A Tale of Deception

  AS ANN OPENED her eyes to the morning light, she heard birds singing outside her window. The soft sunlight filtered into her room, as the morning breeze gently blew the curtains.

  Throwing back the covers in alarm, she glanced at her clock.

  What time is it! Did the alarm go off?

  With relief she realized it was still early.

  I’ve got plenty of time to get ready for this new day, my new job, and this new life, in this wonderful home on the lake.

  Turning off the alarm, she stretched, arose and walked to her window. Sunlight sparkled like diamonds on the water, while white clouds floated in the vibrant blue sky overhead.

  Thank you Lord, for this magnificent day and the blessings you give.

  After dressing, Ann went to check on Marty. How sweet and small she looked sleeping cockeyed in the huge bed, her covers halfway onto the floor. Sitting on the bed, she lovingly brushed her child’s hair from her face, before bending down to kiss her awake.

  “Good morning, love,” Ann said tenderly, as Marty’s eyes opened. “Time to get up, sweetheart. Breakfast will be ready soon.”

  “Can I borrow a book today?” Marty asked beseechingly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

  “We’ll find out,” Ann replied, happy her little one loved to read so much. “Hurry and get ready.”

  “Mornin’,” Emma stated quietly, standing at the bedroom door, dressed and ready for her day, as well.

  Shortly, the three were descending the elevator to the first floor and walking the unfamiliar realm of the Drummond home. Following the small hall to its end in the great hall, Ann turned left, and led her family through the solarium and into the morning room.

  “Good mornin’ Mrs. Drummond… Faye…,” Ann said kindly, as they stood by the table politely.

  “Nessa, please Ann,” Mrs. Drummond reminded her.

  Next to Mrs. Drummond sat a stranger. The plain woman, dark hair severely pulled back into a bun at the base of her neck, was thin, lanky, and wore wire-rimmed spectacles, perched on the bridge of her nose, and framing her brown eyes. Her face was alert.

  “This is Carla Sikes, my nurse,” Mrs. Drummond introduced her to the small group.

  “How do you do,” was their response, separately and all at once.

  Carla smiled coldly, then took another bite of toast, without saying a word.

  “Nessa, this is my daughter Marty,” Ann informed the elderly woman, at the head of the table.

  “Good morning, Marty. I’m glad you’ve come to live with us.”

  “Hi,” Marty said sweetly. “Kin’ I read your books in the big library?”

  “Marty!” Ann said in shock at the frankness of her daughter’s request.

  Nessa laughed with genuine gaiety. “Of course, child. All I ask is that you take good care of them and return them to the same place you found them.”

  “Oh, I will. I’ll take extra special care of them,” Marty responded happily, with a large smile.

  “And this is my mother Emma,” Ann continued, a little taken back with how things were going this morning.

  “How do you do, Emma? I’m glad to meet you,” replied Mrs. Drummond. “Please help yourself to anything you’d like on the sideboard over there and make yourselves at home.”

  Marty ran up to the sideboard and started getting the food ready for her mother and grandmother.

  Nessa’s eyes sparkled at the thoughtfulness of the child.

  There’s no doubt Marty is going to bring a brightness and happiness into this house which has been sorely missed.

  Tears formed, as an old ache in her heart emerged, but she quickly recovered.

  “There’s coffee over there, at the end and I brought a big pitcher of milk for you Marty,” Faye explained to the child.

  Breakfast was a happy affair. Faye talked on about Drummond Hall and the family history, while Mrs. Drummond added a detail or two. Carla sat quietly, observing.

  As the meal ended, Carla stood, pulled out a pill box and gave Nessa her morning medication. Like with so many elderly people, it was an assortment of pills of various colors and sizes needed to continue her quality of life.

  “Be sure not to tire yourself, Mrs. Drummond. I don’t want you to spend more than an hour with Mrs. Henderson, this morning,” the nurse said officially.

  “You can call me Ann, if you like Carla,” Ann offered.

  Carla turned and walked from the room, ignoring Ann’s comment.

  Surprised at the cold and indifferent response from the nurse, Ann wasn’t sure what to make of it.

  “Don’t mind Carla,” Nessa offered. “She’s very good at her job, but is lacking in social graces.”

  Like common courtesy, thought Ann, trying to smile.

  “Let’s go to the family room and we’ll get started,” Nessa invited Ann, weakly standing. Ann quickly went to her side, to assist.

  Smiling, Nessa said, “I’m fine, it just takes me a while to get these old bones started.”

  Carla should be doing this, Ann thought with irritation.

  Ann looked over at her own mother and could tell she was at a loss with what to do with herself.

  She’ll be miserable staying upstairs all day.

  “Mrs… I mean, Nessa, would it be okay if my mother and Marty spent the day in the library?” asked Ann, trying to find them an interesting place to spend their time.

  “Of course. There’s all kinds of reading material in there and places to curl up to read. You’re welcome to use the family room later on, too, when we’re finished, Emma. It has a TV in there and I love doing my letters on the writing desk by the French doors.”

  Nessa continued, “You’re welcome to explore the grounds and the beautiful gardens, or even spend some time in the solarium. But, Marty, please don’t go too far from the house and definitely not near the lake, unless an adult is with you. It’s a very big place and I don’t want anything to happen to you, okay?”

  “K… ” Marty replied. “Kin I go to the library now?”

  “Sure,” Nessa said happily.

  Marty darted from the room, running for the hall, while Emma tried to follow at a more dignified pace.

  “I’ll keep an eye on her Mrs. Drummond,” Emma offered, but said quickly, “I mean Nessa,” smiling an apology, as she realized she was to call her by her given name, as well.

  “The door to the library is the first one on your left,” yelled Nessa after the child, chuckling, for it had been a long time since she had needed to yell in this house. “Please, make yourselves at home,” she told Emma, as Ann’s mother tried to catch up with her excited grandchild.

  With her cane, Nessa slowly walked toward the great hall, with Ann by her side.

  Sitting in the family room, the two women started to plan Ann’s responsibilities.

  “You know, Ann. I just can’t seem to do my bills anymore. With your bookkeeping experience, would you mind helping me with them?”

  “Not at all, but, this desk is a little small for spreading things out. I’ll make do, though,” Ann offered.

  Realizing the space was too small, Nessa said, “No need. My late husband has a big study across the hall that’ll do quite well. Gavin was a good man and a fine husband, but the study was his domain and I’ve never seen the need to trespass there, until now… funny how the old ways die hard.”

  Slowly rising, Nessa led the way to the double doors, across the hall. The doors opened onto a large, dimly lit room.

  “Would you pull the curtains aside Ann, and let the sunlight in?” asked Nessa, a little sadly.

  Walking over to the wall of drapes, Ann pulled the cords, letting the light in from an expansive wall of windows, flooding the slightly dusty room. There was a wonderful view of the front of the house with its fountain, and surrounding gardens, outside.

  “I’ll have one of the Winslow… or maybe both of the girls in here today to clean,” she told Ann as she went to a wall phone, near the desk. “This is the house phone, An
n. The list of what numbers go where is right here, next to the phone, on this brass plaque.”

  “Hello, Faye?” Nessa spoke into the phone, after dialing five. “We’re going to use the study for Ann’s new office. Would you have the girls clean and dust in here today? And I want Ann to make this place into her own, so please have the girls help her arrange it to her satisfaction. Oh… and have Jamie get the remote gate opener from my car. Ann will need it more than I will.”

  Nessa listen to Faye then said, “That’ll be fine, Faye. No, we won’t be long. I’ll be in my sitting room, shortly,” she said hanging up the instrument.

  “Ann, I’m sorry, but I’m getting a little tired,” she continued. “I’d like you to go through everything here, his desk, books and things and pack away what you won’t need. Lucy and Bonnie will help you, and then have them label everything and put the boxes in the attic. And make a list of any questions you have and we’ll talk again this afternoon, after I’ve rested.”

  “Of course, Nessa. I’m sorry I’ve tired you out,” Ann expressed concern.

  “Don’t worry about it Ann. It’s part of my illness. I’m so glad you’re here and I know you’re going to be a big help to me. We’ve plenty of time to get everything done. There is nothing urgent right now, so let’s just take it one day at a time. We’ll get you up to speed soon.”

  Ann could see the color had gone from Nessa’s face.

  “Why don’t you sit down here,” she asked Nessa, as she pointed out a large leather chair nearby, “and I’ll call Carla.”

  Nessa smiled amiably, as she sank into the chair, nodding her agreement.

  “Dial eleven for her room,” Nessa offered.

  Carla soon arrived with a wheelchair, took Nessa’s pulse, and gave her a pill.

  “I told you not to be so long,” the nurse admonished.

  “I’m fine, Carla. I just need a little rest,” Nessa said.

  Turning to Ann, Carla scolded, “You shouldn’t tire her out so much. You’re not helping her at all.”

  Ann sat shocked at the harshness of her tone.

  “Carla, I’ll be the one to decide how long I’m with someone. Ann is doing her job and I don’t want any strife in this house,” Nessa said firmly.

  “I’m sorry Mrs. Drummond, you’re my responsibility and it’s my job to take care of you,” Carla said, pouting.

  “All right Carla, let’s not argue. But, let’s try and get along, shall we? Now, will you take me to my rooms, please?”

  Carla helped Nessa into the wheelchair and pushed her from the room.

  Ann sat thinking, What‘s your problem, anyway? I haven’t done anything to you and you’re certainly causing stress for Nessa. But, maybe I should be more careful.

  Letting go of her frustration, Ann looked around the room. It was tall, like all the other rooms on the first floor. Above her was a paneled, coved ceiling, made of many squares. A large iron and brass light, with glass shades, hung in the center of the room, while small lamps sat on side tables and on the desk.

  On the wall opposite the windows, stood a large stone fireplace, framed in dark green marble, and finished with rich, dark wood. This wood paneled all the walls of the room. Book shelves flanked the fireplace on either side, while a large painting of a Scottish manor, out on some moors, hung over the mantle. Comfortable, leather reading chairs and a couch were placed facing the fireplace. The room was warm, elegant, and very manly.

  What dominated the room the most, though, was the family crest hanging high on the paneled wall, behind the desk. It was the first thing noticed upon entering the study.

  There was an ornate plaque, mounted over the heart of crossed swords, with the clan tartan draped upon their hilts. On the plaque, the name “Drummond” was proudly displayed at the top, with lion creatures standing erect, on either side, holding the name up high. In the center was a circle that looked like a belt, with a bird of prey of some type, ready for flight, standing upon a crown in its middle. “Gang Warily” the clan motto, was carved deeply into the strap over the bird’s head. There was something majestic and very ‘wild men of the highlands’ in the display.

  Ann walked over to the large, heavy desk and sat down in the comfortable, leather chair. Running her hands over the polished wood, she had never seen anything so elegant or grand.

  I can’t believe I’ll be working here, in this room.

  “Hi, I’m Bonnie and this is my sister Lucy,” a young woman in a cotton blouse and blue jeans introduced herself, as they entered the room. She appeared to be in her early twenty’s, with soft brown hair, and brown eyes. Her sister, Lucy, was a shorter and younger version. Both had wide smiles and boundless energy.

  Everyone in this house is so nice, except for maybe one, the thought came and went, as she focused on the tasks at hand.

  Soon the women were cleaning and reorganizing the domain of a man who had once wielded great wealth and power. Now, only his possessions lingered. And with the removal of the dust and rearrangement of his room, his memory would soon exist only in the hearts of those who chose to remember him.

  Sitting at the large desk, Ann opened the drawers, and started pulling out the contents. She found old correspondence, stock portfolios, bank statements, and deeds. There were so many documents needing examination. She had no idea how many accounts there were, or if they were even active. In an ornate cupboard nearby, she found more files and documents.

  I’ll have to go through these thoroughly and investigate their status, and then I can determine whether to keep or store them. I’ll talk to Nessa about them this afternoon.

  Boxes were brought down from the attic. Swords, guns, and trophies were taken down from the walls, and packed away. Ann put all the important documents she could find in a box marked “Important” and set them on the floor, near the desk.

  Soon, all the paper stock, envelopes, pens, pencils and such were returned to the desk were she could use them when needed.

  She opened a clothes closet and pulled out all the sweaters, jackets and such, putting them in another box for Nessa to determine their fate. In another cabinet, she found a stock of liquor bottles and glasses.

  I’ll see if it’s okay to put these in the kitchen. I won’t need them in here. Yet, what am I going to do with the space? Maybe the cabinet can go into the attic, as well.

  She found boxes of cigars, playing cards, and betting chips in drawers under the stash of liquor.

  These will definitely have to go. No smoking or gambling in here, for sure.

  In the afternoon, Nessa found Ann alone in the study. The girls had moved everything into the attic and had finished cleaning. Ann had just finishing re-arranging everything to her liking.

  “This room certainly looks different,” Nessa stated, as she entered and sat down in a chair near the desk. “All the walls are so clean of clutter, and the desk looks nice and neat. Are there any questions for me?”

  “Yes, please,” Ann replied. “I’ve come across a ton of papers I’d like to go through. I want to determine which ones are important, and start a spreadsheet to help me keep track of all your active accounts. I’ll archive the rest, filing them away. Would that be all right with you?”

  “Well, I don’t think it’s necessary, Ann. Peter Lawrence, of Lawrence & Fenway Diversified, is the CEO and he’s been handling all of my accounts for years now,” Nessa explained.

  “Oh, I see. It’s just it would help me to manage the estate more efficiently. It would be like having a second pair of eyes. I wouldn’t have the authority to do anything, just keep track of it all for you,” Ann concluded.

  “Do you really want to? It seems to me it would be a lot of work, when it’s not really necessary,” Mrs. Drummond commented.

  “I don’t mind. It’ll give me peace of mind knowing everything is accounted for. You know, all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed,” she offered kindly.

  “It’s up to you, Ann. Is there anything else?”

  “Yes. Woul
d it be all right if I picked up a new computer system? I’ll need it to document everything and it’ll be a great help with the correspondence,” Ann asked.

  “Of course, I know we’ve some computers in the house somewhere, but they’re probably too old, and outdated for what you need.

  We might as well go down to the bank and put you on the household account, as well. I’ll get you a new credit card and you can buy whatever you need. Just be sure to keep the receipts and document your purchases for me,” Nessa remarked.

  “Absolutely,” Ann agreed. “The first thing I’d like to do is start organizing the accounts. I’ll work with Faye on a budget for the kitchen and then I can start one for the household.”

  Nessa started laughing, interrupting Ann’s thoughts. “Ann, we’ve never needed a budget in this house before, at least not while I’ve lived here. My wealth has never required a budget,” she chuckled.

  “Gosh. I guess I’ve lived with one for so long, its second nature to me. But, still, would you mind if I at least keep track of what is spent and where?”

  With a twinkle in her eyes, Nessa said, “Not at all. It’s really going to be a joy having someone so conscientious. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your other duties, go right ahead.”

  As the days progressed, Ann’s small family settled into life at Drummond Hall, nicely. Emma and Marty explored the rooms off the great hall, especially the library, and ventured outdoors, while Ann enjoyed using the study.

  Ann worked hard going through the pile of documents and making notes with her new computer system.

  During the afternoons, after lunch, she’d investigate the small nooks and crannies left undisturbed during her cleaning effort. Several more things were removed and stored in the attic. Sitting at her chair, a few weeks into her new job, she noticed an ornate wooden box sitting in among the books on a shelf.

  I wonder what that’s doing in here?

  Pulling out the box, she set it on the desk and opened the lid. Inside was an unopened letter address to Nessa. Under it was a photo of a young man, and five more unopened letters addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Gavin Drummond.

 

  The Letters