Auntie

Auntie

It was around this time when we were living in France that stories started to filter in about an old aunt we had who lived in Paris. She was a recluse, rich and related by marriage to my grandfather, (Dad’s dad), Herbie. Herbie’s mother married General Morrison and Auntie Syble was General Morrison’s sister. Herbie was her only nephew.

Auntie had apparently promised her mother that, even though she lived in Paris, she would marry an American. She had many French suitors but she kept her promise and married an American, Arthur Kemp. He must have been very rich because he left her and her daughter, Elizabeth a very large home in the centre of Paris, full of antiques and collectables. 

I remember Uncle Shaun coming to see us in France with the story that he had gone to Paris to see Auntie.  It was pouring rain when he knocked on the door of her huge house, but he was not allowed in because Auntie had a cold. Because of that, I was left with the impression of her as a hermit and one with rather cold emotions.

Auntie made up for it when she died, because Herbie, being the only nephew, inherited her fortune.  This was a nice little boost to Herbie’s sons, my father and his brothers, Shaun and John. Herbie and John went over to settle her estate.  All the antiques were sold and some jewelry brought back along with some of the things she hoarded, like fine materials and kid skin gloves. I loved the silk slips and camisoles.  Looking back, I think the family would have made different decisions about what to do with all that stuff if it were to happen today.