Barbara was expecting the conversation to turn on Gail's son.
"Timmy will come live with us, his grandparents and next of kin," Mrs. Eaton pronounced, as if that were the end of it.
Barbara rose up with determination. She had come prepared for the worst -- a custody battle.
"I have a copy of Gail's will with me. I believe you have one too, Mister Eaton, as does your lawyer. If Gail had not asked me to adopt Timmy in the event of her death, I would not interfere with your desire to have him. But since it was Gail's wish, I will do all that is necessary to make sure it is granted."
Mrs. Eaton remained calmly seated. "She must have been distraught and depressed when she made that stipulation in her will. I know you were fond of each other. But that you should become our grandson's guardian, and in fact his mother, is out of the question."
Then Mrs. Eaton began another tactic. "Why, Gail told us just a week before her death... You were flying fighter planes and bombers in England, even before our country was at war. And that you are planning to join a women's flying corps in America. Such things are very dangerous, and you wouldn't even have time to be a mother to Timmy. Heaven knows where in the country or the world you will be in a matter of days, much less years. I doubt a judge would find you a fit person to adopt a boy of only six years."
Barbara had heard enough. She would not engage in arguing or challenging Mrs. Eaton on which of them had more time to be with a boy, she flying in defense of her country or Timmy's grandmother who spent most of her waking time at teas and bridge parties.
She looked at Mister Eaton, to test his support. She had expected it, because Gail had sounded convinced her father would not back down on his promise to have her wish fulfilled.
"Are you on my side, Mister Eaton?"
Eaton did not look at Barbara when he replied, "I'm afraid Mrs. Eaton has her heart set on Timmy coming to live with us."
"To keep peace at home," Barbara remembered Gail saying.
"Thank you, Herbert," Mrs. Eaton said condescendingly. "Then that is settled."
"No," Barbara said, more calmly than she expected. "Then we go to war. I've become quite wealthy since you last saw me. Gail may have told you how. But if I have to spend every dime I have, I'll see that her decision regarding Timmy's future is respected. My attorney will be in touch with yours. Good day to you both."