Epilogue The Seven Stones
I
Dear Tom,
I am bidden to communicate with you in respect of your aunt’s will and, learning from your father that you are working at MacNair I didn’t know until I spoke to him by telephone that he has been living in one room for eighteen months, as the roof has collapsed and he doesn’t care to have it fixed or find the means to do so.
The cottage has now been condemned and he is in effect shortly to be homeless.
Therefore, I have asked him to stay at Sevenstones for the foreseeable future, feeling certain you will agree to this.
My sister and I both came to feel we bear some responsibility for him.
We would appreciate some news of you and whether you plan to return before too long. In any event, the documents relating to the house need a signature from you. I hope that America delivers you to us safely.
Your father tells me that you have, via Jenny, discovered the truth about your parentage and its attendant facts.
As you will perhaps have understood at the time you came to live with us, I did not wish for, nor take any part in, your removal from your own home and installation in Montpelier Crescent as a Caldicott.
However, time plays many roles in one’s perspective. Therefore, I beg to remain your most affec. uncle,
Henry Caldicott