Schmidt Steps Back by Louis Begley

Author:Louis Begley [Begley, Louis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-307-95735-1
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Published: 2012-03-12T16:00:00+00:00

XII

THE LONG YEARS Renata had spent listening with her third ear to supine patients had not been wasted. She saw right through Schmidt: he yearned to see Charlotte but would not go to Claverack unless he was invited, and he wasn’t about to fish for an invitation. This was a problem she could solve. As though by chance, Charlotte called Schmidt the very next day.

Dad, she announced, you should come to visit in the country before the baby’s born. That way you’ll also get to see the house, I mean our house, and also the Rikers’ house, if you like. They’re both great. Renata thinks it’s a good idea. You’ll understand why Jon and I like Claverack and hate the Hamptons. There is just one thing: next weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and we have some people Jon works with staying with us here, so we can’t have you. Is there another weekend that suits you?

Why that’s considerate of Renata, replied Schmidt, wondering what had happened to Charlotte’s intelligence of which he used to be so proud. I’d be very happy to see you, but I’d rather come during the week. I’d arrive in the morning, we’d have lunch, and after lunch I would leave. A light and airy visit!

Maybe that’s best, she replied. On weekends Jon is so bushed that he needs to relax. He wants to see friends and his family. Absolutely no one else.

Schmidt made no reply.

Well, can you tell me when to expect you? She made no effort to conceal her irritation.

What about a week from tomorrow? Schmidt asked. I could be there at noon.

That’s fine, she replied. You know how to get to Claverack, don’t you? I’ll send you directions so you can find the house.

Click. She hung up.

It wasn’t long before the telephone rang again. It was Renata.

You were right to say you wouldn’t spend the night, she told him. Twenty-four hours of exposure to your pent-up hostility might have been too hard on Charlotte. As it is, she’s making a big effort to work through it. She deserves to be rewarded!

Thank you, Renata, he answered. I am certain that you will find something suitable.

As this was obviously only the beginning of her attempted family therapy, he told her: I really can’t talk now. You caught me as I was going out the door.

We’ll talk again soon, she replied, after your visit.

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