The Gold Digger's Ledger novel · Chapter 20 of 24

Chapter 20: The Fall of Honor

Gus opened his notebook and read from the last page.

"Pemberton Household Accounts," he said, in the voice he used for the evening paper. "Balance, as of this morning, nothing."

"Gus," said Honor.

"Balance six years ago, the day my son died. Also nothing. He lost it in an afternoon, Mr. Beaumont, in a friend's venture."

He turned a page.

"My daughter-in-law found out on a Tuesday. She told no one."

He looked at her over his glasses.

"She took the checkbook away from me and told the house I was forgetful."

"That's absurd," Honor said, and her voice was not as steady as her hands usually were. "Mr. Beaumont, my father-in-law is eighty-four."

"I am eighty-four," said Gus. "I am not an idiot. I used to read bank statements for pleasure."

Mr. Beaumont had not moved.

He sat at the head of the table with Lydia's check in front of him, and his eyes had turned to Honor.

"Is it true?" he said.

"It is a misunderstanding."

"Is the money gone, Honor?"

"The Pemberton position is perfectly sound."

"Then perhaps you can explain this," I said.

I took a cream envelope out of my bag.

I had carried it for two weeks and never once taken it out in front of anyone.

"Mrs. Pemberton gave me this at the Calloway Club," I said.

"It promises me sixty thousand dollars to leave her son. It's payable on the day of the engagement."

I held it up.

"She told me the funds were held by her lawyers until your papers were signed."

Mr. Beaumont held out his hand, and I walked the length of the table and gave him the letter.

He read it slowly.

He read the signature at the bottom, and then the letterhead, and then the name of the firm.

"These are my lawyers," he said.

"Yes," said Honor.

"I am their client, madam. They hold no funds of yours. There aren't any funds of yours."

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