We’ve liquidated what we can, but we’re still short.”

I tensed, waiting for the inevitable request for money that would test our new boundaries.

“I was wondering,” she continued, “if you might consider letting us sell some of the family silver.

The pieces that would have come to me eventually anyway.

It would make the difference for the down payment, and it seems better than taking on more debt.”

The request took me by surprise—not for money directly, but for permission to sell items she considered her inheritance, items currently secured in my safety deposit box.