Patricia’s expression changed.
“We’re in our early sixties.”
“I know.”
“She said that?”
“Yes.”
I felt insulted.
But Lydia continued.
“She also said Geoffrey felt uncomfortable talking to you about money.”
That, at least, sounded true.
Geoffrey had always hated conversations about money.
When he was sixteen and damaged the family car, he would rather have spent six weekends working than tell me how much the repair estimate was.
Lydia turned another page.
“There is something I want you to understand.”
I waited.
“Allison may have believed she was protecting Geoffrey.”
“By stealing our house?”
“I’m not excusing anything.”
Her voice was careful.
“I’m telling you what I observed. She was frightened about the restaurant long before Geoffrey seemed to understand how serious it was.”
Martin asked, “Did she discuss the debt?”
“Once.”
Lydia looked toward the window.
“She said Geoffrey had personally guaranteed several loans.”
