“Yes, we discussed the matter,” I reply vaguely to avoid alarming them too much.
“Then you must be aware of the fact that, since we didn’t receive any response as regards your repayment plan, we were forced into being more proactive. Please.” The tallest of the two hands me the document.
I look at it without reading it properly because panic has just attacked me and I don’t get what I see.
The officer doesn’t wait for a reply before announcing the inevitable: “This is the last notification to inform you that the bank intends to take legal action. You won’t be notified any further. If the Royal & Treasures Bank don’t receive a reply, we will be forced to start the procedure for debt collection, which will be concluded by an enforceable judgement.”
“Debt collection? You mean…” I say, but my throat tightens up before I can complete the sentence.
“Foreclosure.”
“What? No, you can’t do that!” I don’t know how to object.
“You will be allowed to express your objections to the judge when you’re summoned. However, my advice is to seize this opportunity to repay your debts. Foreclosure certainly wouldn’t benefit your image.”
“Listen to me, gentlemen. I know that since my father died, the situation has deteriorated. My intention was to come to the bank this morning and discuss it. Let’s sit around a table and find a solution. I am the Duke of Burlingham, I’m sure that among my properties…”
“Which, according to the Royal & Treasures Bank are quite at risk, at this time…” says the tall thin man, with the enthusiasm of a gravedigger.
At the end of the driveway, I can see dust rising under the wheels of my mother’s car.
My mother is here, while the bank officials are talking about foreclosure.
“All right. Just give me forty-eight hours and I’ll get your money and the interest back. Please, stop the procedure. I give you my word on this, you’ll have every single penny back.”
“Is forty-eight hours enough, considering the total amount under discussion?”
Think, Ashford, think quickly. “I’m getting married soon,” I let slip. “My wife-to-be is a very rich woman. I can guarantee that I’ll do what I said.”
The two men look at each other, raising their eyebrows pretty eloquently.
“The bank is very serious about this, you should think carefully about what we told you. The situation is critical. None of the subjects involved wants media exposure.Certainlynot you, I suppose.”
While the two gravediggers take their leave, my mother arrives and she looks pretty dazed. “Ashford, would you please tell me who these people are?”
I take her aside so that the officials don’t hear.
“I have called a security team for an inspection. Denby Hall may need surveillance for thatvisit,” I say, emphasising the word ‘visit’ as much as possible.
“The royal visit,” she specifies with a twinkle in her eye, as if saying it made it more tangible and real.
“That’s right, the two gentlemen in suits with briefcases are from a security service; I showed them around so that they can assess and implement security.”
“Oh, Ashford, what a splendid idea! And I thought you didn’t care!”
“I was joking, Mother. You never understand my jokes.” Thank God she doesn’t, I’d say.
My mother withdraws to the conservatory while, in a mix of relief and terror, I watch the officials’ car leave Denby.
With a light footed leap, Lance joins me. “Her Grace the duchess will never have to know, is that correct?”
“You’ll take that to your grave, Lance.”
“I thought so.”
Both surprised and angry at myself, I take my mobile to call Derek.
7
