1990: Letter from Viscountess Vorpel’s lawyers
We act for Lady Viola Vorpel (the “Settlor”), who remains in full command of her faculties at the advanced but indomitable age of ninety-eight, notwithstanding recent reports to the contrary in certain tabloid publications.
By Deed of Trust dated 1st October 1990 (the “Trust Deed”), executed before two witnesses of sound mind and deposited with this firm, the Settlor has irrevocably settled upon trustees (initially the undersigned partners, with provision for substitution) the sum of ONE MILLION POUNDS STERLING (£1,000,000), together with accrued interest thereon (the “Trust Fund”). The Trust Fund shall be held upon trust to produce income, the entirety of which—net of trustees’ reasonable fees, taxes, and administrative costs—is to be applied at the absolute discretion of Harrington and Sons Publishers Ltd (the “Publisher”) for the promotion, distribution, and perpetuation of the Settlor’s literary works, including but not limited to her Collected Satirical Novels (1932 edition) and any subsequent volumes she may furnish.
Such application may encompass, without limitation: reprint editions; advertising campaigns; serialisation rights; academic subsidies; or the commissioning of scholarly prefaces, provided always that the funds are deployed prudently and in furtherance of the Settlor’s express wish to “ensure these barbs outlive the dowagers who blanched at them”. The trustees’ discretion in investment shall prioritise preservation of capital, favouring government securities or equivalent low-risk instruments, absent written directions to the contrary from the Publisher.
The Trust shall subsist in perpetuity or until exhaustion of the Trust Fund (whichever occurs first), or until such time as civilisation may collapse—an eventuality the Settlor contemplates with wry detachment in Clause 7(ii) of the Trust Deed: “Should society revert to barbarism, the trustees are absolved, and any residue may fund a fitting bonfire”. Distributions shall commence upon receipt of the Trust Deed’s counterpart by the Publisher, anticipated within the fortnight.
The Settlor confirms her intention to supply further volumes “for years to come”, subject to her ongoing vigour and the continued depredations of society upon which she so trenchantly comments. She has instructed that no public announcement attend this settlement unless initiated by the Publisher for promotional purposes.
We enclose the executed Trust Deed (three counterparts), a schedule of initial deposit details, and our invoice for legal costs (£2,750 ex VAT, payable forthwith). Kindly acknowledge receipt and confirm acceptance of the Publisher’s discretionary role within seven days, failing which the trustees shall seek alternative beneficiaries per Clause 12.
We remain at your disposal for clarification and trust this disposes of the matter without recourse to further correspondence.
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