The Defeated Aristocrat by Katherine John

because of “technical difficulties”. Frankly, she could have been more helpful.’
    Wolf allowed the criticism to pass. ‘What about Martin, Lotte, the twins, and Liesl?’
    ‘Martin has his practice, Lotte’s married …’
    ‘Widowed.’
    ‘She wasn’t when we received the telegram. The twins have a trust fund which will see them through university. Liesl is training to be a nurse. They are financially independent.’
    Wolf glanced up at his brother. ‘That’s arguable. The twins and Liesl have to qualify before they start earning.’
    ‘They have a roof over their head and food to eat. Gretel was your wife …’
    ‘“Is”, Franz, but not for much longer.’
    ‘A man is responsible for his wife. Gretel should have inherited your entire estate.’
    ‘My personal estate – but not the von Mau estate which is handed on from father to eldest son. I left a copy of my will with Johann Behn. Did you challenge it?’
    ‘I … we … Gretel …’ Franz stammered into silence.
    ‘Were you aware that apart from a few bequests I left the estate in trust to Heinrich with Behn as executor and Martin and Peter as trustees?’
    ‘You made no provision for Gretel.’
    ‘I left her a generous annuity and the use of the castle for her lifetime on condition she didn’t remarry.’
    ‘We thought you were dead.’
    ‘So you keep saying.’ Wolf wondered if he’d ever liked, let alone trusted his younger brother. ‘I’ll be leaving for Konigsberg first thing in the morning.’
    Franz’s relief was evident. ‘You’re not staying in Lichtenhagen?’
    ‘I want to see Lotte to pay my condolences. Have you visited her?’
    Franz coloured. ‘Not yet. I’ve been busy …’
    Wolf cut into his excuses. ‘Blocking Gunther Jablonowski’s decisions?’
    ‘I see you’ve been listening to tittle-tattle. The man’s a fool.’
    ‘The man was appointed steward by our father and endorsed by me. He’s my voice on the estate, Franz. Heed it from now on.’
    ‘I told Gunther he’s no longer needed …’
    Wolf finished writing. Took two sheets of paper and sealed them into different envelopes. ‘One for you, one for Gunther. I’ve asked him to move into Martha’s old apartment here and given him his old job back, along with absolute authority to run the estate as he sees fit.’
    ‘You’re being somewhat premature. The court will decide who owns the estate next week …’
    ‘Take a good look at me, Franz. I’m alive. Father left everything to me and these letters are legally binding. They confirm Gunther as steward. Listen to him. His voice is mine. You and Gretel can move into the Post Office and run it. I warn you, I will expect you to pay rent to the estate. The same amount you’ve charged Martin for Gebaur Strasse.’
    ‘Gebaur Strasse is a big house. The Post Office is poky …’
    ‘Gebaur Strasse wasn’t yours to levy rent on. If you don’t like the Post Office, feel free to leave Lichtenhagen. It’s your choice.’
    ‘Gretel is your wife …’
    ‘Was my wife, she’s now …’ Wolf almost said ‘your whore’ before realizing the soldier’s word wasn’t necessary. ‘Gretel’s whatever you want her to be. Tomorrow, I’ll pay a visit to Johanna Behn. How much have you taken off Martin for Gebaur Strasse?’ Wolf dipped the pen he’d been using into the ink again and recommenced writing.
    ‘I gave him a reduced rent …’
    ‘On what basis? That you and Gretel have thieves’ rights to the von Mau birth right?’
    Franz couldn’t meet Wolf’s eye.
    ‘If the rents on the houses and apartments in Konigsberg and the farm in Juditten have been paid there must be money in the estate account.’
    ‘Not a great deal. The army requisitioned …’
    Wolf didn’t want to listen to excuses. ‘There’s only the one business account?’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘Your and Gretel’s personal accounts?’
    Franz left his chair, opened the blotter on the desk and revealed his and Gretel’s