Page 156 of Ghost

Both Sharon and Mason burst out laughing.

“My, my, what on earth is going on over here?”Ellen asked.

“This young lady was only introducing herself,” Sharon croaked out, still laughing.

Ellen nodded and smiled.“And life goes on.”

Chapter Fifty-Three

"Mason, it will be Thanksgiving in four days.”Ellen began pacing in front of the fireplace in her parlor.“I’ve been keeping these documents in my safe ever since we came back from Hobonny.”She stopped to face him.“It is time to get this taken care of.After Thanksgiving, we will be well and truly into the holiday season, and no one will have the time to deal with this kind of business.Besides, it’s bad luck to carry old business into a new year.”

“Right you are, my dear.”Gerald took up the pacing once Ellen sat in her chair.

“No, Arthur will be here shortly, and we will get this done once and for all.”Ellen lifted the small bell next to her and rang it.“He is bringing his secretary and assures me that it will not take very long at all and then we may have a nice luncheon.”

Mason scowled at the woman.“And what if I don’t want it?Huh?Ever think of that?”

“What?”Gerald all but bellowed.

“Would you like some tea, Ellen?”Sharon asked.

“Yes, please, Sharon, and a special sherry.”She nodded towards Gerald and then Mason.“I swear, I don’t know how men ever get any business done.It’s enough to drive any good woman to drink.”

Mason and Gerald glowered at her.

Sharon laughed, shaking her head as she left the room.

“Why would anyonenotwant such a vast fortune?”Gerald demanded.“Do you know what you can accomplish with that kind of funding behind you?”

“And with such a ‘vast fortune’”, Mason said, using air-quotes, “comes a great deal of responsibility and work.”

“Balderdash,” Gerald said, stomping his foot, his hands on his hips.

“Oh, good lord, Gerald, you’re like a toddler having a tantrum.”Ellen sighed.“Can you please take some air and leave this to me please?”

Gerald squinted his eyes at Mason and then disappeared.