“That’s my grandfather,” Mel confirmed. “Of course, his reputation was bigger than he was,” she added with a meaningful look toward Kyle. “Certainly he was never proven to be a thief.”
“Of course not,” Kyle said. “Probably just a publicity stunt.”
Mel turned back to Miss Emily and noticed thather cheeks were bright red under the dots of already red rouge. “Yes,” she said, “well, Kyle, I never realized you’d gone through all those magazines.”
“My favorite thing to do when I was bored and you were off at some publicity thing. Lucy and I used to take a picnic lunch up there and spend hours. Great fun.”
“Who’s Lucy?” Mel asked.
“Funny you should mention her,” Miss Emily said. “I’m here about Lucy.”
“She’s my cousin,” Kyle said to Mel. He turned back to Emily. “Is anything wrong?”
“Quite the contrary,” Emily said. “She’s getting married. Frances and I are giving her an engagement party tomorrow night. Short notice, but her fiancé is in the military and is being called away for a short tour. I came to make sure you could come.”
“Sounds great,” Kyle said. “Where?”
“My house, tomorrow, eight.”
“You couldn’t have just used the phone?”
She waved a hand. “I’ve been running errands all day. I was in the neighborhood.” She shifted a bit, pulling Mel back into this part of the conversation. “And it’s a good thing I dropped by, too. Because, Mel, dear, I’d love for you to join us. And bring your grandfather, too. I know I’d so like to have the opportunity to catch up on old times.”
“I…” Mel trailed off, wanting to accept, but not wanting to step on Kyle’s toes.
“Say yes, Mel,” he said, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “I promise I won’t abandon you to the wolves this time.”
Miss Emily’s gaze drifted to their joined hands, and her smile broadened. “Good. Then it’s all set. We’ll see you two tomorrow and—”
“Grandma?”
“Yes?”
“Did you say youandFrances were throwing this party?”
Emily sniffed. “Of course, dear. Don’t look so surprised. Lucy is my grandniece, after all. My sister and I may have our differences, but where the children are concerned, she and I can get along just fine.” She tucked her purse under her arm and smiled. “Trust me.”
