The Three of Us

The photographer was early.

Stefan was ready first, and went down to the lounge to greet Master Selvo, after Anabel had made sure he was comfortable.

“We weren’t expecting you until later,” Stefan said, looking at his timepiece that hung on a silver chain from his waistcoat, “good job too – it looks like rain.” He took his jacket from the back of one of the Chamberville armchairs in the lounge and put it on.

From the hallway outside the room, they both heard footsteps coming down the wooden staircase. Seconds later, Sarah walked into the living room, her heavy velvet gown rustling against the door frame. “Did you say rain, Stefan?” Sarah asked, curtly acknowledging Master Salvo’s presence.

“It looks like it,” Stefan gestured toward the large bay window that looked out onto the vast lawns outside. “We should be fine, though.”

Anabel walked into the lounge, pushing a tea trolley with a teapot and four bone china cups and saucers, a jug of milk, and a sugar bowl on top. She smiled at the young photographer and then looked at Stefan. “Is Mister DaRosco joining you as well? I’ve brought him a cup, just in case.”

Sarah answered, “Yes, Dada will be down shortly. Thank you, Anabel.”

Master Selvo watched Anabel slowly walk out of the room and began to fidget slightly as he sat on the edge of his armchair. He looked at the teapot and cups, then at Sarah, then Stefan, and then he finally looked back at the door, jumping slightly as he saw the stooped figure standing just inside. The figure wore a black suit and had staring, wide-open eyes, with his wayward white hair hanging limply around his face.

“Ah, Dada!” Sarah said, walking to the door to help the pale man into the room.

“Who’s that?” Dada asked, squarely staring at the young visitor.

“Dada, this is the photographer. He’s come to take our portrait out in the garden.” Stefan said with a half smile.

“Bit young, isn’t he?” Dada said, still staring.

“He’s Master Selvo… Dominic,” Stefan explained, “Salvadoro’s son. He wants to practice his photography. You must remember.”

“Ah, yes. Of course I remember. Come along then. Let’s get on with it. Sarah, help me outside.”

Dominic followed the DaRoscos out into the garden and set his tripod up so his camera faced the bay window, with the family between. All three looked towards him with neutral expressions on their faces. He covered himself as he bent forward and took the photograph, and then stood again. Dada was nowhere to be seen when he looked back over at the family. Sarah and Stefan still had the same look on their faces.

“I’ll develop the photograph for you over the next few days,” Dominic said, as he started to dismount the camera, “and will let you see it when it’s done.” Hearing nothing back from the two siblings, he looked back towards them, and they too were nowhere to be seen.

In the bay window, Dominic noticed Anabel looking out towards him, waving as she faded away into the darkness behind her.

Salvadoro walked around the side of the hall, with his wife Gretchen following just behind. “Dominic, I think the three of us are going to be very happy here. The place has lots of potential.”

Dominic smiled, wondering how his photograph would turn out.