“I don’t see why not,” Clara answered. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re welcome here anytime so long as your mother doesn’t object.”
There was a knock at the door, and Clara got up to see who it was.
“Marie? What are you doing here?” Clara placed her hands on her hips and raised her chin.
Marie Spencer swung the door wide, stepped into the foyer, and immediately her eyes went to Ellie.
“Mother.” Ellie was utterly confused. “W-What are you doing here?”
“It’s nice to see you too, dear,” she said mockingly. “I’ve come to take you home.”
Ellie looked to Clara for answers.
“Why didn’t you call?” Clara closed the door. “I wasn’t expecting you until Monday.”
“I apologize for the intrusion, but I’ve got a little surprise for Ellie.”
“What kind of surprise?” Ellie asked.
“I thought we’d spend the weekend in Nashville, just the two of us.”
Ellie felt as if something was amiss. “I appreciate the sentiment, Mother, but I’m not ready to go.”
“Do you have other plans?”
She thought of Jack. “As a matter of fact, I do.”
Marie raised an eyebrow. “Do tell.”
“Well, I…”
“Doesn’t sound that important to me.” She glanced at her watch. “Go on and get your things. I want to be on the road within the hour.”
“You’re not staying the night?” Clara asked.
“I’m afraid not. I’ve already booked a hotel, and if we don’t leave soon, it’ll be after midnight before we arrive.”
“An hour! But…?” Ellie thought about running straight to Jack. He’d know what to do. She checked the time. He’d be on his way to the dock by now. She felt trapped.
“Come along.” Clara ushered her down the hall.
“Did you know about this?” Ellie asked Clara when she reached her bedroom.
“No, I didn’t,” she replied, looking irritated. “I’m just as surprised as you are.”
“What should I do? What about Jack?”
“There’s nothing you can do now.” Clara spoke barely above a whisper. “Pen a note to Jack while you’re packing your clothes. I’ll make sure he gets it. Now go on before she gets suspicious.”
Jack,
I’m writing this letter under duress, so I apologize for the brevity. Wouldn’t you know, my mother is here. Three days early. Which can only mean one thing—she knows about us. I don’t know how, but she does. I could see it in her eyes. I know I agreed to meet you tonight, but circumstances being what they are, it is impossible. You had something special planned, I just know it, so for that I am truly sorry. Mother says she’s taking me to Nashville for the weekend, so I may not be able to reach you until next week. But rest assured, when I get the chance, I’ll call or write. Thank you again for this summer. I had the time of my life, and if I live to be a hundred, I’ll never forget it.
Love,
Ellie
After packing her suitcase, Ellie slipped the note to Clara when her mother wasn’t looking.
