“I’m all ears.”
Natalie picked up the journal and began to read, translating as she went. “‘I met the most charming man today. Of course, I already knew who he was. Everyone in town does. And Ihave seen him about now and then. But tonight, we talked for the first time, and it was wonderful! He was attentive and gracious, and I was so flattered. I dare not record his name on these pages, though. That would ruin the magic and break the spell. Instead, I shall call him MSL—my secret love—and dream about him. Because that is all I can ever do, even if I would wish for so much more.’”
As Natalie concluded, Cara stopped typing. “You think this mystery man is the key to Marie’s demise?”
“We’ll have to see if he turns up again, I suppose. Marie would have been twenty-five when this was written, and there are several journals still to go through. It’s possible she’ll never mention him again.”
“Whoever he was, he certainly made an impression on her. I wonder what she meant about only being able to dream about him?”
“Perhaps we’ll discover that too, as we go along. And now we should wrap up. Lydia is bringing her brother by to introduce us and give me an opportunity to see if I think he’d be an acceptable part-time groundskeeper. That’s all I need, I suppose, but it won’t be like having someone on the premises 24/7. I didn’t see much of Micah, but I always knew he was close by. Of course, I have you with me until the end of the semester.” Her mouth curved into a wistful smile. “I’ve enjoyed your companionship.”
“The feeling is mutual.” Cara set her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her palm. “You know ... maybe you could rent out the cottage after I’m gone. I could see a retired couple or newlyweds living here, if the price was reasonable. They might even be willing to do minor chores for you.”
Natalie’s face lit up. “What a brilliant idea. I expect I’d have to expand the cottage beyond a studio. Add a bedroom, perhaps, and beef up the kitchen to make it suitable as a full-time residence. But that should be doable. I’ll run this bySteven, get his take. He’s smart about those sorts of business questions.” She closed the journal. “I’d say we had a productive session today on several fronts.”
“I agree.” Cara saved the transcript and powered down her laptop.
The doorbell rang, and Natalie grasped her cane. “That must be Lydia and her brother.”
“I’ll let myself out the back way.” Cara shut the lid of the laptop.
“Dinner together, as usual?”
“Of course.” She stood. “Although I may have to beg off one night next week. Brad suggested that we, uh, go out for dinner together.”
“Never pass up an invitation from a charming, handsome man. Especially one who also appears to have integrity and honor.” Natalie rose and started toward the door.
Cara followed, turning to the right in the hall as Natalie went left, toward the front door.
After strolling back to the cottage, she set her laptop on the desk, ate a quick lunch of fruit and yogurt, then sat down to work.
Except her lined, legal-size tablet was missing.
Drat.
She must have left it in the study. And she needed the research prompts she’d jotted about the entries from today’s translation.
At least it wasn’t a long trek back to the house.
She retraced her steps down the path, opened the door, and quietly let herself into the kitchen. In all likelihood Natalie was still talking to Lydia and her brother in the living room. The best plan was to get in and out fast, without interrupting.
Tiptoeing down the hall, she picked up noise that was likely the rumble of conversation, confirming her suspicion that the interview wasn’t over.
Good.
If they were still talking, she ought to have plenty of time to grab her notes and escape unnoticed.
She picked up her pace ... but came to an abrupt halt in the study doorway.
Why was Lydia standing behind the desk, leaning down on the side containing the drawer holding Marie’s journals, intent on whatever she was looking at?
All at once, as if sensing her presence, the housekeeper glanced over. Paled. A noise sounded—a slam?—and she jerked upright.
Before Cara could think of anything to say, the other woman spoke.
“I, uh, was waiting in here while Ms. Boyer finishes up with Randy alone. I, uh, noticed this drawer was open and decided to close it. Ms. Boyer likes everything neat, you know.” The smile Lydia offered looked forced. “But there was, uh, something stuck, and it took me a minute to get it shut. If you want to use this room, I can, uh, wait in the kitchen.”
“I won’t be long.” Cara motioned to the worktable, debating her next move. “I left my tablet here and came back for it. I also have to get a couple of research books.”
