“I’m not looking to relive the most difficult parts of my marriage,” she said finally. “But Frank and Tommy matter to me.”
Lynda’s expression softened. “I can see that. Just be careful, okay? You have a big heart and I don’t want to see you hurt again.”
The bell above the door chimed and Isabel welcomed the interruption. As more people came into the store, their conversation shifted to lighter topics. Lynda was a wonderful assistant, remembering customers’ names with remarkable ease.
“I never thought I’d enjoy working in a bookstore so much,” Lynda confessed during a quiet moment. “But there’s something deeply satisfying about connecting people with the perfect book.”
Isabel smiled, watching as her friend carefully wrapped a customer’s purchase in brown paper. “It’s definitely different from veterinary medicine.”
“Not as different as you might think,” Lynda mused. “Both involve careful observation, listening skills, and a desire to help. Though the patients here are considerably less likely to bite.”
They shared a laugh, and Isabel felt some of the tension from the morning lift from her shoulders. “I’m so grateful Kathleeninvited us here,” she said. “And that she’s letting us stay with her while we figure things out.”
“She’s always been generous,” Lynda agreed. “Remember how she used to share her care packages from home when we were at camp? Even when her mother sent those incredible homemade cookies that we all coveted?”
“While Susan guarded hers like Fort Knox,” Isabel recalled with a smile.
“I miss Susan,” Lynda said with a small sigh. “It’s not the same without her.”
“We’ll see her in November,” Isabel reminded her friend. “And in the meantime, we have each other and Kathleen.”
“And you have Frank and Tommy,” Lynda added with a knowing look.
Before Isabel could say anything, the bell chimed again. A stylishly dressed woman in her thirties came into the store, her dark hair swept up in an elegant knot, delicate silver earrings catching the light as she moved.
“Isabel! I was hoping you’d be here today,” the woman called out warmly.
“Cassie,” Isabel greeted her, moving forward with a smile. “Lynda, this is Cassie Devlin. She owns the jewelry store down the street. Cassie, this is my friend, Lynda Morth.”
After they’d said hello to each other, Cassie turned back to Isabel. “Mrs. Henderson called me a few weeks ago to let me know my book has arrived. I’m sorry I couldn’t collect it sooner, but I’ve been super busy.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Isabel told her. “I knew you’d come in sooner or later.” She moved behind the counter to pick up the carefully wrapped package.
Cassie’s eyes lit up as Isabel handed her the book. “I’ve been waiting for this for months.” She carefully unwrapped thepackage to reveal a stunning coffee table book calledRoyal Jewels of Europe: Three Centuries of Design.
Lynda looked at the cover. It featured an ornate tiara studded with sapphires and diamonds. “It looks fascinating.”
“It’s research for my new collection,” Cassie explained, opening the book to reveal colorful photographs of elaborate jewelry. “I’m focusing on designs inspired by historical pieces but with contemporary twists.”
She turned the book toward them, pointing to an intricate necklace. “See how the garnets are set? I’m adapting that technique for a modern pendant series.”
Isabel leaned in, genuinely interested. “These are extraordinary. Do you have other jewelry books at home?”
“Quite a few,” Cassie admitted with a smile. “I’m something of a collector. My husband says we need a library just for my research books.”
A thought occurred to Isabel. “Would you consider doing a book talk about jewelry design throughout history? A lot of people would find it fascinating.”
Cassie blinked in surprise. “A book talk? Me?”
“Why not?” Isabel encouraged. “You could bring examples of your work that were inspired by historical pieces and discuss the books that have influenced you. It’d be wonderful.”
“I’ve never thought of myself as a presenter,” Cassie said, warming to the idea. “But I could talk about jewelry design for hours.”
“It would be perfect for our fall program,” Isabel said. “I’m planning several days of special events to bring people into the bookstore.”
Cassie’s smile widened. “Let me think about it and check my schedule. But yes, I’d love to be part of that.”
They chatted a bit longer about potential formats for the presentation before Cassie paid for her book and left. She’d promised to call Isabel later in the week with her decision.
