The Sailor's Inheritance

The Will

"Abigail. Sarah." Catherine nodded to her two younger sister's sitting by their husband's. Catherine didn't look like them surprisingly. She had the raven colored hair, green eyes, fair skin, and was more petite in build than her younger sister's.

They on the other hand looked more like their mother. Both had blonde hair and had a more filled out body with warm brown eyes. After their mother had passed it was difficult for Catherine to look upon her younger sister's but now they were a warm sight for her heart to see.

"Cat!" Sarah all but lept to her sister to embrace her in a large hug. Being the youngest Catherine always had a soft spot for her the most.

"ahem" Sarah's husband Johnathon had cleared his throat and gestured for Sarah to sit next to him again. She obeyed him and sulked back to his side.

Catherine never understood how such a bright spirit like Sarah had been paired to such a dull man like Johnathon. Both he and George, Abigail's husband, were incredibly set in the old traditions that a woman should obey their husband's. They thought so little of women that when Catherine had started representing her father both these men had tried to take over the position. clearly just for themselves instead of for the good of her father's business.

"now that we are all in attendance we shall begin." the lawyer said sternly but in a hushed civilized tone.

"Now as you are all aware and the reason for this is that the physicians do not believe Lord Cutler will be recovering from his fever and that it is simply a short matter of time before he leaves to be with God."

at this point Catherine could hear Sarah start to sniffle. meanwhile Abigail sat with a stonewall face and posture to match that of her indifferent husband.

The lawyer showed us the envelope and began again. "This is the living will of Lord Benedict Cutler as you can see it is not opened and bares his seal." he took a letter opener from the side of her father's desk and in one swift move opened the will. "right then." he cleared his throat and started with the will. Most of which was predictable. The small things to be divided among the daughters. The home to be left to Catherine and understandably she did not have a husband to provide a home for her. Abigail to have her pick of horses from the estate all with pure bloodlines made her smile for once. Most of the sentimental items went to dear Sarah not as valuable as the horses but Sarah wasn't one to want money over values. unlike her husband who seemed to start to glare at the lawyer as he continued.

"and finally" the lawyer wiped his brow with his handkerchief as he spoke. "the business of the estate and trading ships. As I have already stated in this my living will Catherine shall rule over the home leaving her a fit replacement to rule over the estate as well. I have observed the last few months before this illness is to take me the strength of character Catherine possess and the passion that drives her to make investments based upon the good and solid ideals of the company as I had visioned. With such observances taken into great consideration and much deliberation with my colleagues and trusted friends I have decided that Catherine shall inherit all of the trading company and her ships to be trusted to her until a suitable suitor she has picked to take over the empire I have created. signed and marked by Lord Benedict Cutler."

Catherine felt herself hold her breath in the silence of the room. all that could be heard was the ruffling of the lawyer gathering his belongings and her father's will. he stood bowed slightly said goodday and left out the door before any of the children had even begun to breathe again.

the tension in the room could be cut with a sword. Catherine turned to look upon her sister's but was met by hollowed stares from their husband's. it was Johnathon, Sarah's husband who truly frightened Catherine with his glare. His dark demeanor and clenched jaw added to his threatening posture. surely it was just over how distraught Sarah was becoming.

"I suppose it is time for dinner now. I am curious to see what cook has made for this gathering tonight." thankfully Abigail broke the tense moment as she stood and began to walk towards the door. however when she turned to urge Catherine to stand up and lead them as a host to the dinning room Catherine thought her stare to be a cold one.

She lead her sisters solemnly down the staircase pass the ballroom and into the dining hall. George and Johnathon had excused the ladies to stay behind and talk amongst themselves. No doubt comparing the items their wives will be inheriting amongst themselves.

Dinner was served and the hall remained quiet except for the occasional clatter of silverware on the China. Catherine sat to the right of the head of the table out of respect for her still living father who would not be waking from his sleep.

"so how long?" George interrupted her thought and the silence in the room. Catherine looked back at him and Abigail unsure of what he was asking but it seemed Abigail wasn't paying any heed to the question.

"I'm sorry George I was lost in thought and must not have heard your whole question." Catherine set down her silverware and gave him her attention.

"how long does Lord Cutler have to live?" George repeated with a crude tone that certainly would not have been acceptable if it wasn't for his marriage to Abigail.

"the physicians say they expect a passing within the week." Catherine looked down at her lap with the unexpected tears coming into her eyes.

"then perhaps" it was Johnathon that spoke now. "we shall remain here at the estate until he passes. why travel home just to turn around upon arrival."

Sarah's head shot up and looked between her husband and Catherine with almost excitement. "oh Cat!" Sarah bursted. "I could help with the house duties and surely George and Johnathon could help with father's business meetings until you've had time to settle everything."

Sarah looked so hopeful and Abigail sitting quietly never removing her eyes from her food. Catherine had barely given much thought as it would be nice not to be alone for a few days especially if their father should pass. She missed Sarah the most and wouldn't dare send her away. But the men? She felt she wouldn't sleep well if their peculiar attitudes were going to keep themselves up.

"well Sarah honestly I had not been expecting guests for long but I'm sure with your help around here we can make the place suitable. Did you bring enough belongings?" Catherine watched Sarah's smile grow to reach her eyes and she herself couldn't help but smile.

"of course I did! you know me Cat! always bringing my wardrobe!" Sarah jumped up from her seat and excused herself to start unpacking immediately.

Abigail never spoke simply rose with her husband and started toward the guest rooms. Johnathon stayed for a moment longer while Catherine was gathering herself from the table. When she was about to leave the hall she turned and saw Johnathon staring at her yet again with those unruly eyes. The look gave her chills that she quickly dismissed. She excused herself and found her sisters bedchambers wished them a good night and went to retire to her room.

As she laid in bed she thought about everything that had happened in one day. She had made a business agreement and discovered her father had left the most valuable part of anything he had ever owned to her. Her sisters for the first time since her father had taken ill would be staying to help her with household chores and preparing for his death. Catherine would be lying if she wasn't truly happy to no longer be facing this great burden alone.