PT.7

My Family, My Choice!

Kitty sent word to Edward LaTrese that she wanted him to come to LaRogue Manor. So the next morning LaTrese showed up just after breakfast. Kitty waited halfway thru breakfast before telling Paul that LaTrese was on his way, then she went up to Patrice's room, knocked and walked in. "Good morning, Cousin!"

She walked across the room and pulled the curtains open. "What a beautiful sunny day."

"Ugh, what are you doing?"

"Time to get up out of that bed. Come on. It's easy. One foot at a time. You can do it. It won't kill you. Here, I'll help you." And Kitty grabbed her hands and pulled her to a sitting position.

"Kathleen! What is wrong with you? Don't you know I'm sickly?"

"Patrice, there is nothing wrong with you, except you're spoiled. Now get up, get dressed and get your backside downstairs, before I drag you down."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Don't test me, Cousin. Now you have 15 minutes and I mean it. I have some things I want to get straight and I want everyone's attention. Now move!"

Patrice, wide-eyed, had no idea what to make of Kitty. No one had ever talked to her like that. She got up and dressed and started brushing her hair. She kept looking at Kitty.

"Oh, you're not going to the ball, Patrice. Just get a move on."

"Kitty, what's this all about?"

"You'll know soon enough."

When she was done, she and Kitty headed down to the library.

When they came in, Paul and LaTrese were sitting, having coffee. Paul was surprised to see Patrice up and down stairs.

"Well, now that we have everyone here together, let's get this party started. Oh, I'm sorry, we forgot one person." Kitty turned and opened the door. "Auntie Constance."

When Constance walked in, LaTrese, Paul and Patrice all looked shocked.

"Miss Russell," LaTrese asked. "What is the meaning of this? What did you call me all this way for?"

"I'll get to that, Mr. La Trese. Auntie Constance, I want you to meet Edward LaTrese. He informed me, that for the past few months, that he is the family lawyer and handles all the family affairs. Including your last will and testament."

With a very soft gentle smile, Constance looked around the room. "Well, Mr. LaTrese, is it? I believe
you, young man, are sadly mistaken. For generations the LaRogue family has dealt with the same family law firm and at no time have I ever made any changes, nor do I intend to. I hope I have made this quite clear." She said, smiling very politely at him.

Then she turned to Paul and Patrice. "And as for the two of you, if you think for one minute that just because I am old… Please, do not, and I repeat, do not mistake that for being feeble. I am of sound mind. Patrice…" shaking her head, "your grandfather and father would be so ashamed. Now, if you will all excuse me, I would like to have my mid-morning sweet tea."

"Of course, Auntie Constance. You go right ahead. I'll see you in a bit."

She got up and kissed Kitty on the forehead and left.

"Now before any of you three say a word, let me say this. I'm going to see to it that none of you do anything to mess with Aunt Constance. Paul, I can see you doing something so vile and underhanded. And, Mr. LaTrese, well, I won't tell you what I think of lawyers. But, Patrice! You? You are family! How could you? You have always been well taken care of. You've had the best of everything. The best schools, the best…"

"Oh, Kathleen, what would you know? Grandfather disowned your mother and didn't want you or her around."

"And what would you know about that? You weren't even born yet."

"I heard Daddy and Auntie Constance talking."

"Well, that's none of your business. Auntie wanted us around and I will look out for her best interests." Then she left the room.

Paul looked at LaTrese. "Now what are we going to do?"

"Relax, Worthington, I'll think of something."

Then Patrice said, "Can't we have Auntie declared insane?"

"But we still need to know what is in that will and does Miss Russell have a copy. I'll think of something. You try to find where Constance keeps her will. We can sleep on it and I'll get back to you."

Kitty was sitting on the veranda drinking sweet tea with Constance, feeling extremely tired. "Kathleen, dear, thank you for what you did in there."

"Oh, I didn't do anything really. I just knew I couldn't sit by and let them try and do whatever it is they're thinking of. UGH. Auntie, I'm sorry. I guess I didn't sleep as well as I thought I did. I'm going to go up and take a nap."

Laughing lightly, "I think I've pick up one of Patrice's headaches." She was smiling as she started to stand but feeling dizzy. "Maybe the last few days of traveling are also catching up to me as well. I'll see you later for supper. Ok?"

"Sure, my dear. You get some rest, Child." Constance patted her arm.

The next morning, Kitty woke still feeling a bit tired and woozy but the Louisiana heat didn't help. After breakfast, Kitty talked to Constance and told her she would be heading back to Dodge. But that if she needed her for anything, all she had to do was send for her and she'd be on the next train. Kitty made her arrangements and also sent word to Matt that she'd be on her way.

As she was getting ready to leave, Edward LaTrese pulled up to the manor. "Miss Russell, I was hoping I could have a moment in private. I understand you are leaving us, so before you go, would you grant me a moment of your time? Please?"

"I don't know what we could possibly have to talk about, but I guess. Alright, Mr. LaTrese, you have till my driver gets here.

TBC