decency clause

Lauren's mother and sister demanded a copy of all the papers involved. Later, they were in the car reading over them.

"It says here that Aunt Audrey put a 'decency' clause in the will." Vanessa, Lauren's sister said.

"What does that mean?" Her mother asked, rifling through the papers.

"Well, it's this whole list of things Lauren has to do or not do within a years time." Vanessa went on. "She has to throw three charity gala's in her Aunt's memory. She has to renovate the house. She has to allow us the opportunity to live with her if we want it." Vanessa looked to her mom in disgust. "I don't want a pity hand out, I want all the money!"

"Just keep reading." Her mother said, annoyed.

"It's a whole list of stuff she's got to do within a year. Also, in that year, she can't be caught doing any of a list of 'illicit acts'"

"What does that mean?" Her mother asked.

"Oh, it's a bunch of stuff." Vanessa scanned down the list. "You remember what an uptight Christian Aunt Audrey was. Lauren can't be a stripper, Lauren can't 'bed anyone out of wedlock..." Vanessa fell into a fit of giggles. "As if Lauren the ice queen would ever put out!"

Her mother snatched the document from Vanessa. She went on reading.

"This is interesting." The mother read. "Lauren can't pose nude in a magazine, she can't be arrested, she can't 'besmirch the family name in any major way'. If she does any of these things... We get all the money!"

"Really?!" Vanessa leaned over excitedly.

"Yes! Then we have to meet the same conditions for a year. If we do, we get all the cash Scott free! If we don't the money and house default to some cousin I've never heard of..."

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Vanessa said excitedly. Her mother returned a wicked grin.

"I think we better make sure Lauren breaks every rule on that list..."