|
|
|
|
|
|
"Ha! There you have it. Don't think so. Had to think about it a bit m'self. And her nephew and niece don't know her that well. Ah . . . there . . . was an estrangement. Only met Harriet and her children a couple of years ago m'self." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linda hesitated, then said, "Yes, I heard. I'm afraid I've been listening to Gertrude gossip." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The general laughed his staccato laugh again. "Natural curiosity. All right. But don't take Gertrude as gospel. Peter might know, I think. Studies his aunt." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That was the last thing Linda wanted to hear. "But why should Peter want to be rid of me?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Barthemeles's thick white brows rose. "Don't think he does. Spoke very well of you. Wanted someone older at first but saw he was wrong. Nice thing about Peter. Always willin' to acknowledge when he makes a mistake. Can count him out. Fond of his aunt. Too fond, maybe. Drives her wild." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linda could not help smiling. She felt much better. But then she sighed. "But the Sothebys don't even know me. They couldn't, surely, want to drive me away." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The old man's fine face suddenly looked drawn, and his lips set while he searched Linda's face. "Wish I knew you better," he muttered. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linda shook her head. "I can't help you there, sir. I can assure you I'm trustworthy and discreetbut what could that mean? Even if I gave you references, it would be a whileunless you wanted to phonebefore you could get |
|
|
|
|
|