MRS. SLOAN'S LIBRARY WAS CHARMING. IN THE LIGHT OF THREE strategically placed standard lamps, the neat bookcases looked precious and inviting.
They sat in the cream-colored armchairs. Geneva adopted such a formal position that Kathy was automatically reunited with the sense of unease, which had not really abandoned her, despite the warmth of the canine scene in the hall.
"I want to talk business with you, Katherine."
"Business?"
"Yes. Uhm… I've seen… We've all seen Jesse's copy of my aunt's will. It's kind of awkward, don't you think? I'm not even sure that's legal. But Jesse said the notary had strict orders from my aunt that, if the worst should happen, he was to send him that information by fax."
Kathy decided she was now presented with a fine opportunity to tie up some loose ends.
"And do you have any idea why? Why she would wish to deliver the contents of her last will and testament before the actual reading at the notary's office?"
"Because of you," answered Geneva in a matter-of-fact tone.
That was the answer all the chain of improbable events regarding this matter had led her to expect.
"I was afraid you would say that."
"My aunt knew Jesse would have to convince you to be here. She must have felt it would be easier if he could show you proof that you had a right to."
In spite of Kathy's readiness to perceive it, there was no trace of resentment in the young woman's words. Quite on the contrary, her tone of voice seemed to imply that she understood and agreed with the way her aunt had arranged things.
"I am extremely grateful to my aunt," she added as if sweeping away the doubts that might still remain. "We didn't visit that often - about once a year when I was a kid, more rarely as an adult -, but she was always nice to me. Oh, and some time ago I read one of her books and wrote to her saying that I'd really enjoyed it. I felt silly when I posted the letter, because I'd never written to her before and the last times my mother had travelled to visit, I hadn't come with her. So I thought it would seem strange, suddenly receiving a note from me - out of place.
But she wrote back. And it was a wonderful letter, where she thanked my praise and told me about the book she was preparing. It was as if we'd suddenly established a connection, you know?"