I have spoken with the young man who runs the stamp twice, and he knows to call me when it is done.”

Claire took the folder and read it standing up, her arms loose at her sides for once.

“Restitution from liquidated assets.

Say that in English, Arthur.”

“His accounts get sold.

The forty thousand comes off your father’s land first, before any other debt gets a nickel.” Arthur said it softly, the way he says everything, then polished his spectacles with the silk handkerchief and put them back on.

“It will take months.