Page 2 of Modern Persuasion

I shook my head, frowning. "No, you can rent something less expensive in Westchester and use the rent from this apartment to support yourself. You have gone through almost all of your retirement money because of the art."

I could see the tears begin to fill his eyes. "Art's important. Who would you be if you had not grown up surrounded by my art?"

"There is a difference between your art collection before Mom's death and now," I said as I sat down next to him and put an arm over his shoulders. "I would've been fine with you showing restraint or picking valuable pieces that we could sell for more than you bought them for."

"Time will tell on their value," my father whispered.

I put my head on my father's shoulder. "You don't have time. You need money now."

"What about my shoes?" My older sister Elizabeth said, coming into the room.

I stood up, having far less sympathy for Elizabeth's situation than I did for our father. "You need money too. Get a job or sell the shoes. While you are at it, sell some of your purses and clothes. Also, get a job. You've blown through the money Mom left you when she passed."

They didn't get it and probably never would. I couldn't leave until the apartment was empty, so I stayed another few hours. Art was packed and moved to the auction house while the remaining items were sent to the rented townhouse in Westchester. My younger sister Mary was on that end waiting to receive the moving trucks and let the movers into the house. My father and Elizabeth had rented a car and took their personal items to get settled quickly. I was left to supervise the cleaning crew and get the apartment ready for new tenants. I left the key with the concierge before I left the building and followed everyone to Westchester to supervise the bookend of this adventure. I was barely out of the building parking lot when my phone rang.

"The truck is here," Mary said before I could even say hello.

"Great. Get them unpacking," I said, navigating the city traffic.

"Emma, I am not feeling great. I really need to go home and relax. Plus, the boys need dinner. How long before you get here?" My younger sister said with a whine that was part of her natural speaking voice.

I massaged my temple as I waited at a light. "I'm not even out of the city yet. I just got into the car. It'll be at least an hour."

"Can't you drive faster?" she said in a whisper.

I suspected she was trying to remain unheard.

"It's not a matter of faster," I said as the light changed and I needed to focus again. "Just deal with things, and you can leave when I get there."

"Are you staying with me?" She asked, her voice getting louder since she would want to make sure Elizabeth heard which of my sisters I preferred.

I was too focused on the road to push back. "I was hoping to if it's ok with you."

"Of course it is. I set up the spare room. The boys are terribly excited that you are staying with us."

"I'm staying through Sunday," I reminded her. "I can take Louisa with me into the city for work on Monday. I'll spend more time with you and the boys once we are on Cape Cod for vacation."

"Louisa's very excited. She can't wait to tell you about her first week," Mary added, now perky as we talked about her life.

"Ok, can I focus on driving then?" I said as I stopped for some people randomly crossing the street. "I promise it won't be more than another hour at the most."

"Fine, but I really need you here. Dad and Elizabeth are just ignoring me."

I wasn't surprised since this had been the case nearly all of Mary's life.

"Just deal with the movers. Dad and Elizabeth are just irritated with the whole situation," I said before hanging up and putting on some music for the rest of my drive.

As much as I love my family, I resent them more than I probably should. Not that I would ever let them know that.

The drive had been easy once I had gotten out of the city. I arrived at the townhouse thirty-five minutes later. Even though it was dark out, I could clearly see my sister Mary directing the movers as they carried things into the house.

"That was the last box!" Mary said when she saw me get out of my car.

I gave her a hug, grateful that she had managed it all without needing to call me. "You did that faster than I expected."

"Once I got Dad and Elizabeth out of the way, it was a breeze," she said, glowing under the praise.

"Are they unpacking?" I asked as we started walking toward the door.