“No. I don’t go wandering about anymore. If Steven had been here, he might have spotted someone on one of his hikes, but he left Saturday night to deal with an urgent business matter back in St. Louis. The price of success, I suppose.”
“Well, I intend to keep my ear to the ground.”
“Hmm.” Natalie tapped a finger on the table. “You know, in some ways this reminds me of the mystery about Marie.”
Brad frowned. “Who?”
“A long-ago relative.” She gave him a quick recap of her tragic end. “Cara and I are hoping to find a clue in her journals about what happened. I don’t think my father ever believed her death was an accident.”
“Why haven’t I ever heard that story?”
“It happened long ago, and time moves on. People forget. It was eventually consigned to family lore.”
“Do you know if the death was investigated?”
“I expect it was, with whatever techniques were available in those days in this backwater part of the world. But I doubt they were very sophisticated. However, the journals may shed a ray of light on the matter.”
“If you find anything that might provide better closure on her case, please let me know. It’s never too late to set a record straight.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. Would you like more coffee or cake?” Natalie encompassed both of them with the question.
“No, thank you. That was a delicious meal.” Brad set his napkin on the table.
“I couldn’t eat or drink another bite, either.” Cara smiled and stood. “I’ll handle cleanup, as usual.”
“We’llhandle cleanup.” Brad rose too and picked up his plate.
“But you’re my guest.” Natalie grasped the cane beside her chair. “I never ask guests to do their own dishes.”
“You didn’t ask. I offered.” He rose and pulled out her chair. “Many hands and all that.”
Natalie stood and gave them both another once-over. “Well, if you insist, I’ll relent. To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t mind sitting in bed with my latest book and making this an early night.” She touched Brad’s arm. “You’ll walk Cara to her cottage before you leave?”
“That was my plan.”
“Excellent. Cara, I’ll see you in the morning at nine o’clock sharp. Good night to you both.”
They returned the sentiment, and as she disappeared down the hall, Cara began to clear the table. “Honestly, you don’t have to help with the dishes. That’s a bargain Natalie and I made. You’ve already given up a big part of your day to help her honor Micah’s wishes.”
“I didn’t mind. Besides, I not only got a fine meal in the bargain, I also got a chance to spend a few hours with you.”
The voltage in the room spiked again.
Whew.
“You know ... talk like that could turn a girl’s head.”
“I’m hoping it also touches her heart.”
O-kay.
His response to her question at the cottage about whether he wanted her to have more to do with him had obviously been sincere.
This wasn’t a man who played games in the relationship arena.
But much as she liked him, there were still barriers to serious involvement. And since he was being clear about his interest, she may as well put those on the table.
“I’d like to comment on that, but why don’t we clear the table and relocate to the kitchen first?” She inclined her head toward the hallway. Natalie wasn’t the type to eavesdrop, but voices could carry in this house. And while it was apparent the woman had picked up on the chemistry between her dinner guests, a private conversation like the one she and Brad were about to have should remain private.
