That Holbeck temper. As she says it, I realize I’m not sure I’ve ever witnessed it. Edward is the calmest man I know; compared to previous boyfriends he’s a positive saint. And from my experience Oliver and Stuart seem more tired than angry. But, then, I know what is on Robert’s tape. Perhaps temper can be measured in different ways.
I listen once more but the new wing is silent.
* * *
Ten minutes later, pregnancy excuses made, I am lying on a duck-egg blue bed in a duck-egg blue room, surrounded by duck-egg blue curtains and cobalt objet d’art. On the bedside table beside me a cool glass of water sits next to a small vase of freshly picked cornflowers.
Once I have heard Eleanor’s footsteps tap back down the wide stone steps of the main staircase, I scramble over to my bag, lock the bedroom door, and slip on the headphones.
38 The Tape
Part 4
I am under no illusions that you have not done your homework. You will have looked into the names I have given you.
The thing about us orphans is we find it incredibly hard to relinquish control, don’t we? If we want a thing done, then we do it ourselves. I would not expect you to take my word on anything, least of all the veracity of what I am telling you. Just as I would never take you at your word, my dear Harriet, at least not yet. We both have much to prove to one another. Perhaps we will get there. Perhaps we will not. Time will tell.
But, again, I digress.
As I’m sure you have gleaned, it is wise to be wary of my whole family at this stage. I know your past; I will continue to keep an eye on who and what comes in and out of your life. But I am not the only one who may have taken this precaution. Other members of my family will always have their own concerns and access to similar resources and perhaps they will not hold you in quite the same esteem as I.
You will be invited, if you haven’t already, to an event at my son Oliver’s house. A family tradition, Germanic as so many of ours are. It’s a child’s game but not so childish if the rules are not known. That is how we play it. You will not know what is real and what is not; it only works on the imagination this way. But whatever you fear, do not fear exposure from me; do not fear the things you have heard on this tape. If you have listened to this tape in its entirety before Krampusnacht, then do not discuss it with me at that house. There are no private places there; everything is seen. Play the game as well as I know you can, because everyone will be watching.
Wait and I will bring you to me. I will bring you to The Hydes. It is there that we will speak and I will ask my favour of you.
People have died, Harriet – not because of blood lust; I think you know that. Necessity is often the only real motive anyone can hold in their head and act on.
You have done things out of necessity – as have I.
You will receive an invitation to The Hydes. Do not be scared; accept it and have faith in the knowledge that I keep those of value close to me.
Here is what I need you to do.
We play a game on Christmas Eve, another tradition from the old country. I’m sure you’re surprised that a family like ours plays so many childish games, but, Harriet, that is the common misconception about the nature of games. Games take us as close as acceptable to the strategies we use in life. Games reveal our most base instinct: the instinct to survive. Under the mask of enjoyment, we reveal ourselves, we reveal how we play at life, our methods, how we navigate others’ strengths and weaknesses.
A game is only a game if you do not fully understand it. We play as we live. And I want you to play a game with me, Harriet. The stakes will be high but there is everything to play for.
The game begins at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and it is a treasure hunt. Edward will want you to sit it out, or to play with him. He will try to shelter you from us, but you must play and play alone. We all play alone.