“My commiserations, Rose.”
“I don’t understand.”
She appears nervous of him, and I smile my reassurance.
“You married my brother. I thought that was obvious.”
Julius shrugs. “She has no complaints, but I doubt your bride can say the same. I mean, what are you thinking taking her to live in Sodom and Gomorrah?”
Rose gasps in alarm, and I chuckle softly. “It’s perfect, thank you, Julius. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Simeon slings his arm around my shoulder, and it strikes me how strange this scene must be to anyone who knows us.
I voice my thoughts aloud.
“Sister Agatha would pray non-stop for a month if she saw us now.”
Rose giggles as Julius grins. “Who do you think arranged this in the first place?”
He has my attention.
“You mean she arranged this?”
“The escort to America, sure she did.” Julius says with some amusement, and Rose nods.
“Mrs. Ravera is a close friend of Sister Agatha, and she asked for her help. When we left the convent, it was into her care, and you should meet her, Alice; she is amazing.”
I glance at Simeon, who smiles with pride, and I have no doubt that his mother is a very special person indeed.
Julius interrupts, “We have a problem that needs to be addressed.”
Fear prickles down my back as Simeon adds, “Your sister is refusing to leave the convent, and if she remains there, your inheritance may never be yours.”
“That doesn’t matter to me.” I say firmly. “Tiffany’s happiness is worth more than any fortune, and you will not change my mind on that.”
“Nor mine,” Rose adds, the fierce tone in her voice causing Julius to sigh.
“There is also the mystery of the three keys.”
I nod, catching Rose’s eye, and she slumps back in her seat.
“I don’t know what they unlock or where to go to use them.”
“Neither do I. They were given to us before our father died, and he told us he would inform us what to do.”
“Is it in his will?”
Simeon addresses Julius, who shakes his head.
“No. There is nothing about any keys.”
“Do you think Morgan knows about them?”
I’m worried about that possibility, and Simeon groans. “If she does, its doubtful, you will ever see them again. I asked Joseph to retrieve them from Sister Agatha when he collects Tiffany from the convent.”
“But she won’t leave.” I remind him, and he nods.
“So it would seem.”
