Chapter 25: Isaac's Inheritance

Astor Manor was a vast structure. Below the level where the siblings stored their meals was a deeper basement. This level was open only to Mrs. Astor. Isaac and Arabella were familiar with the space only from their education as children. For them, it was a place of fear and pain. Occasionally, Mrs. Astor would take her board of trustees there. This became habit particularly when she did not want to be challenged.

Such a meeting was happening now. The stone floor and walls made each voice at the long table echo. As they interrupted and overtook each other the sound became cacophonous. Mrs. Astor, seated at the head of the table, leaned back in her chair, removing herself from the bickering.

Isaac stood behind her. He had changed clothes, looking much more casual than his standard dress. He wore no jacket or tie and his sleeves were rolled to his elbow. A spatter of red had dried on his collar and his face was still hollow. The circles under his eyes had faded slightly