Chapter 78

I walked into the dining room. The place setting at the head of the table was empty. Bruni was at the opposite end where Anne would sit. Someone had decided that she was lady of the house. I realized then that the chair at the head of the table was for me. Johnny was to my right, and Bonnie was to my left. Next to her sat Maw, with Robert under her chair. Hugo and Elsa sat together next to Maw. Anne and John Senior with Malcolm were on the other side. Everyone was looking at me expectantly.

I looked at all their smiling faces. There was a happiness and satisfaction there I never thought to see among such a diverse group of gifted individuals. I knew I was expected to say something.

“I would like to extend my thanks to each and every one of you, personally and all together. Without your presence and without your many talents, the future of this house and all its fascinations would be in doubt. Today, that is replaced by a brighter future. Speaking for the estate, I do not know the consequences of your contributions, but I suspect that your lives will be supported in unaccountable and unlooked-for ways. That thought gives me great pleasure. From myself, I extend to you an open invitation to Rhinebeck. You will always be welcome here, no matter the day or the hour. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

There was a brief applause. I saw in their looks that I had gotten it right. They began to talk among themselves. Bruni looked at me from far down the table. I knew she wished we could sit together. I did too. I blew her a kiss in consolation. Her eyes sparkled in acknowledgment, and she blew one to me in return.

Bonnie was talking to Maw, so I turned to Johnny and said, “Johnny, you were extraordinary today. I might just do that little shrine thing after all. Maw was most impressed, and frankly, so was I.”

“A small shrine might be appropriate. It was an outstanding performance even by my standards, I admit, and by way of commemoration of that brilliant moment, I’m accompanying you to California.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. Don’t look so surprised. You need to get back here, and my presence will make sure it happens that much sooner. I will ensure your energies are directed with the appropriate vigor. Besides, you owe me 1 million.”

“I do. I should have asked you first.”

“No need. It was a foregone conclusion in my mind and a happy one at that. We are still owed another two from Pater. I will collect my share from him. You actually owe me nothing.”

“You are the best of possible friends.”

“I am, but it is to Robert the Bruce that you should be giving thanks. He closed the deal with Maw.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you about that. You sold Robert.”

“I did. It was inspired. Best trade I ever made. We made millions. Besides, Robert and Maw is a match ordained by heaven. It came to me like a bolt from the blue, sizzling with portent. I almost fell over when it struck me.”

“Won’t you miss him?”

“Are you kidding? He ran me into the ground. I’ll finally get some peace. When I told Maw I would throw in the dog, it was like the woods began to sing. Everything smoothed out. It was child’s play after that. I may sound flippant about that inspired moment, but I felt seized by something much larger than myself. The gods spoke through me at that instant. It was most unsettling but effective. I doubt I’ll be the same after that. I shudder just thinking about it.”

“You are full of surprises, Johnny Dodge.”

We were interrupted by the arrival of three superb cheese soufflés. No wonder Dagmar wanted us seated on time. She was leaving nothing to chance, and her soufflés were perfect as a result. They were accompanied by a simple cold salad with a heavenly dressing of garden herbs, olive oil, and vinegar. The wine was the customary Sancerre.

Lunch moved along at a pleasant pace. I looked around me once again to ensure I wasn’t seeing things, but everyone was smiling. It was a blessing. In addition, I could count each of them as friends worth knowing, even Malcolm Ault. His gift, it seemed, was always being present when significant events transpired. He had a knack.

As the meal wound down, Bruni eventually stood and asked that everyone pass through for coffee. Stanley must have spoken with her, because she announced that he would be bringing some of the pieces around for their inspection and that the guests’ transportation would arrive starting at three thirty.

She came up to me and asked, “How did I do?”

“You’re a natural. You belong here.”

“Nicely put. I know that I’ll love living here. Dagmar asked me to tell you that she’s available now. Stanley gave me her message. On another subject, we’ll be parting soon. When will we see each other again and be back here?”

“Friday, I think. Johnny is accompanying me to California to speed things along. I wish to be back by Thursday. Sooner if I can. We can drive up Friday for the weekend and make some plans.”

“That would suit me very well. I have a lot to do, but that’s normal. For now, I will see to the ladies. John will see to the men. Tell me what Dagmar says.”

With that, she kissed me, and I made my way to the kitchen.