"There's a telegram for you, your ladyship. From America."
"Thank you Carson."
"Really, are you going to open it at the dining table?"
"Why should she not Mama? It's just us."
"And we don't deserve any respect."
"I have to go to America."
"Darling, why?"
"Because my father is dying. The telegram was sent by my brother. The doctors say that he has got three or four weeks left. I have to say goodbye to him."
"Of course you do. I'll go to Liverpool with you tomorrow morning and you can be on the next available crossing. I'll go with you if you want me to."
"You'll go with her where? To America? You don't like her father."
"Yes Robert, I would you like to go with me if you can leave the estate."
"What about my granddaughters?"
"We'll leave them in your capable hands, Mama."
"What? Robert no. Cora, tell him I can't take care of three little girls."
"They aren't that little anymore. Two of them are teenagers. And you won't have to take care of them. Just spend an hour each day with them. You can come here or they can be taken to you."
"For how long will you be gone?"
"I don't know but I don't think it will be longer than two months. Maybe even less. I don't want to stay. If my mother needs my company she will have to come here with me."
"And I have no right to refuse?"
"To refuse what Mama? Taking care of your lovely granddaughters while Cora and I are in America supporting her mother at this difficult time?"
"Why do you want to support that woman? You like her even less than you like Cora's father."
"Do we have to discuss this now? Robert I am thankful if you want to come but if it makes you uncomfortable you can stay here."
"I'll come. It's my mother who makes me uncomfortable."
"Now you are talking about me as if I wasn't even here."
"Mama, keep your barbs to yourself for once. I will go to America with Cora and you will spend an hour each day with the girls."