Don't Marry Thomas Clark Read Online Free Page B

is?’
    â€˜No, I haven’t the faintest idea, but I could try and find her parents.’
    â€˜Great. And bear in mind that she might already be engaged or married, and if, as you said, she moved to America, she might not want to return to England. In that case, I’d recommend written communications: emails, letters, telegrams,whatever you like, as long you have something in hand to show the court.’
    â€˜Court? You think someone might take it to court?’
    â€˜Well… It’s not a certainly, but I’ve got a list in front of me of at least twenty organizations who risk losing a nice little nest egg if you get married.’
    â€˜True. OK, go on,’ says Thomas.
    â€˜Right, if she’s available you’ll need to meet her. Asking to marry her out of the blue might make her suspicious, and we shouldn’t underestimate the possibility of her getting word about it through mutual friends. If the question of the will gets out, you’re done for.’
    â€˜So what do I do?’
    â€˜Good question,’ admits Frank, taking a moment to reflect. He stares blankly at the will as though it might be able to answer his questions, then suddenly exclaims, ‘Got it! You have to tell her everything!’ and give his friend a bright smile.
    â€˜What do you mean?’
    â€˜It’s a brilliant idea! Tell her about your grandfather’s death, about the marriage, about the six months of cohabitation…’
    â€˜But didn’t you just say that I shouldn’t mention it?’
    â€˜You don’t understand,’ Frank interrupts. ‘I’m not saying to tell her everything. ’
    â€˜Oh, no?’
    â€˜Of course not! You should hint at the will, but not explain what she stands to lose if she turns down the offer of marriage. You’re going to tell her a version of the truth, and you’ll pay her to obtain her cooperation.’
    â€˜Hang on, I’m not following,’ Thomas interrupts, confused. ‘ What do I have to do?’
    â€˜Let me give you an example,’ says Frank, crossing his hands on the desk and preparing to dispel his client and friend’s doubts. ‘Thursday, coffee break, the two of you at a table in a café.’
    â€˜I’m busy on Thursday.’
    â€˜Thomas!’
    â€˜OK…’ he puffs.
    â€˜Atmosphere: waiters passing between the customers, steaming cups of coffee, you pull her chair out for her. You’re kind, you get her to relax. Don’t get down to business straightaway. A bit of chit-chat, “How are you? How’s your father doing?” blah blah blah. And when you feel comfortable, turn on the old charm, give her a few compliments.’
    â€˜I can still manage to make small talk with another adult, Frank, we can skip the foreplay?’ Thomas snaps, but his friend ignores him.
    â€˜Flirt with her a bit, make her feel important, bring up a couple of old personal details. A few memories of you as children: funny stories, a bit of nostalgia, stuff like that. Focus her attention on your relationship and the deep bond that existed between your family and her parents, tell her about your grandfather’s death. Hint vaguely at the funeral, the deep sense of emptiness. And pause,’ he adds hastily. ‘Pause a lot,’ he recommends energetically.
    â€˜Why?’
    â€˜To underline how much pain you’re in. You’re still upset. So upset, you can’t talk about it. Seeing you in that state, her sentiments’ll get the upper hand, believe me,’ says Frank, and mimics the scene, lifting a hand to his tie. ‘A moment of emotion,’ he says, resuming his normal voice. ‘Gentle words, held breaths. You’ll mourn the deceased for a few minutes. Let it simmer, and once it’s cooked, tell her, in a moment of transport, that in his will, Sir Roger specified that you get everything except the old Canterbury estate unless you