“Do you think he’ll bring that up at his talk?” Gran’s forehead creased in concern.
“I honestly have no idea.”
Gran shook her head. “I guess we’ll see.” She gave her a no-nonsense look. “Now go upstairs and change. Five minutes. Then we’re leaving.”
She knew there was no use in arguing with Gran. She hurried upstairs to slip into something nicer than shorts and the stained tee shirt she’d been wearing to clean out the shed.
They walked into the community center about five minutes before Brent’s scheduled talk. Beverly sat over by the wall with her friend, Maxine, and waved to her.
“There’s Eleanor. Let’s go sit by her.” Gran pointed to some empty chairs.
She settled into her seat next to Gran, acutely aware of Miss Eleanor’s rigid posture beside them. The older woman’s face remained impassive, giving no hint of her thoughts or feelings about the upcoming presentation.
“Good evening, Miss Eleanor,” she said, hoping to break the tension.
Miss Eleanor simply nodded, her eyes fixed on the stage. “Hello.”
She shot Gran a quick look, and Gran just shrugged slightly. Her stomach churned with anxiety as she watched Brent approach the podium. He looked confident in his pressed shirt and slacks, but she could see the slight tremor in his hands as he arranged his notes. The buzz of conversation in the room slowly died down as people took their seats and turned their attention to the front.
As Brent cleared his throat to begin, she found herself rubbing her palms along her thighs. What would he say? Had he decided to include the information about Prince Lawrence and Vera, despite her asking him not to? Despite Miss Eleanor’s pleas? She glanced sideways at Miss Eleanor, wondering how the proud woman would react if Brent revealed her family’s long-buried secrets.
The room fell silent, all eyes on Brent. She held her breath, her heart pounding as she waited for him to speak. Whatever he said in the next few moments could change everything—for Miss Eleanor and for Felicity’s own sense of belonging on Magnolia Key, since so many people knew she’d been helping Brent with his research.
She sat unmoving in her chair as Brent began his presentation. His voice was steady and professional, but she could detect a hint of nervousness in the way he gripped the edges of the podium.
“Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming out today,” Brent said, his eyes scanning the room. “I’ve been researching the southwest Gulf Coast area of Florida for a book I’m hoping to publish.”
She held her breath, her heart racing as she waited to see if he would mention Vera and Lawrence. She glanced at Miss Eleanor, whose face remained an impassive mask.
“I’ve discovered a wealth of information about this area’s rich history,” he continued. “In fact, I’ve even uncovered a personal connection to the region that I never knew existed.”
Her muscles tensed. Would he reveal the secret? But as Brent dove into the details of early settlements and the development of the coastal communities, she gradually began to relax. He spoke about the fishing industry, the impact of hurricanes, and the evolution of tourism, but not once did he mention Prince Lawrence or Vera.
Relief washed over her. She took another quick look at Miss Eleanor and saw the slightest easing of the older woman’s shoulders. Gran caught her eye and gave a small, approving nod.
As he wrapped up his presentation, she felt a mix of emotions. Pride in Brent’s professionalism, gratitude for his discretion, and a lingering sadness about the distance that had grown between them.
“Thank you all for your attention,” Brent said. “I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.”
Several hands shot up, and Brent called on a man in the back row. “You mentioned researching the area’s history. Have you found out anything about the sister island relationship Magnolia Key had back in the 1920s? An island called Bardonzia?”
Her breath caught in her throat. She saw Brent hesitate for just a moment, his eyes flicking briefly in her direction before he answered.
“I have done some research into that. It is rather fascinating that the islands around here had sister islands—such close relationships with foreign countries.”
She didn’t dare move a muscle.
“But I haven’t finished with my research into that area yet.”
She let out a small breath.
“Any more questions?” He asked.
He answered a few more questions from the crowd, but none of them veered toward the prince and Vera. He ended his presentation to a smattering of applause.
Miss Eleanor rose from her seat, looked at Gran and her, and just nodded before walking away without a word.
Gran leaned close. “I’m glad he did the right thing.”
