Joyce’s brows went up, but she didn’t stop petting Archie, whose eyes were shut as he entered a new state of nirvana. “You must have been close friends. Not that I’m implying anything.”
Harper smiled. “We were close. But it was strictly a business relationship.”
“You’re pretty enough to be more than that. Not saying I think there was anything going on, mind you. But he wasn’t shy about his appreciation of beautiful women.”
“I promise, it was strictly business.” The microwave went off. Harper got the cup out and stuck a teabag in it. Time to change the subject. Talking about her relationship with Arlington was hard to do without revealing what she did and that violated her personal code of ethics. “So, how did you come to work for Mr. Ripley?”
ChapterFive
“His wife hired me,” Joyce answered. She blew across the surface of the tea before taking a sip. “Lovely woman, that one. Just lovely.”
“So you’ve worked for him for a while?” Harper couldn’t believe the man she’d talked to outside had been Mitchell Ripley. Now that she knew, she recognized him. He was a bit more cleaned up in his author photo, however.
“I have. Nineteen years.”
“Have they lived here the whole time?” Harper took a seat on the couch.
“No. This place hasn’t been around that long, but they were one of the first to move out here. One of the first to buy and build. Jeanie always loved the water. It was her idea. Mitch wasn’t all that keen on it, but he would have bought the moon if she’d wanted it. Anything to make her happy.”
“That’s sweet,” Harper said.
“He loved her more than he loved himself, I can tell you that.” Joyce sipped her tea again. “Go on, eat your dinner. Won’t bother me.”
Harper picked up the bowl and stabbed her fork into the greens. “Thanks. And thank you for the oatmeal bars. I might have one for breakfast.”
Joyce smiled. “Are you here permanently then?”
“I don’t know about that. But I’ll probably be here for a while.” They were veering into dangerous territory again. Too personal. “My sister’s coming to visit. She should be here tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s lovely. My sister still lives in Devon. Don’t get to see her much.”
“England?” Seemed obvious, but Harper didn’t want to assume.
“That’s right,” Joyce said. “Have you ever been?”
“I’ve been to London a few times, but that’s as far as I’ve gotten.”
“You should see the countryside sometime. Gorgeous.”
“I bet.”
“I should go.” Joyce set her cup down. “Let you get on with your evening. Nice to chat with someone besides Himself now and again. Not that he’s much of a chatter, you understand.”
Harper smiled. “I think I do. You’re welcome to come over anytime.”
“Well, bless you.” Joyce gave Archie a quick pat, then got up.
Archie lifted his head.
Harper put her bowl down and walked with Joyce to the front door. Archie tagged along. Harper opened the door. “It was really nice to meet you. Thanks for coming over.”
Joyce gave her a smile. “You need anything, you stop by. I’m in the guest house, not the main, but don’t let Mitch keep you away.”
It was his property, but Harper appreciated the offer all the same. “Thanks. I’ll see you around, Joyce.”
“You take care now, Harper.” Joyce gave Archie’s fur a ruffle. “You, too, my handsome friend.”
Harper waved as Joyce headed down the drive, then closed the door. She looked at Archie. “Well, someone likes you an awful lot, don’t they?”
