Читать книгу A Summer Scandal: The perfect summer read by the author of One Day in December - Kat French, Kat French - Страница 6

My dearest Violet,

I’m not entirely sure if I’m doing the right thing, but in order to honour Monica’s memory, I’m going to do it regardless and leave the choices and decisions up to you.

Now – I’m dead, darling. No point beating around that particular bush; I must be, or you wouldn’t be reading this letter. I know I should have dealt with this sooner, but I’m afraid I wasn’t brave enough – Pandora’s box, and all that. Should have talked to your mother perhaps, but the right time never really presented itself. Or maybe I never looked for it. She’s too much like me for her own good, my Della; I don’t think she’d want this.

Are you ready? Here comes the formal bit.

Violet Monica Spencer, I hereby bequeath to you the property known as number 6 Swallow Beach Lido, and the Birdcage Pier, also at Swallow Beach.

I don’t know what you should do with the pier. Renovating it might not be an option; might be better to set fire to the damn thing and let it go out in a blaze of glory. Seriously my love, there may or may not be value in it. Do as you wish. The flat will have value I’m sure, although I expect it’ll need a lick of paint after all these years.

Tell your mother I’m sorry. I lied only by omission, but it was still a deception to let her think I’d sold up and cut our ties with Swallow Beach. Truth told, I don’t think her memories of the place are happy ones, mine neither, and I didn’t want to burden her. So it comes down to you. I have no sentimental attachment, so if you can sell up and make some money, do so without thinking twice. It pleases me to think that some good might come of it, and I’m sure your grandmother would feel similarly.

Bonne chance, child.

Grandpa Henry xxx