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.‘You’ll need to be kept busy,’ he told her, and indeed she was busy, for the writing of notes to her father’s few friends, preparing for their arrival and the meal they would expect after the funeral fell to her lot, on top of the usual housekeeping and the extra meals Henry expected while he was there.Not that she minded; she was in a kind of limbo.Her dull life had come to an end but the future was as yet unknown.At least, not quite unknown.Gregory had come to see her when he had heard the news and, while he didn’t actually propose, he had let her see that he considered their future together was a foregone conclusion.And he had been kind, treating her rather as though she were an invalid, telling her that she had always been a dutiful daughter and now she would have her reward.She hadn’t been listening, otherwise she might have wondered what he was talking about.Not many people came to the funeral, and when the last of them had gone old Mr Perkins led the way into the drawing room.Henry and Matthew and their wives made themselves comfortable with the air of people expecting nothing but good news.Serena, who didn’t expect anything, sat in the little armchair her mother had always used.Mr Perkins cleaned his spectacles, cleared his throat and began to read.Mr Lightfoot had left modest sums to his sons, and from the affronted look with which this was received it was apparent that, despite the fact that they had expected nothing, they were disappointed.‘The house and its contents,’ went on Mr Perkins in a dry-as-dust voice, ‘are bequeathed to a charity, to be used as a home for those in need.’ He coughed.‘To Serena, a sum of five hundred pounds has been left, and here I quote: “She is a strong and capable young woman, who is quite able to make her own way in the world without the aid of my money”.I must add that I did my best to persuade your father to reconsider this will, but he was adamant.’He went presently, after assuring them that he was at their service should he be needed, and taking Serena aside to tell her that he would see that she had a cheque as soon as possible.‘And if I can help in any way…’She thanked him, kissing his elderly cheek.‘I’ll be all right,’ she assured him.‘I don’t need to move out at once, do I?’‘No, no.It will be several weeks before the necessary paperwork can be done.’‘Oh, good.Time for me to make plans.’ She smiled at him so cheerfully that he went away easier in his mind.Serena went back to the drawing room.Her brothers were discussing their inheritance, weighing the pros and cons of investments, while their wives interrupted with suggestions that the money would be better spent on refurbishing their homes and wardrobes.They broke off their discussions when she joined them, and Henry said gravely that of course the money would be put to good use.‘I have heavy commitments,’ he pointed out, ‘and the children to educate.’ That they were at state schools and not costing him a penny was neither here nor there.Serena could see that he was anxious to impress upon her that she couldn’t expect any financial help from him.It was Matthew who asked her what she intended to do.‘For I am surprised at Father leaving you so ill provided for.Perhaps we could—?’His wife interrupted smoothly, ‘Serena is bound to find a good job easily; such a practical and sensible girl, and only herself to worry about.I must admit that I—we are very relieved to have inherited something.It will be just enough to have central heating put in—the house is so damp…’‘I thought the Church Council, or whatever it is, paid for things like that,’ said Serena.Her sister-in-law went red.‘We might have to wait for months—years, even—while they decide to have it done.’ She added sharply, ‘Matthew’s income is very small.’Serena reflected that Matthew had a private income from a legacy both brothers had received from an old aunt years ago
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