Stolen History - The Will

The Lane, 2022

Cai and Wally shared another ride back to their grandmother’s house in St. John’s Wood. The homes got progressively larger and more lavish, with hedgerows and brick walls with climbing foliage decorating them lining the streets, with the leafy canopy of trees overhead. They knew this street well, having spent many summers here. Even as young adults, they often used it as a home base for their adventures in and around the UK.

The black cab pulled up to the curb with a soft hiss, tires kissing wet stone. Cai stared out the window at the house - no, her grandmother had always referred to it as ‘the residence’ - looming beyond a wrought iron gate flanked by ivy-choked brick pillars. The Lane, as it was known, was a classic example of St John’s Wood restraint: stately but not ostentatious, elegant without screaming about it. Three stories of clean Georgian symmetry, the white stucco façade softened by age and London fog. A bay window jutted from the second floor like a cheekbone. The kind of place where secrets were brewed over tea, and kept in the bottom of a decanter of single malt.

Wally stepped out first, coming around to open Cai’s door for her and help her step over the large puddles. She joined him on the sidewalk, wrapping her coat tighter. The gateman, old Nigel Birtwell, peeked out of the guardhouse.

“Well, I’ll be,” he exclaimed, a crooked and kind smile cracked his usually stoic face. “If it ain’t the kids themselves!” His Yorkshire accent was as thick as it had always been. “It does me old heart good to see you two. Your sister’s inside already. Wasn’t sure you’d be makin’ it, she said.” Cai and Wally exchanged glances.

“Marion is here?” asked Cai.

Nigel nodded excitedly. “Sure is. Came in about an hour ago. No sign of her beau, mind you.” His eyes narrowed with exaggerated suspicion. “Never trusted that lad, though. I think he’s an Arsenal supporter!” The old man then laughed loudly at his own joke. “Come in, come in. Let’s get you out of the damp and cold and get some of the good stuff in, right?”

He opened the gate and ushered them in, and led them up the drive to the front door. He tried holding an umbrella over them, but Wally smiled and took it from him. “I’ve got it, Nige. Don’t need you to strain your arm.” He playfully nudged the gateman with his shoulder, nearly knocking the smaller man over.

“You be careful, your master Walton,” threatened Nigel with a grin. “I may be old, but I was a terror on the streets of Leeds before your gran took me in.”

Wally laughed again and affected a reasonable Yorkshire tone. “Made a proper liveryman of you, did she?”

“You ought to respect your elders, you overgrown sausage,” retorted Nigel. “Gods, it's good to see you two together. It’s been too long since you were all here. Sad it took losing Lady Campbell to make it happen.” He gave them a reproachful glance and let them in the front door. “I believe everyone’s in the parlor. Mr. Quinn will take it from here.

A middle-aged butler awaited them at the door, impeccably dressed and with a permanent scowl on his face. Wilson Quinn had served the Campbell household since before the grandchildren had been born, and had never been particularly comfortable around them. He gave the required nod of the head and thin smile as the siblings came through the door. “Miss Cai. Master Walton. So nice to see you. Let me take your coats, and then I will bring you to the parlor.” He paused. “Also, allow me to express my condolences. Your grandmother was a remarkable woman. We will miss her greatly.”

Cai put a hand on the older man’s shoulder. “I know, Wilson. You all have done a wonderful job over the years. I know we were a handful as kids, and your patience with us was…”

“Far more than we deserved,” chimed in Wally. “He took the butler’s hand, startling him. “I just want you to know that we appreciate everything you have done for our family.” Quinn regained his composure quickly and nodded an acknowledgement of the compliment. He took their coats and motioned towards the hallway to the parlor.

The foyer still smelled faintly of lavender and old leather, the scent of a lifetime carefully curated. Cai paused just inside, glancing at the oil painting of Lady Ava in her prime - pearls, posture, and a slight grin that hinted at secrets and mischief. It was far more formal than Cai liked to remember her, but it certainly reflected her station in society.

Wally hooked his arm into hers, and they kept walking down the hallway. They could hear the low sound of chatter and conversation from the parlor, as well as the tell-tale smell of pipe and cigar smoke. They entered the room together and were immediately rushed by a figure in bright green.

“Oh, I have missed you two so much!” Marion Williams was beautiful, stunning in her designer dress, her hair and jewelry done just so. Her work with the State Department had her traveling around the world, attending state dinners and galas on behalf of… well, no one really seemed to know. She flung her arms around her siblings and pulled them tight for a hug. Then hugged them each individually, wrapped her arms around Wally’s broad shoulder, and mussed his hair. “You look good, little brother!”

She turned to Cai, putting her hands on her sister’s shoulders. “I need to tell you about Terry!”

“Okay, okay. But maybe afterwards would be more appropriate?” Cai gave her sister a look. Marion looked around the room and blushed.

“Right. Of course. I’m just so excited to see you!” The three siblings took their seats towards the front of the room, and Cai looked around. One of the staff walked around making sure that everyone had a drink. Another kept an eye on the ashtrays. The room was lit by antique lamps strategically placed around the room, ranging in size and designs. Cai noticed a few were clearly Tiffany and Co., and casually wondered who would be getting those in the will. She certainly had no use for - or interest in - fancy expensive light fixtures. The prismed and stained glass light landed on polished antiques and a tea service untouched since likely the Thatcher administration. Grandma C had hated Thatcher, Cai mused.

There were about a dozen other people in the room, few of whom she recognized, and none who she knew to be family. She assumed they were business associates and close friends of her grandmother, as all were considerably older than she or her siblings. Each looked at her with sympathy, but not pity. She appreciated that.

Algernon Haversleigh entered the room, and everyone found a seat. The barrister cleared his throat and sat down at a small desk that had been set up for him. On it were several folders, an assortment of pens, and what appeared to be a ledger. He adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses and looked up at the assembled attendees. He gave a kind smile to the grandchildren and began to speak.

“Thank you all for coming,” he said. “Everyone here meant a great deal to Ava, and she would be thrilled to see your faces, particularly her three grandchildren, all here together!” He smiled at them again, and there was a smattering of soft applause from the others. Cai shifted uncomfortably in her seat, and Wally patted her leg.

“While not legally required, Ava specifically requested that we read the will to all parties included as a group, while some specifics will be handled in private. Personally, I think she just wanted an excuse to host one last gathering here at The Lane.” The guests laughed softly. One of the young servers came by with a tray of glasses, and all three of the siblings took one.

“Bet it’s Oban,” whispered Wally.

“She’d haunt them forever if it wasn’t,” giggled Marion.

“To Grandma C,” said Cai, and they tapped glasses.

Haversleigh continued. “We’ll start with the business interests.” He proceeded to go through Lady Campbell’s numerous partnerships and investments, graciously giving over shares and pieces to those she had worked with over the years. Even with the suddenness of her passing, there did not appear to be any confusion over how things were to proceed with her various endeavors. Everyone seemed happy and unsurprised with what was received. Cai suspected this had all been worked out long ago, and the reading was really a formality for the “society” folks.

The reading took over an hour, and Cai noticed that the group began to thin with people leaving after their sections were completed. Finally, it was just the three of them and the barrister.

He cleared his throat again. “Before we move into the family portion, your grandmother made a few... unconventional requests.”

Cai raised an eyebrow. “Define unconventional.”

“She asked that we pause and proceed only after we share a drink, pour one for her before we move on.”

Wally blinked. “Seriously?”

Cai nodded, laughing. “She wasn’t a woman who asked for much. But when she did...”

Everly waved over the young man who had brought their glasses earlier. He refilled them from a bottle.

“Told you,” said Wally. “Oban. Eighteen year.”

“Then let’s honor her wishes,” said Haversleigh. He took the bottle from the server and poured a fifth glass, placing it on the mantle just below a large family portrait. The four stood up and looked up at the picture in silence for a moment, then wordlessly clinked the glasses together and returned to their seats.

“Now,” he began, placing his hands palms down on the desk and leaning forward. “First and foremost, The Lane, this house, staff, et cetera, are to remain as it is, unsold. The three of you are welcome to come and stay as often as you like, even live here should you want to. The taxes and upkeep, as well as the wages for all employees, are provided for by a trust that was established many years ago. My firm will continue to manage all of those specifics, so you will not need to worry yourselves.”

Cai breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted to do was manage property or people. She knew Wally and Mar felt the same way. And it would be nice to have a stopover spot, besides.

“The Rolls-Royce goes to Wally, the Jaguar to Marion, and the Land Rover to Cai.” Unable to contain herself, Cai squealed a little bit, and everyone laughed. She had loved that car since she was a little girl, and everyone knew it. The 1985 Land Rover Defender 110 was a beast of a machine, made for the harsh conditions of the African savannah, rugged and sturdy, and represented everything Cai loved about exploration. Manual transmission, right-side steering wheel, and everything analog, just as she preferred. She had not wanted to get her hopes up that it would eventually pass on to her, but her grandmother had known what it meant to her.

Likewise, Wally and Mar were thrilled with their vehicles, although both agreed that they would have to leave them at the house for when they were in town. Haversleigh let them enjoy themselves for a moment and then continued.

“Each of you will also receive a one-time disbursement of five million pounds, in whatever currency you prefer, except crypto. Ava didn’t hold with that sort of nonsense, as you know.” The three were stunned.

“Did you say… five million?” whispered Marion.

The barrister nodded. “Each, yes. The rest will be going to various charities and foundations your grandmother has designated.

“The rest?!” Wally and Cai said in unison.

Cai laughed loudly. “Good god, how much is there?!”

“I mean, I knew she was well off, but damn!” Wally finished his scotch, and the server rushed to refill it.

Haversleigh peered at them over the top of his glasses. “Master Walton, your grandmother’s net worth was northwards of fifty million pounds. Factoring in all of her assets, of course. She was a very successful woman.”

“Successful?” Marion was incredulous. “Wally is successful. Cai and I are successful. Grandma was… obscenely rich!”

“Well, now so are you,” said the barrister with a smile. “Now, I’ll need to know your preference for receipt of the funds soon. It will take some time, of course, with all of the regulations regarding transfers of this amount, international maneuvering, and so on. And, of course, any assistance I or my firm can offer is at your disposal.”

Cai leaned back in her chair, sipping her drink. Money had never been an issue for any of them. They had been very fortunate and privileged in their upbringing thanks to both sides of the family. But this was a totally different level.

As if reading her thoughts, Wally spoke up. “If we don't want to, none of us will ever need to work again. I mean, not that I don’t want to do what I am doing, but it changes everything.”

Marion nodded. “A lot to think about.”

“Miss Cai,” said Haversleigh. “There is one more matter that I must discuss with you in private. Would you join me in your grandmother’s private office?”

Cai looked at her siblings and then back at the lawyer. “I don’t mind them hearing…”

“I’m afraid Lady Campbell insisted. We shall not be long.”

“Go on, sis,” said Wally. “We’ll just be here planning how to live large.” He grinned and put his arm around Marion, who still looked stunned. She looked up at Cai and waved her away. “Go on. This is eldest heir stuff. Probably a lot of work neither of us wants to do anyway.”

Cai shrugged and followed Haversleigh out of the parlor and up the stairs. The walls were lined with portraits of family members and paintings of estates, hunting scenes, and lush tapestries. The stairs curved upwards and opened up onto a carpeted landing, branching off in either direction. She followed the barrister to the right and then into the office her grandmother had worked out of for so many years.

It had always been one of Cai’s favorite rooms, the decor was what she liked to think of as colonial chic, with old sepia-toned pictures of world travel, maps of London and other cities from days gone by, and small items her grandmother had collected during her travels. And the books. From floor to ceiling, dark mahogany shelves held hundreds of titles, many of them with worn leather spines and embossed writing, some even bound with straps and buckles.

Lady Campbell’s desk, a broad, polished partners desk made from mahogany and rosewood, was neatly organized, with a writing blotter and pen set placed in the center. There was a small desk clock on one corner, and a silver tray with a crystal decanter filled with liquor and four matching glasses. In the middle of the desk, a single, cream colored envelope sat undisturbed. In her grandmother’s flowing script, Cai saw the words: “For Cai”.

She looked up at Haversleigh, questioning. He picked up the envelope and held it for a moment. “Your grandmother left me very specific instructions for this, although she never expected it would be so soon, and I believe she would have wanted to give this to you herself.” He handed the envelope to her, and Cai took it. Turning it over in her hands, she slid her finger through the seal and pulled out the letter inside.

“I will leave you to read it alone,” said the barrister. “When you are ready, we can discuss what comes next, and I will take you where you need to go.”

“What do you mean, where I need to go? I need to go somewhere?”

“Read the letter. It should answer all of your questions.” He left the office, and Cai sat in the worn, comfortable settee. She unfolded the pages and started to read.

My dearest Cai,

If you are reading this, it means I’m gone, and probably sooner than I expected. I had hoped to be able to have this conversation in person and tell you everything face to face. I wanted to walk you through that door and show you every secret. But life is what happens when you are making other plans, as they say. But I will start with this: there are things about your family that you don’t know, and it is time you found out.