“It’s been proven,” said Antoinette. “Ask Mr. Beecher.”
“Indeed it has, Lady Frampton,” Julius confirmed. “A DNA test verified that Phaedra is Lord Frampton’s biological daughter.”
“He’s included her in his will,” Antoinette added.
“He’s changed his will? Did you know about this?” Margaret rounded on her daughter-in-law.
“No one but Lord Frampton and I knew about the will,” interjected Julius pompously. “As his lawyer it was my job to arrange it. Phaedra had no idea he was including her until I informed her at the time I informed her of his death.”
“So she lives in England, does she?” Margaret sniffed.
“For the time being she’s staying at a friend’s house in London,” Julius replied. “Though I understand she’ll be returning to Paris shortly.”
“What does she do?”
“She’s a photographer.”
“Doesn’t she have a proper job?” Margaret snapped.
“Photography is a proper job, Grandma,” David interrupted.
“Does it make her any money?” Margaret persisted. “Or was my son keeping her?”
Julius hesitated.
Antoinette looked worried. “Mr. Beecher?”
“Lord Frampton was very keen to be a father to Phaedra,” he replied carefully. “But it is fair to say that the girl is very independent. She never asked anything of him besides friendship.”
“Really, this is all very odd,” Margaret declared, taking a large swig of sherry.
“What are we going to do?” Antoinette asked.
“Do?” Margaret retorted. “Why do we have to do anything?”
“Because she’s family,” said David.
“And it’s what Dad wanted,” Tom added, getting up to pace the room. He found it hard to remain still for very long.
“Well, I shan’t be doing anything about it,” Margaret informed them resolutely. “She can’t just turn up here on the day of my son’s funeral and expect us all to embrace her like the Prodigal Daughter. I don’t know her, and George never once mentioned her.”
“He had planned on mentioning her, Lady Frampton,” said Julius.
“That may well be, Mr. Beecher, but as far as I am concerned, the matter is of no consequence.”
The stubborn pursing of Margaret’s lips aroused in Antoinette a desire to be contrary. She got to her feet. “Well, the matter is of great consequence to me,” she said, feeling a sudden rush of empowerment as her mother-in-law let out a silent gasp. “If George accepted her as his daughter, then so shall I. I am willing to embrace her into the family. She’s a part of George and therefore a part of me.”
“Good gracious, Antoinette, that’s very noble, but is it prudent?” Margaret asked. “You know nothing about her.”
“I’m with you, Mum,” said Tom in surprise. “I rather like the idea of having a sister—and such a pretty one, too.”
“I’m in,” David agreed. “If it’s what Dad wanted. She’s flesh and blood.”
“Blood is thicker than water,” added Rosamunde, standing by her sister like a loyal hound.
Antoinette turned to Julius. “I’d like to meet as soon as possible to read the will, Mr. Beecher.”
“At your convenience, Lady Frampton,” he replied. “I shall call you when I’m back in my office on Monday and arrange a meeting. I will now leave you in peace. I’m glad you have decided to accept Phaedra as your stepdaughter.”
Margaret gave a disapproving sniff. “I’m afraid I’m going to take a little longer to convince. It’s more than I can absorb in one day. Burying my son has been quite enough, thank you very much. I’m going home. We’ll talk about it tomorrow, when I’m feeling stronger. David, escort me to my car.”
David did as he was told and accompanied his grandmother down the corridor and into the hall. Guests parted to let her through. Harris helped her with her stole, and she leaned on David as she descended the steps to where Lord Frampton’s chauffeur waited to drive her to the pretty Queen Anne dower house positioned at the other end of the estate. “Do you know what distresses me the most?” she said, hesitating at the open door. “That my son felt he couldn’t confide in me.”
“He didn’t confide in anyone,” David reassured her.
“But I’m his mother.”
“I think mothers are often the last to know.”
“Well, George and I were very close. I can’t understand why he didn’t tell me. How long had he known this girl?”