Anne thought back to when she was fourteen. Emma, their beautiful mother, had gathered her three daughters together: Elizabeth age fifteen; Anne; and Mary, age eleven; embracing each one as if to never let them go. With a calm voice she announced that she had cancer. The girls were devastated. Mary started to cry and Anne told her mother there must be a mistake. How could anyone so pretty as their mom be sick? Although Anne had noticed her mother’s diminished weight and lack of energy, she never thought to question why. Emma sadly shook her head and with regret etched in her eyes, told them she only had a few weeks to live. The cancer, which had begun as a small cyst in their mother’s knee, had spread to the lymph nodes, and then to her bones, and eventually to her lungs. Emma’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she told them she was not afraid to die, however, the thought of leaving them behind was causing her immeasurable grief. Emma’s sole concern was for her three precious girls. To leave them at the brink of womanhood seemed unthinkable and so unjust. Emma also knew her beloved husband would be in no state of mind after her death to care for them as they needed. Fortunately, Carol, her best friend since childhood, decided to locate closer in order to be near Emma until the end. With the move, Carol promised to look after the ‘little Miss Elliot’s’, raising them as she would her own. Emma felt as if Carol was a godsend, for she knew her dear friend loved the girls almost as much as she did. This knowledge allowed Anne’s mother to have peace during her final days, knowing her children were to be left in good hands.
Emma managed to live another ten months, bravely slipping away quietly, surrounded by the ones she loved most. The doctor was surprised, saying it must have been sheer will power that had kept their mother alive that long. Anne rejected the doctor’s assumption. She knew it was love.
The intercom rang, indicating there was someone at the front door. Since Anne was not expecting anyone, she was half-tempted to pretend no one was at home but thought better of it. What if it was the friendly old lady next door needing some help again or Carol stopping by on her way home from work?
Anne hurried down the long staircase to the huge double doors. She peered through the peephole to see a messenger standing outside holding a large yellow envelope. Opening the door with caution, Anne left the chain lock in place. The messenger smiled, holding up an electronic slate for Anne’s signature, passing it through the cracked door. Anne signed off and thanked the messenger as he handed the envelope in return.
Closing the door, she looked oddly at the package. It was addressed to Mr. Elliot and said, ‘Immediate Response Requested’, bearing a return address of Shepherd, Zielinski & Steinburg, Attorneys at Law. Knowing it could be important, and also that her father wouldn’t object, Anne decided to open it.
Even in her wildest dreams, Anne could not have imagined what she read. The papers held a notification of a foreclosure on their home! She wondered at first if this was some sort of joke, but quickly realized the court seal was authentic, along with official documentation from their bank. A thought popped up unbidden into Anne’s head—No wonder he left town! She chided herself for thinking badly of her father, but yet was resentful at having to face this alone. How quickly things change! Wasn’t it only ten minutes earlier she had been thankful to have the house all to herself? Now, she couldn’t wait for her family to return!
Chapter 2
Carol was a fashion plate. Despite being a widow for many years, she didn’t let that hinder her from keeping up with designer trends or the social scene. Many admired Carol’s ability to dress with class and flair. Her hair was an exquisite shade of silver, which was the envy of older women, and Carol kept it short, much like Judi Dench. Her trademark was to wear either black or brown, using color simply to accessorize. Anne thought her godmother a lovely woman and admired the way Carol always spoke her mind. Carol never had children of her own, but didn’t feel cheated since the Elliot girls had filled that void, always making it her duty to guide and advise them. Of the three Elliot girls, she and Anne were the closest, forging a strong bond of love.
Carol sat looking at the foreclosure notice, “Has your dad seen this?”
Earlier that morning, upon receiving an S.O.S. call from Anne, she agreed to meet with her god-daughter at their favorite coffee shop. It was a little hole in the wall, but the coffee was exceptional. For a Saturday, it was especially busy, but luckily they had been able to secure a booth. Soft piano tunes played in the background, lending a relaxing aura to drown out the buzzing coffee grinders and chiming cash registers amongst the throng of people.
Anne shook her head negatively in reply to Carol’s question, taking a sip of her steaming coffee before speaking. “Dad, Elizabeth, and Susan won’t be in town until tomorrow.”
Susan Clay was Elizabeth’s friend. Anne didn’t trust or care for her, feeling she was just looking for her next meal ticket after a recent divorce.
“What’s your next course of action?” Carol asked.
“That’s the $26,000 question,” began Anne, “I don’t know, move I guess. I can’t touch my mother’s estate for another five years. The thing that gets me is Dad didn’t even tell me he was in financial trouble!”
Carol shrugged, “Maybe he didn’t know.”
Resentment showed in Anne’s face. “That’s hard for me to believe. More likely he didn’t care.” Anne took another sip of her coffee and wondered how tomorrow would play out with the return of her father and sister. She was not looking forward to it.
Chapter 3
Anne often dreamed about getting a place of her own, reveling in the thought of decorating and establishing herself as an individual—but she had yet to take that leap. After all, she was still considered a struggling artist, and until a company like Hallmark picked up her designs, she was not in a position to afford a place all by herself. At home, she was able to live rent free, and being a creature of habit, Anne didn’t quite relish the thought of leaving her comfortable surroundings without a substantial reason other then simply wanting her own space. She was sensible, and content where she was. Other than some friction between Elizabeth and herself, Anne was pretty much free to do whatever she liked— that is, as long as dinner was on the table by six o’clock sharp.
Now, as Anne sat uncomfortably in the living room on the leather couch opposite her father’s lawyer, Mr. Shepherd, she wished she had moved out long ago. Being at home obligated her to take part in family affairs she’d much rather avoid. Sighing, she looked at her watch. The two had been sitting in an awkward silence for nearly half an hour as they waited for her father’s return.
Anne studied the aged face of Mr. Shepherd. He was her father’s friend, having attended the same university as Mr. Elliot. Their friendship went way back, and Anne was glad Mr. Shepherd wasn’t easily fooled by her eccentric father.
Hearing a honk outside, Anne looked out the window to see an unfamiliar red convertible pull into the driveway. In the car sat Mr. Elliot, Elizabeth, and Susan. Anne glanced at Mr. Shepherd with raised eyebrows as she rose to head outside to greet them.
“Oh, hello, Anne!” Mr. Elliot said as he caught sight of his daughter approaching.
Anne couldn’t help but admire her father’s well-kept frame and appearance. Mr. Elliot was still a fine looking man and reminded many of an older Cary Grant. He had a way about him, something that set him apart from others. Her dad still walked with confidence in his step—that indefinable charisma which shouted wealth and status. In his mid-sixties, he could still keep up with the best of them, taking great pride in his appearance. His manly features and well-toned figure made him quite sought after by the ladies. Walter was aware of his effect on the weaker sex, so much so, it seemed to him an everyday event to have the admiration of women. Even so, everyone was sure Walter would never remarry. Mr. Elliot had never really gotten over losing his Emma, plus, his inflated ego convinced him no one could ever compliment his looks the way his late wife had.
Anne turned to her sister in greeting, but to her dismay, El
izabeth didn’t even bother to pause in her conversation with Susan to acknowledge her. Anne wondered why slights like this still managed to affect her. Anne and Elizabeth had never gotten along, though not due to any failings on Anne’s part. Anne had always been kind and supportive, but Elizabeth chose to shut her out. Anne couldn’t understand why. Elizabeth had it all. She was the beauty of the family and drop dead gorgeous. If one could win the lottery in face and form, she’d be hand’s down the winner, having received the best genes from both her parents. Everywhere Elizabeth went, she caught the eyes of strangers. Her sister had dark expressive eyes and European features. As such, Elizabeth was the darling of their father—but oddly enough to Anne, it seemed that Elizabeth was jealous of her. Perhaps it was because people remarked that Anne reminded them so much of Emma.
Mr. Elliot motioned proudly to the car. “Isn’t she a beauty? A 1955 convertible…just couldn’t pass her up.” He stood back and admired it. Anne couldn’t pretend to be happy about it under the present circumstances.
“Dad,” Anne said, “Mr. Shepherd is waiting for you inside.” The tone in Anne’s voice caused Elizabeth to send Mr. Elliot a questioning look. As Anne watched Elizabeth’s reaction, she wondered how this news would affect her sister. Elizabeth made it a ritual to visit salons weekly to touch up her roots (she wasn’t a natural blonde), receive rejuvenating facials, and enjoy frequent manicures and pedicures. Not only that, three times a week, she met with a personal trainer. Elizabeth looked like money, having exquisite taste and it was always expensive. She spared nothing when it came to her appearance. To Elizabeth, it was her prize possession. Unfortunately, the maintaining of her beauty was time consuming and never allowed her sister to really find out what she could truly offer the world. Sadly, after people met Elizabeth, the only thing they could recall were her looks. It was the only thing that defined her.
Intrigued by curiosity, Elizabeth and Susan went inside, followed by a rather hesitant Mr. Elliot. Anne was left standing alone with only the forgotten suitcases. Sighing, she picked up what she could carry and headed indoors.
Anne arrived just in time to hear Mr. Shepherd deliver the news. The room became deathly silent. Elizabeth sat in shock and Susan looked uncomfortable, wishing to escape this awkward situation. All eyes were on Mr. Elliot as they waited for his reply. Walter had stationed himself in front of the large bay window overlooking the well-kept backyard and pool, not uttering a word since Mr. Shepherd announced the reason for his visit.
Breaking the silence, he turned and looked at Mr. Shepherd with disbelief. “File for bankruptcy?” Mr. Shepherd nodded affirmatively, pulling some papers out of his briefcase. Mr. Elliot turned to Anne, “Anne, did you know about this?” he asked.
Anne nodded and took a seat. “The foreclosure notice came on Friday.”
“Well, I must say I am quite surprised!” he said as he sat down.
Mr. Shepherd shot Anne an exasperated look. “Really? I don’t see how that’s possible. I’ve been sending you notices for weeks.”
Mr. Elliot looked between Anne and Mr. Shepherd sheepishly. “Come on, Shepherd—” he pleaded.
Mr. Shepherd’s demeanor remained unchanged. “There’s nothing I can do to get you out of this one, Walter.”
“What do you suggest we do then?” Elizabeth asked.
“The only plausible option is to do exactly what I’ve been recommending…get legal protection to keep what assets you have, and then sell everything else.” Mr. Shepherd’s advice shocked Mr. Elliot.
“Everything! Even the new convertible?”
“Yes, Walter, even the car. But to be honest, the convertible is the least of your worries,” said Mr. Shepherd.
Elizabeth whitened. “It’s that bad? But what about my stuff? Will I have to give up my car, too?”
Taking pity on Elizabeth’s frightened face, Mr. Shepherd answered, “There’s no need for you to panic. Anything that is in your name, including your Mercedes, is safe. Now, regarding your father’s estate—it doesn’t look good. Fortunately though, I’ve been approached with an offer for the house.” With a somewhat scolding tone, Mr. Shepherd turned to face Walter, “When I hadn’t heard a response from any of the numerous letters or phone calls regarding the terrible financial state of your affairs,” Mr. Shepherd continued with a despairing look at Mr. Elliot, “I took the liberty of letting a few key individuals know, discretely of course, that you were considering selling your home if the offer was right.” Mr. Shepherd handed a paper to Elizabeth who looked it over in haste. Mr. Elliot crossed the room to view the document, and Elizabeth handed it to him. Mr. Shepherd added, “I’m pleased to tell you it’s a generous offer.”
“Does that mean I can keep the car after all?” inquired Mr. Elliot hopefully.
Mr. Shepherd frowned. “It’s not that generous. Walter, you have to face facts. It took years to get this deeply in debt so it’s going to take time before you’re back on track. For a while, you’re going to have to live on a budget. If you follow my advice, in a few years you just might end up being able to purchase quite a number of one-of-a-kind cars.”
“A budget!” exclaimed Mr. Elliot in disgust. The word ‘budget’ was taboo to Anne’s extravagant father and sister.
Mr. Shepherd didn’t bother trying to hide his contempt. “Yes, join the club. Most people do live on a budget, including me. Lucky for the girls, you weren’t able to touch their mother’s inheritance since it’s still in trust.” Mr. Shepherd eyed Mr. Elliot pointedly, and their father had the decency to look shamefaced.
By now the paperwork had reached Anne. “Do we know the people who made the offer on our house?” she asked.
“I doubt it,” said Mr. Shepherd. “It’s a man by the name of Cedric Croft, a retired Naval Admiral. But I do recall his wife mentioning that her brother, a Mr. Wentworth, worked some odd jobs in this area some time ago.”
The mention of the name “Wentworth” visibly shook Anne’s countenance, and this did not go unnoticed by her sister. Ashen faced, Anne felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her. Surely it had to be Rick! Hadn’t he once mentioned having an older sister whose husband was in the Navy?
Mr. Elliot’s voice broke Anne’s reflection. “Do you think we should accept?” Mr. Elliot asked and instantly received a nod of approval from Mr. Shepherd.
“You’d be a fool not to,” he stated empathetically.
Elizabeth, who always thought ahead when it came to matters concerning herself, asked, “But where will we live?”
Mr. Shepherd assured her, “You should make enough on this offer to buy another home, though one significantly smaller.”
Mr. Elliot turned to Elizabeth excitedly. “Elizabeth, remember that house we saw during our tour of the vineyards? The one where I said if I ever purchased a quaint little vacation home that would be the one?” Elizabeth nodded in remembrance. Susan, finding out they weren’t totally destitute became talkative again.
“Yes, it was the one with the ‘for sale’ sign on it,” agreed Susan.
Mr. Shepherd intervened, “Walter, if you give me sufficient information, I’ll make some inquiries on your behalf.”
Mr. Elliot, Elizabeth and Susan began to formulate plans for their move to California which left Anne time to ponder about the young man whose last name had just been mentioned. How could simply hearing his name have such a profound effect on her!? She tried to convince herself she was no longer the giddy, immature girl she once was—a teenager who had showed up almost daily at the country club where Rick worked. Anne blushed at remembering how she had enrolled in nearly every conceivable swim or tennis class just for the opportunity to spend time with the lifeguard who had rescued her. Over the course of that summer, a friendship had formed which progressed into something much deeper, ending in their declarations of love—at least for her. Anne now questioned the depth of Rick’s feelings. Surely, his must have been nothing more than mere infatuation. How strange fate can be. To think of Rick’s sister and b
rother-in-law living in my house? What a funny sense of humor God has, she ironically thought.
Chapter 4
Anne found herself upstairs with the task of cleaning out the attic. Normally this would have been a duty she dreaded, but today it provided Anne an escape from her overly stressed sister. Her father had left the two of them to pack while he attended to some business at the office—which most likely meant golfing with some old buddies of his. Despite the circumstances, Anne found herself delighting in rediscovering treasures and keepsakes passed down through her mother’s side.
The Elliot’s attic was like those only found in novels, holding great mysteries from the past. It had a forgotten quality about it, making one believe that hidden within were many lost secrets just waiting to be uncovered. A single window allowed a stream of natural light to reveal a dusty room overrun with boxes and vintage furniture. There was even an old dress form dating back to when her ancestors clothes were hand-made.
Reaching for a box, Anne opened the lid to find vintage Women’s Daily magazines which most likely had belonged to her grandmother. A small cough escaped Anne from the accumulated dust. She wasn’t sentimental enough to want them and knew her sisters wouldn’t give them a second glance. Anne was ready to toss them in the recycle box but then changed her mind. Setting them aside, she made a mental note to see if they might sell on eBay. Considering the financial state of their family, every bit would help.
A Modern Day Persuasion Page 2