The Legacy by Evelyn Anthony

home.’
    â€˜Yes, but I’ve grown to love it,’ she countered, ‘and remember I had a wonderful husband. It took a little time to make friends; the English don’t accept you until you’ve proved yourself, but when they do, they’re the best friends in the world.’
    She stopped, realizing they had lapsed into Swedish. For those few moments there had been a rapport between them. As if he sensed this, he spoke in English. ‘That was nice,’ he said, ‘like being at home. But I musn’t waste your time or forget why I’m here. What are you going to say to your stepson tomorrow?’
    She hesitated, then she said, ‘I’m going to tell him I understand why he feels so bitter and angry. I never knew what kind of an upbringing he and James had had, till James told me; I didn’t know how much he suffered when his mother got into drugs and when she died. I’m going to tell him I’m not his enemy.’ He nodded. ‘But I’m not going to go against Richard’s will; he can have everything that was left to me personally, but not RussMore.’
    â€˜Which is the only thing he wants,’ Rolf countered. ‘And do you really think he’ll listen?’
    She said quietly, ‘I don’t know, but I have to give him the chance. Both those sons had a traumatic childhood; it explains a lot about them.’
    â€˜A lot of people suffer trauma,’ he said, ‘it doesn’t need to turn them into bullies; often the reverse. I wouldn’t be too influenced by what James told you. Do you believe your husband was a bad father?’
    â€˜No,’ she said quickly. ‘No, I don’t. He was a man of his generation and upbringing. He told me how miserable his life was; the anxiety; the hope that this cure or this psychiatrist would help her … the terrible disappointment when she went back on heroin. And she played Alan off against Richard, turning him against his father, making him take sides. She petted James one minute and rejected him the next; he was hopelessly confused.’
    â€˜Yes,’ Rolf said. ‘You know the saying? Show me an addict and I’ll show you a manipulator and a liar; it’s harsh but it’s true. If you must see your stepson, let me come with you.’
    Christina said, ‘No, that would be provocative. I’m not starting off by being aggressive.’
    Rolf could imagine the good intentions, the sympathetic approach, based on reason and discussion. He could predict Alan Farrington’s reaction. She had a lot to learn about people, this Swedish girl who had turned into an English lady. You fight force with greater force, otherwise you’re dead.
    He finished his vodka, leaned back in the chair and said, ‘You realize he may have a tape running, recording everything you say, including this offer to give up your personal legacies? He may even be wired himself.’
    Christina dismissed it. ‘That’s fantasy, not real life. People don’t behave like that.’
    â€˜I’ve known it happen, several times. I can’t persuade you not to go?’
    â€˜I’m afraid not.’
    He paused. They had made progress; she was more relaxed, less cautious with him. He looked at his watch. ‘I’m keeping you from your dinner,’ he said. ‘I should go. It’s after eight.’
    Christina got up, she took his glass. ‘We don’t eat till eight-thirty, and of course you must stay. Perhaps we can talk about something else except this horrible business. Let me give you a refill.’
    â€˜Thank you, I’d like that. And we won’t mention your stepson or the will. I think perhaps we can find lots of things to talk about.’
    The dining-room was small and dark with heavy panelling. He noticed that the silver was beautiful, with the soft patina of age; the wine, too, was exceptional. He also noticed that she looked quite beautiful in