Together they climbed the stairs.
Uncle Hugh was in his study; through the closed door, they could hear him speaking in urgent tones. Without knocking, they pushed inside and confronted him.
Uncle Hugh? said Beryl.
Hugh cut her off with a sharp motion for silence. He turned his back and said into the telephone, It is definite, Claude? Not a gas leak or anything like that?
Uncle Hugh!
Stubbornly he kept his back turned to her. Yes, yes, he said into the phone, Ill tell Philippe at once. God, this is horrid timing, but youre right, he has no choice. Hell have to fly back tonight. Looking stunned, Hugh hung up and stared at the telephone.
Did you tell us the truth? asked Beryl. About Mum and Dad?
Hugh turned and frowned at her in bewilderment. What? What are you talking about?
You told us they were killed in the line of duty, said Beryl. You never said anything about a suicide.
Who told you that? he snapped.
Nina Sutherland. But Reggie and Helena knew about it, too. In fact, the whole world seems to know! Everyone except us.
Blast that Sutherland woman! roared Hugh. She had no right.
Beryl and Jordan stared at him in shock. Softly Beryl said, It is a lie. Isnt it?
Abruptly Hugh started for the door. Well discuss it later, he said. I have to take care of this business-
Uncle Hugh! cried Beryl. Is it a lie?
Hugh stopped. Slowly he turned and looked at her. I never believed it, he said. Not for a second did I think Bernard would ever hurt her
What are you saying? asked Jordan. That it was Dad who killed her?
Their uncles silence was the only answer they needed. For a moment, Hugh lingered in the doorway. Quietly he said, Please, Jordan. Well talk about it later. After everyone leaves. Now I really must see to this phone call. He turned and left the room.
Beryl and Jordan looked at each other. They each saw, in the others eyes, the same shock of comprehension.
Dear God, Jordie, said Beryl. It must be true.
From across the ballroom, Richard saw Beryls hasty exit and then, seconds later, the equally rapid departure of a grim-faced Jordan. What the hell was going on? he wondered. He started to follow them out of the room, then spotted Helena, shaking her head as she moved toward him.
Its a disaster, she muttered. Too much bloody champagne flowing tonight.
What happened?
They just heard the truth. About Bernard and Madeline.
Who told them?
Nina. But it was Reggies fault, really. Hes so drunk he doesnt know what hes saying.
Richard looked at the doorway through which Jordan had just vanished. I should talk to them, tell them the whole story.
I think thats their uncles responsibility. Dont you? Hes the one who kept it from them all these years. Let him do the explaining.
After a pause, Richard nodded. Youre right. Of course youre right. Maybe Ill just go and strangle Nina Sutherland instead.
Strangle my husband while youre at it. You have my permission.
Richard turned and spotted Hugh Tavistock reentering the ballroom. Now what? he muttered as the man hurried toward them.
Wheres Philippe? snapped Hugh.
I believe he was headed out to the garden, said Helena. Is something wrong?
This whole evenings turned into a disaster, muttered Hugh. I just got a call from Paris. A bombs gone off in Philippes flat.
Richard and Helena stared at him in horror.
Oh, my God, whispered Helena. Is Marie-
Shes all right. A few minor injuries, but nothing serious. Shes in hospital now.
Assassination attempt? Richard queried.
Hugh nodded. So it would seem.
It was long past midnight when Jordan and Uncle Hugh finally found Beryl. She was in her mothers old room, huddled beside Madelines steamer trunk. The lid had been thrown open, and Madelines belongings were spilled out across the bed and the floor: silky summer dresses, flowery hats, a beaded evening purse. And there were silly things, too: a branch of sea coral, a pebble, a china frog-items of significance known only to Madeline. Beryl had removed all of these things from the trunk, and now she sat surrounded by them, trying to absorb, through these inanimate objects, the warmth and spirit that had once been Madeline Tavistock.
Uncle Hugh came into the bedroom and sat down in a chair beside her. Beryl, he said gently, its timeits time I told you the truth.
The time for the truth was years ago, she said, staring down at the china frog in her hand.
But you were both so very young. You were only eight, and Jordan was ten. You wouldnt have understood-
We couldve dealt with the facts! Instead you hid them from us!
The facts were painful. The French police concluded-
Dad would never have hurt her, said Beryl. She looked up at him with a ferocity that made Hugh draw back in surprise. Dont you remember how they were together, Uncle Hugh? How much in love they were? I remember!
So do I, said Jordan.
Uncle Hugh took off his spectacles and wearily rubbed his eyes. The truth, he said, is even worse than that.
Beryl stared at him incredulously. How could it be any worse than murder and suicide?
Perhapsperhaps you should see the file. He rose to his feet. Its upstairs. In my office.