“Um, I didn’t meet Gareth, I mean, Lord Huntley in the best way.And, I amveryunworthy to sit at his table.It was so lovely to meet you, and maybe we can run into each other again, sometime or another.”
Mrs.Brenda smile softened her whole face.“That would be nice.Although, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing you again sooner than you might think.”
Lionel ended the call.“Chester is pulling the car around now.If you’ll follow me, Miss Adalyn.”
Adalyn waved good-bye at the three women and then trailed after Lionel.He led her to the front door, where the foyer was larger than her apartment above Marilisa’s shop.That would be the second thing she had to visit, to decide if she was going to reopen the shop or close it.
Right before she got into the car, she turned and hugged Lionel.“Thank you.”
He looked a little flustered.“Uh, my pleasure, miss.”
Then she slid into the car and waved as Chester drove her away from Lord Huntley’s estate.She stared out the back window, at the huge mansion, until she couldn’t see it anymore.
Chapter Six
The funeral home wasa large two-story brick plantation-style house, complete with Corinthian columns holding up a pediment.As Adalyn walked up the steps, the large veranda held several rocking chairs and benches.Stepping inside, she was hit with a very musty smell.A piece of wet clothing slowly mildewing.Marble lined the foyer floor, with a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the vaulted ceiling.A table in the center held a huge bouquet of flowers.Their sickly-sweet smell only underlined the musty odor, like rotting apples in the sun.
A tall, thin man wearing a dove grey suit emerged from behind the curved staircase.His immaculately styled white hair reminded her of the pictures of eighteenth-century fashion of wigs.
“Hello,” he said softly.Kindness and compassion shone from his eyes.“May I help you?”
“Um, yes, please,” she replied.“I was told my friend was brought here.”
“I’m truly sorry for your loss,” he murmured.“What was your friend’s name?”
“Marilisa Rogers.”
“Ah, yes, she was brought to us last night.She should be ready for viewing tomorrow.”
“Oh.Um.I don’t think we need a viewing.I’m her only family.How much is her funeral going to be?”
He blinked.“It’s already been paid for, miss.And a viewing was expressly asked for.”
“What?”Confusion swirled through her.“I think there’s been a mistake.”
“Oh, no mistake,” he assured.
