And Thereby Hangs a Tale

“I’m sure Mr. Sommerfield’s personal maid will be happy to act as witness,” said Lynn as the front doorbell rang again.

“I’m afraid that won’t be possible,” said Kullick.

“But why not?” demanded Lynn, who had already given Paula twenty dollars to carry out the task.

“Because she’s a beneficiary of the will,” said Kullick, “and therefore ineligible to be a witness.”

“She is indeed,” said Arthur. Turning to Lynn he explained, “I’ve left her the silver-plated dinner service.” He leaned across and whispered, “But I can assure you, my dear, that the silver cane is, like you, sterling.”

Lynn smiled as she desperately tried to think who could take Paula’s place. Her first thought was the chauffeur, but then she remembered that he was also a beneficiary—Arthur’s ancient car. She didn’t want to risk going through the whole process again, but she couldn’t think of anyone suitable to take the maid’s place at such short notice.

“Could you come back this time tomorrow?” she asked, trying to remain calm. “By then I’m sure—” She was interrupted by a knock on the door and Dr. Grove strode into the room.

“How are you, Arthur?” he asked.

“Not too bad,” said Arthur. “I’d be even better if you felt able to witness my signature. Or is Grove also a beneficiary of my will?” he asked Kullick.

“Certainly not,” said Dr. Grove before the lawyer could speak. “It’s against company policy for any employee of Jackson Memorial to benefit from a bequest left by a patient.”

“Good, then you can earn your fee for a change, Grove. That is, assuming Kullick agrees you’re acceptable.”

“Eminently so, Mr. Sommerfield,” said Kullick as he opened his briefcase and extracted three thick documents. He slowly turned the pages, pointing to the small pencil crosses at the bottom of each page indicating where both signatures should be placed.

Although Lynn had taken a step back so as not to appear too involved in the process, her heartbeat didn’t return to normal until the last page of all three copies had been signed and witnessed.

Once the ceremony had been completed, Kullick gathered up the documents, placed one copy in his briefcase and handed the other two to Mr. Sommerfield, who waved them away, so Lynn placed them in the drawer by his bed.

“I’ll take my leave, sir,” said Kullick, still not confident enough to shake hands with his latest client.

“Give Haskins my best wishes,” said Arthur as he screwed the top back on his fountain pen.

“But I no longer work for—”

“Just be sure to tell Mr. Haskins when you next see him,” Lynn said quickly, “that he obviously didn’t fully appreciate Mr. Sommerfield’s wishes when it came to the very generous bequest he had in mind for me. But at the same time, do assure him I am not someone who bears grudges.”

Dr. Grove frowned, but said nothing.

“Very magnanimous of you in the circumstances, my dear,” said Arthur.

“When I next see him,” Kullick repeated. Then he added, “I feel it’s my duty to point out to you, Mr. Sommerfield, that your children may feel they are entitled to—”

“Not you as well, Kullick. When will you all accept that I’ve made my decision, and nothing you can say will change my mind? Now please leave us.”

“As you wish, sir,” said Kullick, stepping back as Dr. Grove stuck a thermometer into his patient’s mouth.

Lynn accompanied the lawyer to the door. “Thank you, Mr. Kullick, the maid will show you out.”

Kullick left without another word and after Lynn had closed the door behind him she returned to Arthur’s bedside where Dr. Grove was studying the thermometer.

“Your temperatur

e is up a little, Arthur, but that’s hardly surprising, considering all the excitement you’ve just been put through.” Turning to Lynn, he added, “Perhaps we should leave him to have a little rest before supper.” Lynn nodded. “Good-bye, Arthur,” he said in a louder voice. “See you in a few days’ time.”

“Good day, Grove,” said Arthur, switching the television back on.

“He’s looking very frail,” said Dr. Grove as Lynn accompanied him down the stairs. “I’m going to advise his children to fly home in the next few days. I can’t believe it will be much longer.”

“I’ll make sure their rooms are ready,” said Lynn, “and that Mr. Sommerfield’s driver picks them up at the airport.”