by Bria Marche
“Of course I will.”
“All right, ladies, just follow me to the window. I’ll go inside and prepare her. When I open the curtain, just nod your head, then I’ll close it again. That’s all you need to do.”
Abby gave Mel a frightened look and held her hand as they followed Dr. Harmon. Abby’s hand was shaking through the tight grip. The curtain opened, Abby gasped, nodded her head, and turned to face the wall. Within five seconds, it was over, and the curtain was closed once more.
Dr. Harmon came out and gave Abby a comforting embrace, then he explained the identification process. “All you have to do now is sign the form acknowledging you identified the deceased as your mother, tell us how many copies of the death certificate you need, and sign the consent form agreeing to keep her here until we release her to the funeral home. I’m very sorry for your loss, Miss Melrose. Please follow me.”
Chapter Five
Abby signed all the papers, gathered her mother’s belongings, and left with Melanie. Back at the house, she sat at the kitchen table with Melanie and Betsy, a stiff drink in front of each of them, and began scrolling through her mother’s cell phone.
“I think this is the easiest and fastest way to find most of the people we’ll need to contact. She told me she was going to her attorney’s office today. I’m sure his phone number would be in her call list.” Abby checked the calls her mother had made in the last two days, but surprisingly, the only calls were to the Historic Charleston Foundation and the Art Institute of Charleston. “I don’t understand this. She said she was going to a board meeting luncheon today, then to her attorney’s office after that. Mel, what time did we leave Crabby’s?”
“I think it was around two o’clock. Why?” Mel took a sip of her single malt scotch and waited for Abby’s reply.
“That’s right, and my mom already had the accident by then. Betsy, I was home by two fifteen, wasn’t I?”
“Yes, you were, Miss Abby.”
“That means my mom went to the luncheon but never stopped at her attorney’s office. Either she changed her mind, or she was stopping at the house first for some reason. Either way, we’ll never know. I’ll have to look online for all the attorneys in Charleston and see if any of them match up with the names on her contact list. At least that’s a start. I’m sure he would have copies of all my mom’s legal documents and everything else important. Betsy, Mel and I are going to the police department to get a copy of the accident report and to the cemetery to see if there’s a plot next to my dad’s for my mom. You can start by printing out all the attorneys’ names in Charleston and the surrounding areas. We’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Miss Abby?”
“Yes, Betsy?”
“I don’t know how to use a computer. Miss Charlotte never let me near hers. I’m sorry.”
“That’s okay. Can you just compare the attorneys listed in the phone book to my mom’s contact list on her phone?”
“Yes, ma’am, I can do that.”
***
It took only ten minutes at the police department to pick up the accident report. Abby wasn’t sure why she might need it, but she assumed it would be necessary for the car insurance claim. She and Melanie headed to Magnolia Cemetery next. Most of her ancestors on the Melrose side were buried in the beautiful old cemetery. Abby hoped there was a family plot, but it was something she and Charlotte had never discussed after Edward’s death.
The girls entered the cemetery office and asked the exact location of Edward’s grave and if there was indeed a Melrose family plot. Because the cemetery covered ninety-two acres, Abby needed directions to find her father’s grave. They were told there was a Melrose family plot with four gravesites left but none next to Edward.
“I don’t understand that, Mel. Wouldn’t my mom be buried next to my dad?”
“If the plots were purchased many years ago, I guess it was first come, first served.”
“That’s a disgusting thing to say but probably true. I guess we can look at what’s left and pick the one closest to my dad. Who’s going to complain anyway?” Abby gave Mel a quick smile as she searched for her father’s headstone.
Edward Melrose was buried next to an enormous live oak. Spanish moss hung from every limb, deeply shading the area yet giving it an eerie feeling.
“Here’s my dad’s grave. I barely remember the day he died even though it was only five years ago. I think my mom and I were both in shock.” Abby brushed away the stray moss that clung to the headstone. She knelt next to the grave and said a silent prayer, telling her father how much she missed him. She placed a small round stone on the granite block, symbolizing that someone had come to visit Edward. “Let’s find the nearest available plot and see what it looks like.”
Melanie, who was one row to the right and three gravesites away from Edward’s, said, “Do you think this spot is part of the Melrose plot?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll sketch out the location. I’m sure the cemetery superintendent has a map of all the vacant gravesites and knows if they’re spoken for.”
Back inside the building, Abby asked about the empty plot. The superintendent, Mr. LaRue, a portly man, showed her the four available gravesites on the map. The one Melanie found was in the Melrose plot and available. All were paid for many years earlier.
“My mom passed away this morning, and I’d like that spot for her. It’s the nearest to my dad, and it looks nice. Can I set up a memorial service here in the chapel?”
“Yes, indeed. How soon would you like the service? I have this coming Saturday and the following Friday available. Do you have someone in mind that will give the eulogy, or do you need to hire a professional speaker?”
“Oh my gosh, I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead. Who would write the eulogy?”
“Normally, the family puts something together and gives it to the speaker. Many times, family members are too distraught to speak themselves. It’s just an idea. Let me give you a brochure showing the services we offer.”
“Thank you. I think I’ll plan for the Friday after next. Please set that up for me, then I’ll get back to you on the à la carte options.”
“Very well, then. My condolences to your family, Miss Melrose, and I’ll wait for your call.”
***
The drive back to South Battery took a half hour. Abby stared out the side window, still in disbelief. That morning, Charlotte had been alive, sniping at Abby the same way she had since Abby had returned home a few days ago. Abby had complained about her mother to Melanie at lunch. If only she could take everything back and rewind the day. Tears pooled in the corners of her eyes.
Mel reached across the console and took Abby’s hand. “I think we need another drink. Maybe Betsy has good news. She may have found out the attorney’s name by now.”
They entered through the gate at the back of the driveway. Since there wasn’t a car at home any longer, Melanie could park her Toyota there. The walled garden behind the house was a private sanctuary, beautiful and lush with flowers and greenery. A small pond held koi and water lilies, and the fountain in the center bubbled a soothing, peaceful sound. Beautiful songbirds darted back and forth to all the feeders, perhaps hoping to grab the best seeds for themselves. Just as the ladies sat down in the garden to look over the progress Betsy had made, the house telephone rang. Betsy rose, smoothed her simple blue dress, and walked to the library with her sweet tea to answer it.
“Melrose residence, may I help you?”
“Yes, this is Attorney William Baron Lewis calling. I’m the attorney in charge of handling Charlotte Melrose’s estate. May I ask who this is?”
“This is Betsy Stowe, the maid, but I think you should speak with Abigail, Charlotte’s daughter. I’ll get her. Please hold on.” Abby and Melanie were going through the attorney names that had been highlighted in the phone book when Betsy rushed to the garden. “Miss Abby, there’s an attorney on the phone. He said he’s the attorney for your mother’s est
ate.”
“What’s his name?” Abby asked as she got up to retrieve Charlotte’s phone. “It sounds like his name should be ‘ambulance chaser.’”
“He said it’s William Baron Lewis, ma’am, and he’s waiting for you to come to the phone.”
“Well, he can wait a little longer. I want to see if his name is on her contact list. If he really is Mom’s estate attorney, his name will be there. Hmmm… there he is. Okay, I’ll bite.” Abby walked to the library with her drink and sat at the desk. A pad of paper and a small vase of pens were always at the ready. Abby pulled the pad closer and grabbed a pen as she made herself comfortable. “Hello. Abby Melrose Bellavance here. Whom am I speaking to?”
“Miss Melrose, this is Attorney William Baron Lewis, your mother’s personal attorney. I handle all of her legal matters as well as her will. I’m sorry for your loss, ma’am.”
“How did you hear about my mother’s passing so quickly?” Abby was sizing the man up and decided she didn’t like his air of superiority. “Mr. Lewis?” She took a sip of her scotch, swirled the ice cubes in the glass, and waited.
“It’s Attorney William Baron Lewis, Miss Melrose.”
“Right… and you heard of her passing, how?”
“Let’s just say I have close contact with the Charleston emergency service department.”
“So, you’re an ambulance chaser… is that what you’re saying?”
“Excuse me?” He sounded agitated. “Miss Melrose, I’ve been your mother’s personal attorney for years. I’ve been instructed to execute her will as soon as possible upon her untimely parting. I’ll have to meet with you and anyone else listed in the will in order to proceed.”
“Mr. Lewis, my mother hasn’t even been buried yet. I’ll get back to you in a few weeks. Please respect our right to mourn.” Abby hung up, grabbed the bottle of scotch, and returned to the garden.
Mel and Betsy sipped their drinks, anxious to hear what the attorney said to Abby.
“I can’t believe that man. All he’s looking for is his piece of the pie. I’ll worry about the will after Mom has been put to rest. Now I have to figure out who to call that’s related to us. Anyone in town will read about her death in the newspaper. Oh no, I have to come up with an obituary. Betsy, you’ve been by my mom’s side for years. You know all the organizations she was a member of, and I think you can give me some favorable adjectives to use in describing her. You must have seen the sweet side of her now and then, didn’t you?”
“Of course, Miss Abby, I’ll get started on that right away. Would you like dinner first, ma’am?”
“No, thanks. This stuff is more important to take care of than meals. It’s time to let your hair down and stop worrying about serving us. Between you, Mel, and me, we’ll get everything done correctly and thoroughly. Tonight, we’re ordering pizza.”
A smile crossed Betsy’s face as she embraced Abby. Her gold-flecked eyes glistened with tears as Abby expressed her gratitude for Betsy’s years of service in the Melrose household.
“From now on, this house is going to be less formal. Are you okay with that?”
“Yes, ma’am. What would you and Miss Melanie like on your pizza?”
“You decide. You’re eating it, too. Make sure to order an extra-large for all of us. Who delivers the groceries?”
“It’s a private company called At Your Service. I give them the list Mrs. Melrose draws up weekly, then they deliver the groceries from the natural foods store on Spring Street.”
“Well, you can cancel their services. From now on, we’re buying groceries at Publix, and we’ll go together. I think it’s time to trim the fat around here. I’m sure my mom spent thousands more a month than she needed to. We’re going to make a lot of changes, beginning with my name. No more Miss Abby, it’s just Abby. Okay? As far as I’m concerned, Betsy, you’re family. You may be the housekeeper and cook, but starting now, in this house, we’re going by first names only.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And no more calling anyone ma’am either.” Abby laughed at the shocked expression on Betsy’s face. “Don’t get me wrong. I loved my mom. Over the last few years, we were estranged, but I’m sure you were aware of that. I certainly didn’t wish any harm to her, and now her death is excruciating. There’s so much I wish we could have changed or fixed, but it’s too late. I’ll have to live with that burden forever. But going forward, I want this huge old house to feel like a home, a welcoming, happy home, not a place where you have to tiptoe around for fear of being scolded. So starting today, I want you to let your guard down and feel just as much at home in this house as I do. The only difference is, you’re the paid cook and housekeeper. And now, I’d really like to see your room.”
“My room? Why would you want to see that? It’s not in the best condition, Miss… I mean, Abby.”
“Exactly, and that’s about to change.”
***
Charlotte always kept money in the house for incidentals. Abby knew that for a fact since many times, she had seen her mother come out of the bedroom with a wad of cash in her hand. Abby was sure it was hidden somewhere in the master suite.
“Okay, you guys, we’re going on a treasure hunt. Literally. My mom kept money in the house, probably in her bedroom. We need cash—and fast. I barely have any of my own, and Betsy, I bet you don’t either.”
Betsy stared at Abby with eyes the size of saucers. Mel rubbed her hands together so fast, they almost ignited in anticipation of the fun.
“On a serious note, I’ll have to come up with money for my mom’s funeral and memorial service. I have to support this household, pay utility bills, and buy groceries. We really need a car, so I’m sure you understand where I’m coming from. Oh my gosh, I just had an epiphany. Mel, how much do you pay for rent, and how big is your apartment?”
“Um…it’s probably eight hundred fifty square feet, not that big, Abs. You’ve seen it. I pay one thousand fifty dollars a month plus utilities. Why?”
“Move in with us. It’s the perfect idea. This house has nine bedrooms, for crying out loud. Each of the larger bedrooms has its own private bath, plus there are three other full baths and two powder rooms downstairs. Look how gigantic this house is, and it’s beautiful. All you’d have to do is pay your rent here instead, and kick in for the food. Please say yes. It’s meant to be.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes, I’m totally serious. This is my house now, and I can do whatever I want with it.”
“Who wants a drink?” Betsy asked with newfound joy in her voice. “We have to make a toast to new beginnings because I know Melanie is going to say yes. She’d be crazy not to.”
“Okay, you’ve got a deal. Betsy, is there any champagne in the house?”
“There sure is. Pizza and champagne sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?”
After dinner and once several flutes of champagne were toasted to Charlotte, the ladies went upstairs to begin the search. Living in a massive mansion with no money wasn’t an option. It would take months, Abby was sure, before her mother’s estate would be settled. For the time being, they had to find cash to live on. Abby’s stash of cash from St. Thomas was almost depleted. After the purchase of the airplane ticket back to the states, she was left with two thousand one hundred dollars to her name.
The three women searched the entire bedroom. By the time they reached the closet, the suite looked as though the latest hurricane had ripped through with a fury.
“Nothing yet, damn it. The money must be in the closet. We’ll have to go through everything that has a pocket, and all the shoe boxes, too. Betsy, bring a pitcher of sweet tea up here, please. This closet is going to get stuffy.”
“Okay, I’ll be right back.” The sound of Betsy’s shoes running down the staircase made Abby laugh. When Charlotte was alive, heaven forbid if the walnut floors got scuffed. Betsy would have had to polish the floor on her hands and knees if Charlotte had ever got wind of something like that. Betsy returned
quickly with three glasses and a pitcher of icy sweet tea on a tray. She placed the tray carefully on the night table next to Charlotte’s bed and let out an involuntary sniffle mixed with a tiny sob.
Abby turned to see Betsy wipe her nose and cheeks with her forearm. “What’s wrong?”
“A memory, that’s all… I’m sorry.”
“Tell us about it, please.” Abby and Melanie came out of the closet and sat on the edge of the bed.
“It’s just going to be so different going forward. Everything I’ve been programmed to do or not do over the last fifteen years will change. I used to bring Miss Charlotte a tray with warm milk and cookies every evening, and I’d set it right here on this table. It makes me sad, that’s all. I guess it’s been a long day.”
“My mom had her sweet moments, didn’t she?”
“Yes, she did… but she could really get under my skin, too,” Betsy said with a laugh. “I would be honored to help write the eulogy.”
“Thanks, I’m counting on it. I really believe you knew her best. Now use that energy and think really hard. Where would my mom put that money?”
“Well… she was very particular about her shoes and always stored them in the shoe boxes. She was extremely fond of an ugly pair of knee-high boots. I never could figure out why. The box is on the top shelf over here.” Betsy led the women back into the closet and pointed to a large boot box on the far right top shelf. “I never understood why she kept that box up so high if she loved those boots so much. As short as she was, she had to get the step stool out every time she pulled it down.”
Mel gave Abby an encouraging grin. “Go for it, girl. You’re the tallest one in the bunch.”
Abby reached as high as she could and caught the edge of the box with her fingertips. She pulled it forward until it dropped into her arms. “Shall we have a look?”
The three sat on the bed and paused for a moment. “Do it, Abby. Open the lid,” Melanie said.
Abby apprehensively lifted the lid, afraid she’d be disappointed. Inside lay a pair of tan knee-high fashion boots with suede fringe and buckles along the side.