“What time is it?”
“About nine fifteen.”
She exhaled. “I knew I was running late by the brightness in the room. I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”
“No worries. Did you oversleep?”
“Yes. And that’s most unusual. I got up at once when I awakened, but I felt lightheaded and decided to sit here until I was steadier. The episode wasn’t as bad as Tuesday’s, but it’s taking longer than I expected to go away.”
Two dizzy spells within two days?
That was unsettling.
“Does this happen often, Natalie?”
“Never before this week. It’s very annoying.”
And perhaps a sign of something more serious afoot health-wise.
“Do you think it would be wise to have your doctor check you out?”
“No. I’m feeling more clear-headed and clear-eyed by the minute.” She glanced at an empty wine glass on her nightstand. “I wonder if that could be the culprit. I learned to appreciate wine while I lived in Paris, and I often indulge in a small glass before I nap or go to bed for the night. I finished a bottle last night, as a matter of fact. It’s quite relaxing to sipa fine vintage.” She shook her head. “I’ve never had any side effects in the past, but what else could be causing the issue?”
A medical problem of some sort? One that might become serious if left untreated? Perhaps it was even a result of her fall. As the sheriff had pointed out, injuries didn’t always manifest themselves immediately at Natalie’s age.
“I don’t know, but would it hurt to have your doctor weigh in? Falls can be dangerous, and I’d hate for that to happen again. You were lucky on Tuesday.”
The older woman sighed. “Steven told me that too during our phone chat Tuesday night. The poor boy is forever driving down from St. Louis to keep tabs on me. A visit to the doctor might help put his mind at ease. And I wouldn’t want anything to stand in the way of the work we have to do, either.” She leaned over and picked up her phone from the nightstand. “I’ll call the office and see if they can squeeze me in. Then I’ll get dressed and meet you in the study.”
“Would you, uh, like me to help you?”
Natalie dismissed the offer with a wave. “Thank you, but I’m perfectly capable of dressing myself. The dizziness has passed, and I feel fine.”
“Can I at least fix you breakfast?”
“I’m not in the habit of eating much early in the day, but if you’d like to brew me a cup of English breakfast tea and warm up a scone, that will help us get started on our work faster. You’ll find everything on the counter. There’s jam for the scone in the fridge.”
“I’ll be happy to do that.” Cara retraced her steps to the door but paused on the threshold. “You know, we could defer our session until later today. Or pick up again tomorrow, if you’d prefer.”
“This morning is fine. I’ll meet you in fifteen minutes.” Natalie shooed her out.
Bowing to her hostess’s wishes, she left the room and headed for the kitchen.
Everything was where Natalie had said it would be, and when the older woman joined her in the study, Cara had a tray waiting, a rose she’d clipped from a bush in back beside the plate.
“Lovely touch.” Natalie fingered the petals as she took her seat across the small table they’d decided to use for their sessions. “Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure. Did you reach the doctor?”
“Yes. They’re going to fit me in at two o’clock.”
“Would you like me to drive you into town?”
Brow puckered, Natalie took a sip of tea. “It’s not far, and I drove that route to work for many years. I still drive it often. But the roadisa bit winding. And in light of these dizzy spells...”
“Let me take you. I wouldn’t mind strolling around for half an hour while you’re in the doctor’s office. It will give me a chance to get familiar with the town.”
“If you’re certain you don’t mind, I’d appreciate it.” Natalie spread jam on her scone, wiped her fingers on the napkin, and opened the first journal to the page where they’d stopped yesterday. “I’ll eat while I translate. Ready?”
