“I’m dreading this,” he said. He looked awful. There were dark circles under his eyes as if he hadn’t been sleeping well.
“Me, too.” Sabrina felt sorry for him. This wasn’t his problem. But she was terribly grateful for his presence. She had no idea how her mother was going to react, and Leland’s presence always had a calming effect.
“Leland! We didn’t know you were coming over,” Sabrina’s aunt said as they walked into the foyer. She looked bright and cheerful in a pink cashmere sweater set and dark wool skirt, but her smile faded at the expressions on their faces.
“Hello, Irene.” Leland smiled and gave her a hug. “How’re you holding up?”
“Oh, I’m all right.” Her voice lowered. “But there’s something’s wrong, isn’t there?” She looked worriedly from him to Sabrina.
Sabrina nodded grimly. “Yes. Where’s Mom?”
“In the sunroom. Do…do you want me to make myself scarce?”
“No, there’s something we have to tell her, but I think it’s a good idea for you to be there, too. We might need you.”
Sabrina’s mother, who was leafing through a magazine, looked up as the three of them entered the room. “Hello, Leland. I thought I heard your voice.” A rare smile softened her features.
“Hello, Isabel. How are you, my dear?” He bent down and kissed her.
“I’m fine.”
Sabrina’s heart ached. “Mom,” she began. “We—”
“Leland, would you like something to drink?” Isabel interrupted.
He shook his head and sat on one of the rattan armchairs nearest to her. He reached for her hand. She gave him a puzzled look but didn’t try to pull away.
“Mother,” Sabrina started again. “I asked Leland to come over today because there’s something we need to tell you.”
Isabel looked at him with raised eyebrows. “Something about the will?”
“No, not about the will,” Leland said.
“It’s… Dad left a letter for me in Leland’s safekeeping,” Sabrina said. “Leland gave it to me the day before yesterday.”
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