gerald harcourt, with his usual smirk on his face, entered the drawing room.
aunt agrippina was seated in her red armchair beside the fireplace. the tea table in front of her was empty, and none of her usual confidants were in attendance, nor were there any servants in the room.
you wished to see me, aunt? gerald drawled.
i did, gerald. this won’t take long.
may i sit down?
if you like. but as i say it won’t take long.
gerald seated himself languidly on a settee. then let’s have it.
as i am sure you know, the financial situation in the world is deteriorating. global markets collapsing and all that.
surely that is the time to invest, is it not?, gerald interposed. these things always blow over, and those who have stood firm reap the reward of their fortitude.
please don’t interrupt. be that as it may, i have resolved to cut back on expenses by ridding myself of my most blatant and worthless parasites, beginning with yourself.
gerald coughed discreetly. i see. does that mean i am to be left out of your will?
you were never in my will. i mean i am no longer supporting you, as of now. you have twenty-four hours to pack up and go.
oh dear, that’s a bit harsh. am i allowed to keep my allowance?
you can certainly keep whatever you have left of the last installment of your allowance. although i have always understood you were not the saving sort.
i consider saving to be beneath a gentleman. tell me, are you prepared to settle any outstanding debts i may have?
aunt agrippina laughed. of course not.
well then, am i to be fed until my twenty-four hours are up?
why not? consider it the condemned man’s last meal.
gerald stood up. he hesitated. and might - might i take something with me when i go - some sandwiches or cream tarts or such?.
i will leave that weighty matter to the discretion of cook. but gerald - please do not think you can get away with filching any jewelry or other valuables. the servants will be on their guard, and dumphrey will be instructed to search you thoroughly when you depart.
i understand.
gerald bowed to aunt agrippina and left.
the interview had not been completely unexpected, and he thought he had handled himself rather well.
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