We enter the solicitors’ offices and take a seat. The executor introduces himself and spits out some legal formalities before opening the envelope that contains Great Aunt Agatha’s final Will & Testament. It’s very predictable. The manor house goes to Mother who puts on a well rehearsed yet clearly fake performance in which she feigns shock and surprise. This act is followed by yet more pretence, now she’s almost humbled to tears by Aunt Agatha’s kindness. Who she’s performing to I’ve no idea… there’s only me, her and the executor present.. “…The contents of the house shall be auctioned and the proceeds donated to charity.” the Executor continues.
Mother is perplexed to hear this. “A charity?” she sneered
“Yes.” the executor replied. “In fact a number of charities.” he stated. “Agatha was a very generous lady and supported a variety of worthy causes.” he informed her.
“But… the contents of the house… you mean the furniture?” she quizzed
“The contents of the house means everything, including furniture.” the executor states. Mother claims it’s her furniture and that it simply cannot be given away to the needy. “Not according the this.” the executor states, drawing Mother’s attention back to Agatha’s final Will & Testament. “Now if you’ll let me continue madam.” he politely requests “The remainder of the estate, including the bank accounts, stocks, shares and a property in Devon will go to her loyal servant… Peter.”
“What!?” my mother gasps. “Him!”
I’m just as shocked as she is. All these years we’ve believed that the entire estate will go to my mother, providing I fulfil my duties as servant. My sense of shock only increases when the sum total of her bank accounts and current share values are revealed; £2.4 million! Plus a ‘modest’ house on the south coast. Mother is livid and claims the entire estate should be hers. The executor states otherwise. “The Will is quite clear. It was dictated by Agatha some months ago, drawn up by myself and Reverend Bower & Councillor Wren acted as witnesses.” he explains. “She was in good health, of sound mind… this Will is virtually uncontestable.” he assured.
“Well forgive me but I intend to contest it!” my mother spits.
I was asked to wait outside for a moment, but could hear my mother complaining and whining through the door as the deeds for the manor house are signed over to her. After a few minutes, my mother exits and I’m asked to return. She scowls as we pass and tells me that we need to talk. I say nothing as I shut the door behind me. I scoop up my skirt and take a seat, resting my handbag on my lap. “I assume this has come as a great surprise to you.” the executor said.
“Yes.” I replied. “I thought everything was going to my mother.”
“Well Agatha had second thoughts.” he replied. “She may not have shown it but she did become very fond of you.” he claimed. “She wanted to reward you for the years of hard work and loyalty you’ve given her.”
“I don’t even have a bank account.”
“Ah but you do Peter.” he smiled. “Agatha opened a building society account in your name when you turned eighteen. All her funds were transferred into it this morning… here’s the paperwork, paying-in book, and if you could sign here…” he said, pointing to the dotted line. He gave me the deeds and keys to the house in Devon before advising me not to let my mother bully me into giving up what is rightfully mine. I smiled and told him that I don’t intend to. He stood and bid me farewell. I took his hand and curtseyed, thanked him for his time and left.
It was all very overwhelming. I still can’t quite believe it as mother and I headed back to the manor house. Two point four million… blimey! Mother suggests a variety of deals, half and half between me and her. “That’s not very fair on Mabel.” I state, so Mother suggests a three way split between me, her and Mabel… she says I can keep the house in Devon too. “Oh I’m intending to.” I dryly reply.
“Don’t forget your position Peter… you’re just the mai…” she halts as we approach the manor house. “What on earth!” she gasps. Three large removal vans are being loaded with… well… everything.
It seems the Lawyers have set the wheels in motion and the manor house is already being emptied of its contents. Every item of furniture, every piece of silverware, every decanter, every ornament, every painting, all of Agatha’s expensive dresses, shoes, jewellery and accessories… the house is emptied right under my mother’s nose. I say nothing as she barks at the team of removers and argues with the Solicitor in charge. I hum to myself as I climb the stairs and enter my tiny room. I open my wardrobe and remove the sage green dress and lay it neatly on my bed. I remove my domestic attire and don my Sunday dress, before packing my housekeeper’s uniform into a small leather case, along with my black shoes, some stockings, underwear and the few personal belongings I have.
I tend to my make-up for a moment and give my tiny room one final glance before descending the stairs. My furious mother is being told by the solicitor that the house alone is worth a great deal “Even with the liability clause.” he adds.
My mother claims that she’ll contest the Will and the solicitor tells her that that is within her rights, but would be a costly a waste of time. “I have a contract!” my mother barks. “Agatha drew it up and I’ve abided by it to the letter… her entire estate should be mine!”
“I think you’ll find that it’s Peter who’s abided by that contract to the letter.” the solicitor retorted as I entered the study.
“Peter.” my mother said, noticing the small case in my hand. “What are you doing?”
“I’m leaving Mother.” I replied.
“But… you can’t.” my mother said. “We have things to discuss.”
“You’ve got the house Mother. Isn’t that enough?” I asked.
“No!” she spat. I bid the solicitor farewell and walked away. “Peter!” she yelled. “PETER!”