concerning it, and your father never said anything about it. I don't believe he knew himself."
She smiled. Yes, that makes sense. If it was the secret Van Helsing legacy, then it was best kept by having no written records and only the heirs knowing about it. Even someone as loyal and trustworthy as Aelfraed was still one person too many. The only question was, did Mandy know of it? But she doubted it, since she was not an heir, or a Van Helsing. She hoped she would never have to open it, but it was a comfort to know that her father's words had been true. Mr. Mistoffelees rubbed against the skirt of her dress and purred, as if he was reassured as well.
She put her mourning face back on before she turned around. "The others are waiting for us."
"Yes, Miss."
The cat trotted out ahead of her as he followed, but she paused when she came abreast of her father's crypt. Looking at it, she said, "How is the slab to be inscribed?"
"With his name, title, and position, and the dates of his birth and death. Did you want to add an epitaph?"
She shook her head. "No, I mean, how will the inscription be done?"
"My apologies, Miss, I had planned to attach a bronze plaque."
She nodded. "Have it covered with a corrosion resistant material and make sure it is well bolted into place. I want future generations to know who he was even a thousand years from now."
"Yes, Miss, I will see to it myself."
Back to TOC
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An Aunt's Betrayal
Differel started off again when Mr. Mistoffelees emerged from his hiding place and trotted away. It was perhaps silly, but she felt she could depend on his judgment. After all, he could see better than her, as well as having acute hearing and a powerful sense of smell. She doubted he could understand her predicament, much less aid her in dealing with it, but it was a comfort just having him with her.
She felt distressed that events had come that far. She had wanted to establish legal checks and balances on Mandy's activities, but her aunt had forced her hand. She had even gone so far as to retain a solicitor for the purposes of preparing writs and injunctions and suits, if necessary, and despite her lack of experience in such matters, she had been lucky when a good one practically fell into her lap....
Despite its name, the study on the family floor wasn't an office or some other type of workroom. It was in fact a drawing room, but one designed for meditation, contemplation, and other intellectual pursuits. For that day, it served as the location for the reading of her father's will. Aelfraed had rearranged the chairs so that the solicitor would sit facing those who needed to know its contents, which was pretty much just himself, Aunt Mandy, and Differel. Differel sat in the center with her on her left and him on her right, as they waited for the solicitor to organize his notes. Differel knew how important the event was, especially on a personal level; it would be the last contact she would have with her father, indirect though it was. But the wait was starting to bore her, and Mandy, who had never been very patient, was losing her temper.
"May we get on with this?" she finally asked in a terse voice. "I have important things to do."
"My apologies for the delay," he replied in an absent manner, "but Sir Henry made some significant changes in the days before he died. I need to make sure I have everything in its proper order.
Mandy fumed but made no rejoinder, and secretly Differel enjoyed her discomfort. It was a pleasure seeing her forced to acquiesce to someone else's demands for a change.
The solicitor adjusted his glasses. "I believe I am ready now. I will not delay you further with a full recitation of the will. It is written in legalese and much of it is mumbo-jumbo."
Differel smiled. She liked him; he was honest and down-to-earth, lacking the pretension that so many in his profession seemed to possess. In the twenty-four hours since the funeral, she had had to deal with a fair number of lawyers; she hoped he would be the last.
"It is divided into four sets of provisions, three personal and one professional. Rather than read everything in the order it was written, I will instead present it in what I hope will make better sense." He flipped through the papers one last time, and settled himself into a comfortable position, going so far as to cross his legs.
Yes, I definitely like this fellow.
"This represents the Last Will and Testament of Sir Henry Arthur Richard Van Helsing, 15th Baronet of Denver. To his daughter, Differel Isolde Churchill Pendragon Van Helsing, he bequeaths the following:
"First and foremost, the headship of the Van Helsing Family, with all the powers, privileges, and responsibilities thereof.
"Second, the Baronetcy of Denver, making her the 16th Baronetess.
"Third, the estate, house, and grounds of the Van Helsing ancestral manor, informally known as Caerleon Hall, and all the properties and possessions pertaining thereto.
"Fourth, seven parcels of undeveloped land in the District of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, County Norfolk, surrounding Denver and Downham Market.
"Fifth, the Van Helsing Family investment portfolio of stocks, bonds, futures, and more, currently worth £165 million.
"Sixth, the personal estate of Sir Henry, currently valued at £200 million.
"And seventh, the estate of Gwendolyn Isolde née Pendragon, Lady Van Helsing, currently valued at £50 million.
"There are also numerous small bequests to her from the personal property of Sir Henry and Lady Van Helsing. I will provide a complete list at the conclusion of this meeting. Sir Henry did add a codicil before his death, which states that, while she may receive the headship, title, and personal bequests, until Miss Van Helsing turns twenty-one the estates, securities, monies, and properties shall be held in trust and managed by her aunt, The Lady Miranda Guinevere, Baroness Pendragon, who is named executrix of the estate. Furthermore, Lady Pendragon is named Regent-Director of the Caerleon Order, again until Miss Van Helsing turns twenty-one."
Differel felt troubled. She didn't like the idea of Mandy having that much power over her legacy. She understood the reason for it, but she would have preferred someone more dispassionate had been chosen. Not that she suspected she would embezzle her wealth, but who knew what she might do to protect her "best interests"?
"In addition," the solicitor went on, "Aelfraed Dalton Walters is named legal guardian for Miss Van Helsing, and Sir Edward Wallace Penbryn is appointed overseer for the estate."
That made Differel feel better. Aelfraed and her godfather would make a good check on Mandy.
The solicitor shuffled the pages of his notes. "To The Right Honourable The Lady Miranda Guinevere, Baroness Pendragon, is bequeathed the sum of £10 million in stocks and bonds, in gratitude for the support she has given over the years, and for her mentorship in the years to come. Furthermore, she is granted the right to live at Caerleon Hall as often and for as long as she wishes until her dying day. There are also a number of personal bequests from Sir Henry and Lady Van Helsing."
Differel thought that last was only fair, and as head of the family she would be technically in charge, even if she did not have full legal and financial authority yet.
The solicitor flipped through the pages again. "To Aelfraed Dalton Walters is bequeathed the sum of £100,000 cash, in recognition of his loyal and faithful service, and his loving friendship. Furthermore, an additional £1000 is bequeathed for the purpose of establishing a public house in his retirement, with the proviso that it be named Caerleon Arms. To Helena Victoria Widget, née Walters, is bequeathed the sum of £100,000 cash, in recognition of her fine service and support. Finally, the sum of £100,000 cash is bequeathed to the estate staff, to be divided on a seniority shares basis, in recognition of their untiring service and devotion. As before, there are a number of personal bequests for the staff as well."
He opened his leather briefcase and pulled out three large envelopes. "These give details on your bequests," he explained as he handed them out, "as well as provide a copy of the will. And that is all I have for you."
Mand
y left the room without a word; the solicitor didn't seem to mind or even notice, he was too busy placing his notes inside the briefcase. Differel and Aelfraed stood up, waiting for the solicitor to finish.
"I'll see you out when you're ready," Aelfraed told him.
"Just a moment," Differel said. Looking at the lawyer, she asked, "Sir? What's your name?"
"Finlay Atherton, Esq., Dame Differel," he replied, sparing her a glance, "of Atherton, Cuthridge, and Montmerroy."
She was surprised at the honourific, but considering all that happened, she figured she would have to get used to it. "Were you my father's solicitor or my family's?"
He stood up and looked down on her. "You father's, Madam."
She almost giggled, but stopped herself before letting it out. Madam was the style address to a Baronetess. It sounded strange hearing herself called that, but she liked it. It made her sound older, more mature, whereas Miss reinforced the fact that she was still just a child.
"Do you know if my family has a solicitor?"
"No, Madam, it doesn't."
She smiled; that was exactly what she hoped for. "I believe that's an oversight I should remedy. Would you consider becoming my family's solicitor, as well as my own? You're already knowledgeable about our affairs, and it would take awhile for someone else to get up to speed. I would consider it a great favor if you accepted."
He smiled back. "I don't know everything, Madam, but I can learn. It would be an honour and a privilege."
"Then, if you have the time, I would like to get your advice on some personal matters."
"Certainly, I have all afternoon."
"Splendid. Aelfraed, would you get us some tea, please?"
He gave her a proud smile as he nodded his head. "It would be my pleasure, Dame Differel."
She waited until he left the room. "Please, sit down."
Atherton did so as she sat opposite him. "Very well, Madam, how may I help you?"
"I need to know to what extend my being the Head of the Van Helsing Family allows me to contravene my Aunt's actions as executrix and Regent-Director. I would also like to find out exactly what part of my inheritance I have direct control over, how much of the portfolio is available for my use, and what I can do without having to secure my Aunt's permission. Finally, I would like you to explain to me the responsibilities of Aelfraed's guardianship, and my rights under that arrangement."
His look turned serious. "May I enquire as to the purpose of your requests?"
"You are covered by privilege?"
"As long as you have me on retainer, yes, Madam."
"Then, I can assure you I have no intention of trying to usurp my Aunt's or guardian's rights and responsibilities where my welfare and the welfare of the Order are concerned. I merely wish to know how far my own freedom extends within these restrictions, and what rights I have to challenge decisions made that I do not believe are in my best interest."
Atherton nodded and opened his briefcase. "I believe your father anticipated this, as he gave me specific instructions on how to proceed if it came up. Please give me a moment to organize my notes."
Differel smiled and nodded. "Take your time." He searched through his papers as Aelfraed wheel a teacart into the room.
Differel reached the stone wall surrounding the churchyard and ran along the outside towards the church. Though the funeral party had entered the grounds through that building, she remembered there being a wrought iron gate in the wall. When she reached it, she crouched and turned, and looked back towards the center of the estate. She could see flashlights way off in the distance by the woods, but none nearby or even approaching. Apparently her diversion had worked, but she couldn't delay any longer. She had to take a chance, before they came in her direction.
Standing up, she pulled the gate open
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