Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem

Chapter 231

The phone suddenly rang, a call from Lowell.

Tarquin picked up and walked back to his room. Stepping out onto the balcony, he lit a cigarette.

Lowell sounded like he was trying to keep a lid on his anger, “Tarquin, got news from the old family estate. Next month, on the fifth, there’s a memorial service for our ancestors. They’ve even roped Elijah into it, saying now that he’s turned five, it’s time he followed the Bradford family tradition. The poor kid’s supposed to light candle, bow his head in respect to our forefathers, all on his own. And they want Elijah to prepare a speech, officially marking him as the next heir to the Bradford family, addressing the entire family.”

Tarquin’s brows furrowed deeply as he took a harsh drag from his cigarette.

Lowell was seething, “Gideon’s doing this on purpose! He knows damn well that Elijah’s struggling with his mental health, and yet he’s pushing for this whole ceremony, not to mention having Elijah speak in front of the whole Bradford family. It’s like he wants to make a mockery out of Elijah!”

Elijah, with his autism, finds it hard enough interfacing with strangers, let alone climbing up to some memorial service or delivering a speech!

Last year’s service was a nightmare. They dragged Elijah up there, and everyone was giving him these sideways glances, whispering behind his back.

Elijah couldn’t stand it. He got so upset he tried to leave, but ended up tumbling down the hillside.

a close call!

from Tarquin and Lowell, no one else seemed to care. If anything, there

Elijah had only passed out, not perished, you

picture their sneering faces! It made him

ancestors, we can skip paying respect this year. Let’s just refuse to attend.

Tarquin’s expression was dark and stormy. “Tell them Elijah will attend the memorial service but won’t perform the rites. No

caught wind of this soon after and

confidant remarked, “I thought Mr. Tarquin would refuse to let Elijah participate this year, given his worsening condition. Surprising they’ve agreed.”

well be disowned. Besides, Tarquin

I pass this

tell Tarquin that rules are rules. I was five when I recognized my ancestors, so was his father, his grandfather, and all our forebears. It can’t stop with Elijah.

stop

10.55

Chapter 231