After Beverly left, she turned to Brent. “So, where do we start? How can we dig deeper into this mystery?”
He grinned, clearly pleased by her enthusiasm. “Well, I think our next step should be to compile all the information we have so far. Maybe we could create a timeline of events, see if we can spot any patterns or connections we might have missed.”
She nodded eagerly. “That’s a great idea.”
“We’ll use my room as our command center.”
“Works for me.”
As they said goodbye to Beverly and left the cafe, she couldn’t wait to get back to Gran’s and get started on their research.
Late that night, Brent stood at the window in his room, gazing out at the moonlit water. The gentle lapping of the waves against the shore created a soothing rhythm that seemed to match the slower pace of life on Magnolia Key. He was growing increasingly fond of the island’s peaceful atmosphere and friendly inhabitants, particularly Felicity and her grandmother, Darlene. Okay,especiallyFelicity.
He was excited to jump into researching the mysteries surrounding Prince Lawrence of Bardonzia and his connection to the island. The clues they had uncovered so far—the painting, the coded letter, and the pendant—hinted at a fascinating story waiting to be revealed. If, and that was a big if, they were all somehow connected.
But it wasn’t just the thrill of the historical hunt that had Brent looking forward to the days ahead. He had to admit that he was thoroughly enjoying Felicity’s company. Their conversations flowed easily, and he found himself captivated by the way her eyes sparkled with each new discovery. It was as if the island’s secrets were breathing new life into her, gradually erasing the weariness he had noticed when they first met.
He smiled to himself, anticipating the time they would spend together as they continued their research. There was something about Felicity that drew him in, a kindred spirit who shared his passion for uncovering knowledge.
He couldn’t wait to see where their investigation would lead them, both in terms of the island’s history and their growing connection. At leasthefelt a connection to Felicity.
Did she feel anything toward him?
As he stared out the window, his mind was full of ideas for their next steps. Tomorrow, he would suggest they go to the mainland and visit the big regional library to search for any historical records that might shed light on Prince Lawrence’s visits. And perhaps, if the timing was right, he would ask Felicity to join him for dinner at one of the local restaurants before heading back to the island. The thought of spending more time with her, both in and out of their research, filled him with something he hadn’t felt in a long time.
He took one last look out the window, his mind still swirling with thoughts of the island’s mysteries and the intriguing woman who had become his partner in unraveling them.
Chapter6
Brent awoke the next morning, eager to continue his research. The fact that Felicity was helping had little to do with his excitement, he was sure. He shook his head at himself. He made his way downstairs to the kitchen, where he found Felicity and her grandmother preparing breakfast for the guests.
“Good morning, Felicity, Darlene.” He greeted them with a smile.
“Good morning, Brent.” Felicity turned and smiled widely at him. “I was just telling Gran about our plans to investigate the Prince Lawrence mystery further.”
Darlene chuckled. “You two seem to be quite the detective duo. I’m glad to see you so excited about something, Felicity.”
Brent turned to Felicity. “I was thinking, maybe we could head over to the mainland today and visit the library in Sarasota. They might have some historical records that could give us more information about Prince Lawrence’s visits to Magnolia Key.”
Her face lit up. “That’s a great idea! I’d love to go.” Then she frowned. “But I promised Gran I’d help with some baking. And we were going to do a thorough cleaning of the sitting room.”
Darlene waved her hand. “Don’t you worry about the B&B. I’ve got everything under control here. You two go and enjoy your little adventure.”
Felicity gave her grandmother a hug. “Thanks, Gran. You’re the best.”
After a quick breakfast, he and Felicity caught the ferry to the mainland. During the ride, they discussed their theories about Prince Lawrence and the potential scandal surrounding his visits. He found himself increasingly drawn to Felicity’s keen intellect and her passion for uncovering the truth.
Once they arrived in Sarasota, they made their way to the library. The librarian directed them to the local history section, where they began their search. They pored over microfilm of old newspapers, city records, and historical documents, looking for any mention of Prince Lawrence or his connection to Magnolia Key.
After several hours of digging, Felicity let out a small gasp. “Brent, look at this,” she whispered.
He leaned over her shoulder to scan the article. It was a society page from the 1920s detailing a grand party held at the Magnolia Landing Boardinghouse. Among the list of notable attendees was none other than Prince Lawrence of Bardonzia.
“It says here that many prominent members of the town were in attendance. I see some Whitmores on the list.” She pointed to the screen.
“But nothing mentioning a scandal that Dale thought he remembered?”
“Not that I can find.”
