Part 23 (1/2)
”She's in shock, Barnabas. She hasn't spoken a word since - since Chris died. His note said she was to be sent to you - or here.”46.
”Yes. I promised Chris once that if anything ever happened to him that I would take care of her.”
”She reminds you of - Sarah, doesn't she?”
His smile was tinged with the sadness that remembering his dear little sister brought. ”She's like Sarah in several ways.” His shoulders set in determination. ”I have to see her.”
Julia sighed with relief. He was showing an interest - a real interest, in something at last. ”I hoped you would want to. Chris' lawyer brought her here. He has a sealed letter for you from Chris.”
”Then I'd better speak to him first. Have you called Quentin?”
”I wasn't sure I should.”
”He has to be told.”
”You're right. I'll do it now.” She dialed the number.
”Collinwood.”
”Mrs. Johnson. It's Julia Hoffman. Is Quentin there?”
”He's in the drawing room, Doctor. How is Mr. Barnabas?”
”Better. I need to speak to Quentin.”
”I'll get him for you.”
The next voice was Quentin's. ”Julia. What's up?”
”I think you'd better get up here right away.”
”Why?”
”Amy was admitted today. Chris -Chris committed suicide a week ago.”
”My - ” She could tell he was struggling to control his reaction so not to alarm anyone with him. ”I'll be there as soon as possible.”
”Amy talked a lot about you, Mr. Collins. She thought as much of you as she did her brother.”
”The feeling is mutual, Mr. Danvers,” Barnabas said. ”Amy is very important to me.”
”Here's the letter Chris addressed to you. I've already given Dr. Hoffman the will.”
”Thank you. And thank you for bringing Amy to me.”
”I didn't mind. Would it be alright if I see her before I leave, Dr. Hoffman?”
”Of course.
”I want to say good-bye.”