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Central Park West, NYC
September 18, 2017
“Good heavens,” Daniel chuckled as he held up the photograph. “We were babies. Where did this come from?”
“That photographer I allowed to rummage around the island found it.” Ella commented wistfully.
“I thought you had cleared everything out of the house not long after that nasty business with the Jordans.”
“I did,” she sighed handing him a brandy.
“Look at us, Katherine?” He boasted handing the picture to his granddaughter.
“Well, I recognize the two of you, who is that other fellow?” Katherine remarked accepting a sifter of brandy. “And I could have served us.”
“Pish tosh. I can still handle a snooker of brandy.” Ella dismissed her. “Now, to answer your question, that other fellow is Preston.”
“Why have I never heard of him?” Katherine questioned as Ella finally poured a glass for herself and took a seat.
“Never?” Daniel scoffed. “He was my cousin. In fact he was Tempe’s brother. Growing up the three of us were inseparable.”
“He’s got a lot more ribbons on his chest than you do,” she teased her grandfather.
“Preston was career army, we lost him in 44 or was it ’45?”
“’45, it was right after his birthday,” Ella teared up. “Such a gentle soul. It was the battle of the bulge.”
“A gentle soul who chose the Army as his career?” Katherine shook her head.
“He and Ella were engaged.” Daniel announced startling the women.
“No, we were not,” Ella huffed.
“Where did the photographer find this relic?” He glibly questioned holding up the faded black and white photograph.
“On the control panel of the Black Swan.”
“No?” His jaw dropped slightly. “It’s still there?”
“It is in the barn, right where she left it. To be completely honest, I’d forgotten about it.” Ella tried to explain but seemed off-guard.
“You organized the house. Shipped the entire contents off to my aunt, Witch that she was, and you somehow forgot that there was an airplane in the barn?” Daniel balked. “It’s not like it was one of her cigarette cases.”
“I’m sorry, did you say there’s an airplane in the barn?” Katherine stammered.
“It’s not like we kept animals in the barn,” Ella reasoned.
“No, the last one to do that was my great uncle Harold. He had the barn built because he wanted to try his hand at horse breeding.” Daniel explained. “It didn’t work out.”
“Because, he knew nothing about the work involved. According to Tempe, he hired a bunch of fishermen to take care of his horses.” Ella spat out.
“I forget that when I’m with the two of you, I need to be direct,” Katherine was exasperated. “Why is there an airplane in the barn?”
“It was Tempe’s,” Ella offered. “She loved to fly. Of course she barely used it during the war. Gas rationing and all. She did take very good care of the Black Swan. She flew it out there the last time she ventured out to the island. It’s been there ever since. Whatever am I going to do with it?”
“I might be able to help you with that,” Katherine eagerly suggested. “You know I have passion for aviation. Now, let’s get to the reason for this little dinner party. You know that I love spending time with the both of you. However, I can’t help feeling that there is a reason for this impromptu get together.”
“I am not a young woman.” Ella offered as if that explained everything.
“You are still,” Katherine politely began.
“Katherine,” she cut her off. “The only reason I can manage to get around so well is because my knees and hips are younger than you are.” Pausing for a breath and with great alacrity, Ella simply stated, “It is time for me to step down from the Foundation.”
“There’s no need to talk about this now,” Katherine whimpered.
“Dear girl, I love you.” Ella calmly offered with a slight smile. “I’ve already begun getting my affairs in order. I started quite some time ago. I’ve sold off most of my property holdings. However, there are still a few matters that need to be settled. There’s this building for instance and most importantly, there is the Arts Foundation. I need to name my successor. I would like some time, before I leave this world where I don’t have a schedule. I think I’ve earned that.”
“Gwen, would be an excellent choice.” Katherine offered hopefully. “Why are you against her stepping up?”
“I would love nothing more,” Ella grumbled. “Every time, I encourage her to take the reins she’s calling me every two seconds. I’m afraid that since I live just upstairs she’ll be up there every day seeking my advice. You on the other hand wouldn’t need me.”
“I have another goal in mind,” she sheepishly admitted. “I want to step into Brandon’s shoes.”
“Ah,” Daniel beamed. “You want to be CEO of Muraille Industries.”
“The family business has been around since the eighteenth century I think it is well past time that a woman took the reins.”
“There already has been,” Daniel snickered. “Temperance. I never really ran the company until after she passed away.”
“Wait,” Katherine shook her head. “You were the youngest, CEO. You guided the company through the crash and the depression. You even kept up on things while serving in the army.”
“No, that was all Tempe,” he chuckled again. “The board of directors never would have listened to a woman. Proving your point you should make a bid for the chair. However, your Aunt Ella would like your help.”
“What if I name both you and Gwen as heads of the foundation?” Ella suggested. “That will resolve that issue. I do need to clear up what is going to happen with my estate.”
“I hate discussing this.”
“No one wants to talk about dying,” Ella agreed. “But it must be done. While we go over some paperwork, we’ll sip this very fine brandy and you can tell me what is wrong with that architect you recommended.”
“Delia St. James? Is there a problem?”
“You could say that.”