‘And he’s quite right,’ said Magdalene. ‘It’s disgraceful to suggest he should do anything of the kind! Considering that George is the only member of the family who has done anything in the world, I think it’s a shame his father left him so little!’
Lydia said: ‘David?’
David said vaguely:
‘Oh, I think you’re right. It’s a pity there’s got to be so much ugliness and disputing about it all.’
Hilda said:
‘You’re quite right, Lydia. It’s only justice!’
Harry looked round. He said:
‘Well, that’s clear. Of the family, Alfred, myself and David are in favour of the motion. George is against it. The ayes have it.’
George said sharply:
‘There is no question of ayes and noes. My share of my father’s estate is mine absolutely. I shall not part with a penny of it.’
‘No, indeed,’ said Magdalene.
Lydia said sharply:
‘If you like to stand out, that is your business. The rest of us will make up your share of the total.’
She looked round for assent and the others nodded.
Harry said: ‘Alfred’s got the lion’s share. He ought to stand most of the racket.’
Alfred said: ‘I see that your original disinterested suggestion will soon break down.’
Hilda said firmly:
‘Don’t let’s start again! Lydia shall tell Pilar what we’ve decided. We can settle details later.’ She added in the hope of making a diversion, ‘I wonder where Mr Farr is, and M. Poirot?’
Alfred said:
‘We dropped Poirot in the village on our way to the inquest. He said he had an important purchase to make.’
Harry said: ‘Why didn’t he go to the inquest? Surely he ought to have done!’
Lydia said:
‘Perhaps he knew it was not going to be important. Who’s that out there in the garden? Superintendent Sugden, or Mr Farr?’
The efforts of the two women were successful. The family conclave broke up.
Lydia said to Hilda privately:
‘Thank you, Hilda. It was nice of you to back me up. You know, you really have been a comfort in all this.’
Hilda said thoughtfully: ‘Queer how money upsets people.’
The others had all left the room. The two women were alone.
Lydia said:
‘Yes—even Harry—although it was his suggestion! And my poor Alfred—he is so British—he doesn’t really like Lee money going to a Spanish subject.’