked from side to side as she cried, her hands wringing wet as they covered her face. Then as quickly as it came it stopped. A respite from the pain. The body had taken enough and needed rest. She let her hands slide away from her face and she stared toward the ceiling. The mental image of her adopted daughter crystallized in her mind. Andrea's entire life flashed across her mind, from the day she and Arthur brought her home, to her growing up, going to school, and then blossoming into the beautiful young lady she was, all flashed across Elsie's pain-shattered memory. And now it was revealed to her that Andrea had a daughter. 'How could I not have known this?' she asked herself over and over again. 'Why did she keep it from me?' Elsie's mind poured over the past, searching for a clue, a word, a phrase that Elsie might now interpret differently. 'Did she say anything that I missed? Was she trying to tell me something and didn't know how?' A gentle knock on the bedroom door brought her back to real time.
"Mother, would you like some tea? I have a cup here for you. Can I come in?" Margaret asked tentatively. Elsie sat up quickly and composed herself.
"Yes Margaret, come in," she said. As Margaret entered the room Elsie wiped her eyes with her sleeve, but Margaret noticed and asked, "What is it mother? Is it Andrea?" Elsie took the tea from her daughter and nodded. "I had no idea she had a daughter. Did you know anything about this?" she queried. "No, it's a complete surprise to me. She never said a word," Margaret replied.
"Well, what on earth are we going to do? We have to find her. Not for the money's sake though. We just have to find her. I have a grand-daughter out there somewhere. I have to find her." Margaret looked at her quizzically. "Well, technically she's not really your grand-daughter, not like my daughter," she said, biting her tongue the moment the words came out. Elsie let the insult slide. This was no time for temperamental outbursts.
"Believe me, Margaret, if you had ever adopted someone you would know that every part of them becomes a part of you, and it never ends, even after their death. If Mary Therese is out there somewhere, then she is my grand-daughter and I need to know her. If, God forbid, something has happened to her and we never meet, then she is still my grand-daughter and I need to know what happened in the intervening years. Nothing on this earth could possibly change that."
The two women sat on the bed together and Margaret tried to console her mother. Elsie slowly recovering from the shock began to reflect on the events, and her thoughts suddenly focussed on the one person she thought might know something.
"I wonder if Maria Stewart knows anything about this?" she asked.
"Maria Stewart?"
"Yes," Elsie snapped. "Maria Stewart. Andrea's sister. Remember? I realise that you hardly know her, but she's still her sister. She's a good and caring woman, and it galls me that neither you, Robert nor Warwick have taken the slightest interest in the fact that she's lying in hospital at the moment recovering from the same car accident, Warwick and Susan were involved in."
An embarrassed Margaret made no attempt to reply as Elsie composed herself and returned to the lounge room.
23.