Die, Sweet Di

Die, Sweet Di

LARION WILLS

Die, Sweet Di

Copyright © 2018 Larion Wills

Published by Painted Hearts Publishing

Smashwords Edition

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Die, Sweet Di

Copyright © 2018 Larion Wills

ISBN 10: 1-946379-80-1

ISBN 13: 978-1-946379-80-8

Author: Larion Wills

Publication Date: May 2018

All cover art and logo copyright © 2018 by Painted Hearts Publishing

Cover design by E Keith

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

Prologue

Houston, Texas 1973

Adam left instructions for me to read this letter before reading his will.

Looking at the four people sitting in front of his desk, Allen hid his dislike behind the stoic expression of the well-trained lawyer. A distinguished-looking man, hair graying at the temples, features quiet and strong, but if you were sensitive to the feelings of others, his eyes, a light shade of blue, held sorrow. Adam was his brother.

The other four occupants of the room were not sensitive to the feelings of any but themselves. Their only reason for being there was the formality with foredrawn conclusions. After all, who other than his adopted children would inherit Adam’s estate, even if there had been no love between them?

Is this really necessary? Joseph asked, his concern over Adam’s death and degree of grief evident in his question.

"Yes, it really is necessary."

Of course, it is, Joseph. They were his last words to us. Samantha, the eldest of the four, reeked of hypocrisy. Do go on, she ordered.

Samantha was always correct in dress, pose, and condescending attitude. Betty, the youngest, was plain and always looked like a frightened bird ready to take flight or cry at the slightest provocation. Joseph was the playboy, all slim and handsome. Belligerent and truthful enough to reveal his real feelings, he did have a vice-presidency’s position at Adam’s plant and made an appearance at his office, though without any appreciable value to the company. Godfrey, Joseph’s twin, identical yet not at all alike, dressed the dandy, and where Joseph flashed, he yawned.

Samantha had never hidden her resentment of Adam’s marriage to her mother, and if not for her constant interference, he might have had a chance of becoming at least friends with the other three. Allen disliked all of them for the unhappiness they caused Adam during the years he supported them in the manner they had been born to. If not for the sorrow of losing his brother, he would have enjoyed this moment.

In the past… he began to read.

No, ‘Dear Children’ salutation? Joseph asked.

Do be still, Samantha chided.

Joseph slouched and scowled, but he held his tongue.

In the past, Allen continued, we have had many bitter arguments regarding your behavior and most of all, money. I’ve tried on many occasions to get all of you to establish financial independence, which none of you would do.

Lecture time, Joseph grumbled.

Allen continued. What I couldn’t accomplish in life, I will accomplish in death for two reasons. The first reason to me is the most important. There is someone to whom I gave life and nothing more.

What? Joseph asked with a jerk.

Samantha stilled him with a hand on his arm. With a nod to Allen, she stated, We will hear the entire letter.

I was never able to give her anything while I lived. I hope that in some small way, this will make up for that omission. More importantly, I feel she has more right to it than you. Secondly, if I were to leave it to you, you would only squander it and end up with nothing.

He set the letter aside, letting the impact of the words sink in while he prepared to read the will. He didn’t have to look at them to know shock alone held them silent.

Joseph was the first to recover and react. He jumped to his feet, yelling, Are you saying he’s leaving everything to someone else? He can’t do that!

"He can do anything he wants with his money. Sit down and be quiet or leave." His glance raked over the four of them. Samantha’s face was frozen, Godfrey still looked bored, Betty looked more frightened, and Joseph was furious.

Don’t get high-handed with me, Allen, Joseph warned.

Sit down, Joseph, Samantha said calmly. You may read the will, now.

Sammy— he argued.

Sit down, Joseph, she said sternly. Joseph did, grudgingly, still scowling at Allen. She nodded again for Allen to proceed.

Word-for-word or will the essentials do? You may have a copy to study for loopholes, Allen said, knowing that Samantha wouldn’t give up without a fight, no matter how calm she pretended to be.

The essentials will do for now.

She had just received a severe shock, and even that hadn’t shaken her aloof coolness.

He has established trust funds for each of you from which checks will be mailed to you for a period of one year until the sum of $100,000 is reached.

$100,000! Joseph yelled. How can we live on that? He can’t do it!

He feels a year is sufficient time for you to establish yourselves in some kind of livelihood, and to learn to curtail your extravagances.

It’s our money. He wouldn’t have had a dime if mother hadn’t given him the money to build that business, Joseph shouted.

Your mother didn’t have a dime when he married her, Allen said flatly. He had expected this and prepared himself, but he was still having a difficult time controlling his temper.

That’s a lie. Tell him, Sammy.

There was the insurance money, she said instead.

She received that six months before he met her, and it was gone in less than one.

Sammy, what are you saying? Joseph cried.

She’s saying your mother was broke. She had nothing left but a crumbling house that was weeks from being sold at public auction for back taxes.

You’re lying.

Samantha waved his protests away. Who is to receive the bulk of the estate?

Sammy!

Sit down, Joseph. We can discuss the other matter in private.

Allen waited for Joseph to obey, then answered, His daughter.

Daughter! Joseph exclaimed, jumping to his feet again.

What would that kind of a person do with such large sums of money? Samantha asked, ignoring Joseph’s stare at her.

What do you mean by ‘that kind of person’? Allen asked.

We are all aware of Adam’s middle-class background. She can hardly be expected to know how to handle such large amounts of money.

You knew! Joseph yelled at Samantha, cutting Allen off.

Either control him or get him out of here, Allen snapped.

You are being annoying, Joseph. Do sit down. May I see the will?

Your copy, take it with you, Allen said.

Samantha rose gracefully and took the will from his extended hand. Will we be required to vacate High Vista immediately? she asked and set Joseph off again.

High Vista! He didn’t! He couldn’t! It’s ours! It’s been in our family for years! No bastard kid of his is going to steal it from us!

Finally losing his temper, Allen sprang to his feet. Get out of here, you ungrateful idiot.

He won’t interrupt again, Samantha stated.

Allen never understood her power over the others. Her words were a command. Joseph hunched over, his arms crossed over his chest, seething in resentment, but silent.

There are a few questions I would like to ask, if you have the time, Samantha stated.

There seem to be several things you know that you never saw fit to tell the others. I don’t need to ask why. Anything you could twist or omit to cause more trouble, you used against a man that gave you everything you have. You would not allow him to be a friend to any of you for distorted reasons of your own.

I have no interest in your opinions.

I don’t give a damn if you do. Diana is not illegitimate, and you better make sure they understand that. If not, you had better explain the slander laws to him.

Where is this person now? she asked, completely ignoring his warning.

We haven’t located her yet, he said, answering coldness with coldness and a lie.

If you fail to locate her, what will happen to the estate?

It will be held in trust until we do.

If she is dead?

It will go to her heirs. As for your residence at High Vista, I haven’t the power to evict you. That is to be her decision. I hope she throws you out on your ears. In my opinion, whether you’re interested in hearing it or not, you’re getting far more than you deserve.

We will fight this, she said, tapping a manicured fingernail against the will.

As I expected. Now, if you don’t mind, I have other business to attend to.

She moved to the door, the other three following her like shadows. She turned back to him at the door. You will let us know when you locate her.

Allen nodded, even though she had made a statement, not asked a question. Joseph was glared. Betty sobbed, while Godfrey stifled a yawn, and Samantha held the center of attention as always, aloof and regal.

Chapter One

The loud speaker paged Allen Barrows, and Samantha smiled. That will keep him busy long enough if he didn’t get the message we sent claiming she wasn’t coming.

I never realized just how devious you are, Joseph said with less than admiration in his tone.

Ignoring him, she ordered, Remember to be charming. They’re deplaning now. Do you see her?

No but look at that funny little creature. She looks more frightened than Betty.

Highly amused, he tipped his head toward one woman, walking slowly, well away from the other passengers. Head down and hand held over her eyes, she pulled away when anyone came near her, and her skirt and blouse was shapeless. She wore cheap plastic sandals on bare feet and carried a cheap canvas bag. Her long straight hair was caught at the nap of her neck in a thin piece of ribbon.

Samantha’s lips curled in a nasty smile. That is Diana.

Joseph did a double-take, looked at the photo he held in his hand, and roared with laughter.

This is going to be a snap. He pointed at the pitiful sight. That is even more timid than Betty. Look at her, she’s shying from everyone.

Don’t be too overconfident. She led the way, telling him in a whisper, Remember now, be charming. In a complete change of voice, she cried out, Oh, Diana, darling.

She threw her arms around the object of their scorn, dripping honey with each word and smile. Diane flinched and backed away. Who are you? she asked in a whisper, twisting her head to look up at them instead of lifting it up.

Samantha, darling, your family. Joseph, isn’t she lovely?

Adorable. Here, let me take your bag, he said at his charming best.

Oh, yes, and let’s get out of this press. Where are your claim tickets, dear? The chauffeur can get the rest of your bags.

This is all I have. The—

Oh, well, good. Good. We can go straight home. Betty and Godfrey are so anxious to meet you. Diana shied when Samantha put her arm around her shoulders to lead her. Oh, darling, you mustn’t be afraid of us. We’re family.

Diana stiffened, but didn’t pull away. She made no comment, but when they stepped out of the terminal, she shaded her eyes again. Joseph made a face behind Diana’s back, and Samantha gave him a ‘behave yourself’ look as she hustled Diana into the car.

Retreating to the far corner, Diana balanced her head on her hand and listened quietly to Samantha and Joseph’s steady stream of chatter, all designed to convince her of their love for her father, and their desire to do anything they could for their dear, new, little sister.

With one brief glance at the mansion, she ducked her head, obviously too over-awed to look at it. When they went inside, she shied from Betty’s embrace and hesitated before accepting Godfrey’s limp hand.

Well, here we are, dear, home-sweet-home. We do hope you’ll be comfortable. Would you like to see your room?

Yes, please, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to rest for a while, she said in a subdued little whisper.

Why, of course, darling. Tired from your trip?

Diana nodded with barely a tip of her head.

Poor dear, travel is so tiring to those who are unaccustomed to it.

I have a headache, she answered in the same whisper and tipping her head to glance at Samantha.

Oh, you poor thing, I’ll have one of the servants bring you something.

That isn’t necessary. I’ll be fine after a rest.

Oh, no trouble, Samantha told her with a one-arm hug. You mustn’t be self-conscious of the servants. You’ll get used to being waited on in no time. Diana’s only response to that was stiffening. How long will you be able to stay? We’d very much like you to stay permanently, Diana, dear. You are, after all, part of our family.

I live with my mother.

Mother? No husband? Did you hear that, Joseph? Our little Diana isn’t married.

No? Then surely there is something wrong with the men in Los Angeles, he said. She glanced at him, then away quickly. "I find that delightful. After all, we aren’t blood relatives. He tucked her arm into his, awkwardly since her arm was stiff. Let me show you to your room."

It isn’t necessary, she said, stepping away from him.

You’ll find High Vista a change from what you’re used to, dear. We wouldn’t want you getting lost your first day. Samantha took her other arm. Darling, loosen up. You’ve no reason to be as stiff with us. We’re family, she added with a tinkling laugh.

We’re putting you in Daddy’s room, so you’ll feel closer to him.

It’s so unfortunate that he lost track of you, but we understand he had no control over it.

Oh, she said in a tone of voice that conveyed no emotion. It could as easily been a question as an exclamation, and nothing further was forthcoming.

Joseph rolled his eyes as he held open the door. Samantha’s look was one quite similar to a fat cat that had just out-maneuvered all efforts to save the family canary.

This is the sitting room, dear. It’s a suite. The bedroom and bath are through here, Samantha purred.

Thank you, Diana murmured. She took the bag from Joseph and laid it on the bed, tipping her head to look at them. Again, it was no more than a brief glance before her head bowed.

I’ll help you unpack.

No, thank you, I can manage.

Now, Diana, you mustn’t be embarrassed with us.

I’d rather do it myself, if you don’t mind.

Well, of course, I don’t, but, Diana, you must understand, there is absolutely no reason for you to be embarrassed. We’ve been more fortunate, and we want to share it with you. Don’t we, Joseph?

I-I really would like to rest, Diana said as he nodded agreement and patted her hand. They both leaned forward to catch her words. I hate to be a bother, but—

Nonsense, Samantha said, I’ll wake you for dinner. Make yourself comfortable, dear. We want you to feel right at home. Come, along, Joseph. Diana is tired after her long trip.

* * * *

Joseph could hardly contain himself and was roaring with laughter by the time they rejoined Betty and Godfrey. He walked across the room, imitating the walk and timid little whisper, laughing even harder.

That’s enough, Joseph, Samantha told him, resuming an all-business attitude.

But, Sammy, she’s such a bird. If you said boo to her, she’d jump out of her skin.

You won’t be saying boo. She isn’t married. It couldn’t be more convenient.

Convenient for what? he said, going stone-cold sober.

What better way to regain control of the estate?

Joseph groaned. No, Sammy, not that. I couldn’t stand being married to that-that drudge.

She has pretty hair, Betty offered.

She wears it like a fifty-year-old spinster.

It could be pretty. It’s almost to her waist and the prettiest color. She could be pretty, too.

She’s plain and nothing could help that personality. She’s positively dull.

You could just lock her in the cellar, Godfrey said and was ignored.

You’ll do it, Joseph. It’s the only sure way of keeping High Vista, Samantha said firmly.

Sammy, what’s wrong with your original plan? We won’t even have to bully her. She’d be putty.

As easily molded by someone else. Have you forgotten Allen?

We can keep him away from her until we get the power of attorney.

He could just as easily get her to revoke it. No, Joseph, finding that she is not married is heaven sent. Convincing her that you’re madly in love with her should be easy for you, and once you’re married, no one can interfere.

Sammy, he wailed.

We’ll still get the power of attorney, as a safe guard, but you must marry her.

Why not Godfrey?

Godfrey hasn’t your charm and experience. You must sweep her off her feet. The sooner you’re safely married, the sooner we can stop worrying about Allen.

* * * *

At seven, Samantha woke her for dinner. Diana sat through the meal, wearing the same shapeless suit while the others had dressed for the occasion, her head bowed, and barely speaking a word. The words were yes and no to questions, or what they learned was her inevitable answer when a comment seemed to be called for and couldn’t be answered yes or no, a flat, lifeless oh. With the exception of repeating some of Samantha’s words to her, that was the sum of her conversation. She also proved to be a picky, light eater.

We want to begin showing you off immediately, dear. Do you ride?

Ride?

Horses, darling. Can you ride?

Yes.

Marvelous. Tomorrow morning, we’ll go for a ride and start introducing you to our friends. The Centures have invited us for brunch. She paused for an answer and didn’t get one. Oh, there are clothes. You needn’t worry. I’m sure I have something that will fit you.

Oh.

Monday, we’ll go shopping.

Shopping?

Yes, dear, she said with a light laugh. There are so many Christmases and birthdays we’ve missed, and you will need more than that one suit. It’s charming, dear, but it simply won’t do for all occasions.

Oh.

This is Saturday. Tomorrow, we’ll ride, have a short visit with the Centures, and then Monday we can shop and see the lawyer.

Lawyer?

There are papers to sign. Such a bore when we have so much catching up to do in getting to know each other. I really hate to bother you with it. I have an idea, she said, accented with the right intonation to make it sound as if she had just thought of it. Let’s not waste our time. Business is so boring and so confusing. Why don’t you let us handle it for you? Our lawyer can draw up a simple power of attorney, and Joseph can handle it all for you. You needn’t do anything but sign the checks when they come to you each month. You know what a power of attorney is?

Yes.

Wonderful. Daddy left you a small remembrance for you in his will.

Oh.

The butler spoke from the door of the dining room. Excuse me, Miss Barrows. There is a phone call. He’s most insistent.

Diana had started at the sound of his voice, even going so far as to raise her hand to her face.

Tell him I will call back after dinner, Samantha told him.

Yes, ma’am, he said, bowing neatly and leaving as silently as he had entered.

You’ll get used to that, dear, Samantha said, patting her consolingly on the hand. Her hand stayed there, sympathetically. There is something distressing I simply must talk to you about.

Oh, she said and quietly withdrew her hand.

Samantha smiled patronizingly, and then looked distressing to fit the next subject. That phone call, dear, I’m sure it was for you.

Oh, she said, tipping her head for one brief glance at Samantha.

Please don’t think I’m being overprotective, dear. I just don’t want to see you upset, and there are so many new things for you to know. I’m afraid that was Allen, our father’s brother.

Oh.

Yes, and I’m sorry to say, feelings between us aren’t good. It’s sad, but Allen has always been so terribly jealous. He could never accept Daddy’s love for us, and now that Daddy is dead, he’s been saying all manner of terrible things. You see, if not for us, Daddy would have left everything to Allen, his only other relative. I feel I should warn you. He feels Daddy should have left him more than he did, less to us, and he even, well, it’s indelicate, but he even resents the remembrance Daddy left you. He’s very bitter.

Oh.

Well, let’s not speak of it anymore, she said, looking at Joseph.

She had covered all of the important points and was sick of the one-sided conversation. It was Joseph’s turn. After three ohs, yes twice, and one no, Joseph was grateful when she excused herself and went to bed.

Honestly, Sammy, how can I ever overpower her with my charm when she’s so shy and backward, she won’t even look at me?

You’ll draw her out in time.

* * * *

There you are, dear. Doesn’t she look lovely? Samantha said sweetly when Diana joined them for breakfast in her borrowed English riding habit.

Adorable, Joseph agreed, holding a chair for her.

Thank you, Diana said, pulling at the slightly tight jacket.

Samantha smiled in satisfaction. Diana looked just the way she intended—tasteless, unsophisticated, and pathetic, certain to appear anything but lovely in the eyes of the friends they’d be joining. A coat, jodhpurs, and shirt, all from separate outfits created the look, and a pair of her boots. The coat was a trifle too tight, the jodhpurs too large, the boots too large, and the color scheme outlandish. Oh, nothing as obvious as red, pink, and green. Just two shades of brown and a mustard-colored blouse in clashing hues. She looked like someone who tried to be stylish, but just didn’t have the knack, someone from the middle, perhaps lower classes, suddenly among the elite and making a foolish attempt at appearing they belonged. Samantha was going out of her way to foster that impression.

Diana ate no more for breakfast than she had for dinner the night before, nor did she speak anymore. When Joseph took her hand to hold while they walked down the hill to the stables, she withdrew it.

Now, Diana, don’t be shy, he coaxed, taking it again and firmly tucking it in the crook of his arm. The stables aren’t ours. They belong to William Bain, an old army buddy of Daddy’s.

Oh.

Samantha told her, Daddy was so generous. He never had the heart to turn his back on William. He felt he owed him something, saying William saved his life during the war. William was always around to collect on it every time things went bad for him. Daddy finally gave him the stables and helped him to at least become self-supporting. So charitable.

He seems to have done well, Diana said, shocking both of them with her first full sentence. Not only that, she actually had her head up, looking at the ranch buildings down the hill.

Even Samantha had to admit the ranch was beautifully laid out and immaculate with building and fences all painted white. The buildings were trimmed in barn red, and the house was surrounded by a carefully manicured lawn. The flowerbeds and walls were edged, and the edging was painted white. The only spot offensive to the beauty and harmony of the setting was a burned-out building to the left of the main corral and barn, where workers were busy tearing down the ruins.

Of course, it looks nice, dear. We wouldn’t have it any other way, so close to our own home.

Oh, she said, dropping her head again.

I have a wonderful surprise for you. I had them saddle your father’s horse for you to ride. There, you can see him now.

Diana was so impressed—or frightened⸺she went so far as to catch her breath as the magnificent stallion pawed the ground and threw his head impatiently. Whatever it was held Diana in a trance as she walked down the hill. Samantha, never one to pass up an opportunity, thought of another way to attack her self-confidence.

Oh, Diana, she cried when her well-placed foot dropped Diana to the lawn. Joseph, help the dear up. Are you hurt, darling?

No, she said in a choked voice with both hands to her face.

Now, don’t cry, dear. She brushed her clothes off. It’s so embarrassing to fall, but don’t let it bother you. We understand how entranced you were. It’s so easy to take a tumble when you aren’t watching your footing. There, there, now. Feeling better?

Yes, she mumbled, pulling away from them and going on in the same direction, her hand still at her face.

Don’t let it spoil our fun, Joseph said, dashing up beside her and putting his arm around her shoulders. She cringed even before he started patting her like a small child.

She walked all the way to the corral with them before announcing in a very quiet voice, I’ve decided not to ride.

Oh, no, Diana. Is it the horse? Samantha cried. She expected it to be. That’s why she had a high-spirited stallion saddled for the timid girl. Would you like another? He is spirited, and we do have much gentler ones.

No, I just don’t want to ride. I have a headache.

We’ll just call and cancel.

Please don’t on my account.

We can’t just leave you alone your first day here.

I’ll be fine, really. I’ll just rest.

Well, if you’re sure.

Perfect. She had shown cowardice when faced with a spirited horse, and she would spend the morning alone, surrounded by the house and servants, a world completely foreign to her. She’d be more than grateful to see them when they returned and even more convinced she needed their help in dealing with the strangeness.

Steven, will you have your man walk Diana back? Samantha asked with a smirk to the man holding the stallion, daring him to refuse.

Steven, standing by the saddled horses, glared at Diana. Perfect. How wonderful, seeing his disappointment in his idol’s daughter.

That isn’t necessary, Diana protested weakly.

No problem. Is it, Steven?

No, Steven answered, looking all the world like he would like to shake, spank, or spit on her, maybe all four, before he walked off.

Now remember, dear, Samantha told her with a pat on the back. He’s just a servant and nothing to be nervous over.

Be back before you know it, Joseph told her with the same humoring pat on the back.

Chapter Two

Steven looked at her in disgust as he turned, carrying the saddle, and disappeared in the barn that formed one side of the corral. If she noticed him at all, she gave no indication. She stood perfectly still until Samantha’s group was out of sight, before she turned to the corral. She slipped her coat off, and with it over her arms, folded over the top rail, she laid her head against it.

Standing in the dark of the barn, she was a picture of forlorn objectivity to Steven. He threw the saddle on its rack angrily, went through the barn, and came out behind her. You ready to go? he asked sharply.

His voice, loud with anger, and his approach, quiet on the soft ground, resulted in a violent jump of surprise. Her head came up, and she whirled to face him, only to sink back against the fence. He was sure if the fence hadn’t been there, she’d have run from him. At that, he wasn’t too sure she wasn’t going to melt through the rails the way she huddled against them.

Are you ready to go back or not?

I can find my own way,