In September my next book comes out, Cascades. It is a historical compilation of Uncertain Alliance, The Captain's Wife, and Reckless Rogue. Each of these is set in a different Washington State town; Seattle, Port Townsend, and Cashmere.
I have been working on the galley for this books for a week or so, so this post won't be very long. I'm just taking a short break between loads of laundry and reviewing the galley to pop in and say hi.
I haven't read these stories in over a year and am finding that I'm really enjoying visiting with these characters. I am liking them all over again, feeling for my heroines and falling in love with the heroes.
I can't wait to see what they choose for the cover. Washington State is so beautiful.
Back to work. :-)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Faithful, ch. 23
“Let me ask you a question. What do you find so appealing about Miss Hannah McConnell, besides her beauty?” his mother asked from the chaise.
“Everything. I think I’ve always been in love with her - or at least a vague image of her - and finally met her. I feel like I’ve known’ her for years and still every time I see her it’s like the first time.”
“That’s how it was with Irene and Sam.” She paused. “I’ll tell you what you see in Hannah. The very things Irene saw in Sam, a strong backbone and a sharp mind. And she has Irene’s grace and spiritedness.” His mother sighed. “I always wondered if you would ever find a good woman and settle down. You have fallen hard but with the one woman who won’t have you. You always did like a challenge.”
His mouth hitched up on one side. Was it the challenge that drew him? Or the reward if successful?
Later, Gerrit walked inside Hannah’s dressmaker shop. She glared at him and went to the back room, returning a moment later with a wrapped parcel. “I was going to have Alice deliver this when she came back.” She tossed it at him.
My shirt. He nearly dropped the letters he brought catching it.
“We have no further business.”
“Oh, but I do have further business with you.” If he could just make her understand the truth . . .. “I have debated with myself about giving you these personal letters. I prayed and believe the Lord would have me give them to you.”
“I’m not interested in your letters.”
He set the bundles on the table she used to cut fabric. “These are correspondence between Uncle Duncan and my father regarding the Majestic Resort.”
“I said I’m not interested.”
“There are a few from your father and mother.”
Hannah jerked her head up. He had surprised her but then she lowered a veil of indifference. “I’m not interested.” She turned and walked toward her living quarters. He stopped her in the hall, trapping her between his arms with his hands against the wall. A little Coughlin control, but that was tough; she had to know the truth. “Promise me you will read those letters.”
She pushed on his arm but he wouldn’t relent. She ducked to go under but he slid his hand down the wall.
“I’ll stand here until you do.”
The bell over the door jingled. “I have a customer.”
He could wait her out.
She shoved his arm and appeared to be putting all one hundred or so pounds into it. Then she looked up with a sly resigned hitch to her mouth.
He didn’t like what he saw in her eyes and wouldn’t let her make a false pledge. “All you have to do is promise, because I know a McConnell’s word is good.”
She gritted her teeth and glared at him.
“Let me make it easy for you. Promise or I’ll kiss you.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
He most definitely would. He felt an obligation to fix this misunderstanding before he left town. “I’ll count to five. One.”
“How dare you!”
“Two.”
She stomped her foot on the top of his boot.
He clenched his jaw, trying not to show the pain her heel caused. “Three.”
She pushed on his arm. “You’re going to loose me a customer.”
“Four.” He could see in her eyes that she knew she was trapped. Either way, he won. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Fi-”
“I promise, I promise, I promise.”
Neither moved or breathed. The bell over the door rang again.
“You promise what?”
“You know good and well what.” She pushed and swatted at his arm.
“I want to hear you say it.”
She huffed. “I promise to read the insidious letters, but they won’t make one bit of difference. May I go now?”
“I’m disappointed. I would have liked to kiss you.” He turned and walked away. “Good day, ma’am.” He tipped his head to the customer. He tipped his head to Alice who must have come in on the second bell. “Good to see you again.” Then he walked out, leaving part of himself behind.
It was all in the Lord’s hands now. He could do nothing more to make her see the truth. It was time to head back east and forget all about Miss Hannah McConnell. If that were even possible.
“Everything. I think I’ve always been in love with her - or at least a vague image of her - and finally met her. I feel like I’ve known’ her for years and still every time I see her it’s like the first time.”
“That’s how it was with Irene and Sam.” She paused. “I’ll tell you what you see in Hannah. The very things Irene saw in Sam, a strong backbone and a sharp mind. And she has Irene’s grace and spiritedness.” His mother sighed. “I always wondered if you would ever find a good woman and settle down. You have fallen hard but with the one woman who won’t have you. You always did like a challenge.”
His mouth hitched up on one side. Was it the challenge that drew him? Or the reward if successful?
Later, Gerrit walked inside Hannah’s dressmaker shop. She glared at him and went to the back room, returning a moment later with a wrapped parcel. “I was going to have Alice deliver this when she came back.” She tossed it at him.
My shirt. He nearly dropped the letters he brought catching it.
“We have no further business.”
“Oh, but I do have further business with you.” If he could just make her understand the truth . . .. “I have debated with myself about giving you these personal letters. I prayed and believe the Lord would have me give them to you.”
“I’m not interested in your letters.”
He set the bundles on the table she used to cut fabric. “These are correspondence between Uncle Duncan and my father regarding the Majestic Resort.”
“I said I’m not interested.”
“There are a few from your father and mother.”
Hannah jerked her head up. He had surprised her but then she lowered a veil of indifference. “I’m not interested.” She turned and walked toward her living quarters. He stopped her in the hall, trapping her between his arms with his hands against the wall. A little Coughlin control, but that was tough; she had to know the truth. “Promise me you will read those letters.”
She pushed on his arm but he wouldn’t relent. She ducked to go under but he slid his hand down the wall.
“I’ll stand here until you do.”
The bell over the door jingled. “I have a customer.”
He could wait her out.
She shoved his arm and appeared to be putting all one hundred or so pounds into it. Then she looked up with a sly resigned hitch to her mouth.
He didn’t like what he saw in her eyes and wouldn’t let her make a false pledge. “All you have to do is promise, because I know a McConnell’s word is good.”
She gritted her teeth and glared at him.
“Let me make it easy for you. Promise or I’ll kiss you.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
He most definitely would. He felt an obligation to fix this misunderstanding before he left town. “I’ll count to five. One.”
“How dare you!”
“Two.”
She stomped her foot on the top of his boot.
He clenched his jaw, trying not to show the pain her heel caused. “Three.”
She pushed on his arm. “You’re going to loose me a customer.”
“Four.” He could see in her eyes that she knew she was trapped. Either way, he won. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Fi-”
“I promise, I promise, I promise.”
Neither moved or breathed. The bell over the door rang again.
“You promise what?”
“You know good and well what.” She pushed and swatted at his arm.
“I want to hear you say it.”
She huffed. “I promise to read the insidious letters, but they won’t make one bit of difference. May I go now?”
“I’m disappointed. I would have liked to kiss you.” He turned and walked away. “Good day, ma’am.” He tipped his head to the customer. He tipped his head to Alice who must have come in on the second bell. “Good to see you again.” Then he walked out, leaving part of himself behind.
It was all in the Lord’s hands now. He could do nothing more to make her see the truth. It was time to head back east and forget all about Miss Hannah McConnell. If that were even possible.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Faithful, ch. 22
"Last week was really crazy with getting ready for a big Father's Day event at our church, a car & motorcycle show with a silent auction and ATV raffle. So this chapter is a little late. I hope you enjoy."
At the sight of Hannah returning, relief settled on Gerrit like a warm blanket in the winter. When Holace had stormed out, he wasn’t sure if he should follow him or not. “I didn’t want to leave your shop open with no one to attend it.”
“I’m here now.” She swung off her shawl and set it aside.
Her words were a dismissal, but he wasn’t ready to leave just yet. “He shouldn’t have spoken to you that way.”
“It’s none of your business.” She perched her fists on her hips.
“But he--”
“It’s all taken care of. Good-day, Mr. Coughlin!”
He clenched his teeth. “I was only trying to help.”
“I never asked for your help.”
His hands clenched. “You are the most obstinate, opinionated woman-”
Hannah held her head high. “Many women hold very strong opinions about a lot of things but choose not to say anything.”
“So why don’t you?”
Hannah set her jaw and thinned her lips then walked toward the door.
He caught her by the arm and turned her around. “No words of wisdom?”
“Let go of me!”
“Not until you answer my question.”
She jerked her arm but his grip held. “What question?”
“Why don’t you keep your opinions to yourself like other ladies?” He really didn’t care if she held her tongue. He didn’t have to guess what she was thinking that way. And he wanted to keep her talking to him.
“I didn’t realize that was a question. I thought it was the polite Coughlin way to tell me to be silent.”
“I would never do that.”
“Isn’t that what Coughlins do,” she glanced at her arm in his grasp, “control people?”
He released her. “No, we don’t. And I’ll have you know that my parents weren’t trying to take away the Wilsons’ home or anyone else’s home. They were trying to fulfill a promise they made to your mother to help those less fortunate. They will build better housing for the people who live down on the river whether you like it or not. Just because you protested didn’t mean my father backed down, he has made all the plans. He was trying to include you in it. Once they are built you will see for yourself that my parents aren’t the evil overlords you have made them out to be.”
“Good day, Mr. Coughlin.” She yanked the door open and held it.
He growled. She was the most infuriating woman he had ever met . . . and the most intriguing. “Can’t we at least talk about this?”
“You have nothing to say that I want to hear.”
“I think I do.”
“I don’t want to hear another lie from you. Now, please leave.”
“Very well, I’ll show you.” Gerrit swiftly cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.
Hannah shoved him away and drew back her hand. The smack was loud but the sting to his cheek was greater. He thought to surprise her and didn’t expect her to react so fast. The slap didn’t hurt nearly as much as the menacing look in her eyes.
“Get out!”
Should he play stubborn too? Nothing came to mind, so he turned toward the door. He stopped at the threshold, hoping it wouldn’t be the last time he crossed it. He needed guidance from the Lord and his parents’ counsel.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Renaissance Festival
We have a great Renaissance Festival in our area. We go every year. We wouldn't miss it. This past weekend was opening weekend. We had a great time and took one of my son’s friends with us who never knew the festival was there. He had a great time.
If you've never been to a Renaissance Festival, you are missing out. It allows you to step back in time. Food, entertainment, and harassment.
The food is great. We always have a turkey leg. They are delicious. There is also frozen flavored ice on a half of an orange, funnel cakes, baklava, corn on the cob, beef kabob, turkey sausage, shaved ice, smoothies, and much more.
There are shows going on all over the festival all the time. There’s a magician, acrobats, jugglers, ventriloquist, hypnotist, comedians, musicians, storytellers, and much more. We have our favorite shows and usually find a new one or two each year. Last year Cast in Bronze was there. He plays Carillon Bells and is fantastic. If you go to the link below and wait for it to load, you can hear him play. Or go to Cast in Bronze Web site.
There are dozens of little shops. There is pottery, glass blowing, swords, period clothing, jewelry, leather journals, crowns, wings, stained glass, artists, hair braiding, and so much more.
The festival hires actors to roam the park or to stand around and harass you. They are great. They call out to you as you walk by and some times they might start walking with you. They are always in costume and in character with old world speak. One of the ticket taker girls at the gate was calling out my son and his friend (they are both 20) to come over to her. My son and his friend were far to shy for that. Their eyes got big and they stayed with us as we entered. It’s always fun. Especially when your son turns red at a pretty girl calling to him.
Of course, King Henry is there every year with his full court of ladies.
I look forward to going a couple more time this summer .
For more information on my local festival go to http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/
You can also Google Renaissance Festival to see if you can find one in your area.
Have fun!
If you've never been to a Renaissance Festival, you are missing out. It allows you to step back in time. Food, entertainment, and harassment.
The food is great. We always have a turkey leg. They are delicious. There is also frozen flavored ice on a half of an orange, funnel cakes, baklava, corn on the cob, beef kabob, turkey sausage, shaved ice, smoothies, and much more.
There are shows going on all over the festival all the time. There’s a magician, acrobats, jugglers, ventriloquist, hypnotist, comedians, musicians, storytellers, and much more. We have our favorite shows and usually find a new one or two each year. Last year Cast in Bronze was there. He plays Carillon Bells and is fantastic. If you go to the link below and wait for it to load, you can hear him play. Or go to Cast in Bronze Web site.
There are dozens of little shops. There is pottery, glass blowing, swords, period clothing, jewelry, leather journals, crowns, wings, stained glass, artists, hair braiding, and so much more.
The festival hires actors to roam the park or to stand around and harass you. They are great. They call out to you as you walk by and some times they might start walking with you. They are always in costume and in character with old world speak. One of the ticket taker girls at the gate was calling out my son and his friend (they are both 20) to come over to her. My son and his friend were far to shy for that. Their eyes got big and they stayed with us as we entered. It’s always fun. Especially when your son turns red at a pretty girl calling to him.
Of course, King Henry is there every year with his full court of ladies.
I look forward to going a couple more time this summer .
For more information on my local festival go to http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/
You can also Google Renaissance Festival to see if you can find one in your area.
Have fun!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Faithful, ch. 21
Hannah grabbed her shawl and the key to her shop. She needed to find Alice. When Alice told her that Holace had finally proposed, she’d lashed out at her this morning. Alice had left upset, and Hannah needed to apologize.
Last night, Hannah had tossed and turned. Her bed looked like a cat and dog fight. Then this morning she couldn’t stomach any food and had only a cup of tea which she didn’t finish. Alice hadn’t deserved the tongue lashing she had given her on the uselessness of men. There was only one man in particular that she found utterly impossible. She swung on her shawl and headed for the door.
Before she got halfway across the shop, Holace Bourne stormed in like a rabid grizzly bear. He jabbed one thick finger in the air. “Never thought you would let your bitterness hurt some one you claim to care about.”
“Holace, I kno-”
“Alice is weeping all over the place and threatening to call off the wedding!”
Oh no! Her temper had certainly gotten the better of her.
“You had no right to come between us.” Holace’s face was red and his voice loud. “Just because you’re unhappy doesn’t mean you have to make everyone around you miserable!” He took a breath to continue.
He was correct, and she would fix it.
Another male voice spoke, equally as angry. “You can’t speak to her that way!”
Holace swung around to face Mr. Coughlin.
She glared at Gerrit. “What are you doing here?”
Gerrit stepped between her and Holace. “I think you owe Miss McConnell an apology.”
“I would sooner kiss a hog!”
“I could arrange that!”
Hannah took a deep breath and exhaled. Would it do any good to talk to these two while they’re locking horns? She turned and walked out, hoping they wouldn’t get into a fight and ruin her shop. She walked straight to Alice’s house.
Alice sat on a lawn swing Holace had made for her. Hannah sat in the seat opposite her. Alice sniffled. “Alice, I’m so sorry for upsetting you. I’m just ill-tempered today. Will you forgive me for my abominable behavior?”
Alice nodded.
“Now, what’s this about you calling off the wedding?”
“The things you said kind of made sense.” Alice dabbed her eyes with a wadded up handkerchief.
“No they didn’t.”
“I’m not sure if I should get married.”
“Of course you should. You love Holace, don’t you?”
“Yes, I think so - or at least I thought I did.”
“Holace is a good man and will treat you well.” Both women turned and saw Holace, hat in hand, standing in the yard a few feet away.
Hannah stood. “I’ll see you in the shop tomorrow, and we can start designing your wedding dress.”
Alice bobbed her head and gave her an appreciative smile.
As Hannah passed Holace, she said, “I didn’t mean to cause all this trouble.”
Holace gave her a tentative smile. “Thank you.”
Hannah nodded and returned his smile, then left them alone. At least that was one thing she could fix. Other problems in her life weren’t so easy.
Last night, Hannah had tossed and turned. Her bed looked like a cat and dog fight. Then this morning she couldn’t stomach any food and had only a cup of tea which she didn’t finish. Alice hadn’t deserved the tongue lashing she had given her on the uselessness of men. There was only one man in particular that she found utterly impossible. She swung on her shawl and headed for the door.
Before she got halfway across the shop, Holace Bourne stormed in like a rabid grizzly bear. He jabbed one thick finger in the air. “Never thought you would let your bitterness hurt some one you claim to care about.”
“Holace, I kno-”
“Alice is weeping all over the place and threatening to call off the wedding!”
Oh no! Her temper had certainly gotten the better of her.
“You had no right to come between us.” Holace’s face was red and his voice loud. “Just because you’re unhappy doesn’t mean you have to make everyone around you miserable!” He took a breath to continue.
He was correct, and she would fix it.
Another male voice spoke, equally as angry. “You can’t speak to her that way!”
Holace swung around to face Mr. Coughlin.
She glared at Gerrit. “What are you doing here?”
Gerrit stepped between her and Holace. “I think you owe Miss McConnell an apology.”
“I would sooner kiss a hog!”
“I could arrange that!”
Hannah took a deep breath and exhaled. Would it do any good to talk to these two while they’re locking horns? She turned and walked out, hoping they wouldn’t get into a fight and ruin her shop. She walked straight to Alice’s house.
Alice sat on a lawn swing Holace had made for her. Hannah sat in the seat opposite her. Alice sniffled. “Alice, I’m so sorry for upsetting you. I’m just ill-tempered today. Will you forgive me for my abominable behavior?”
Alice nodded.
“Now, what’s this about you calling off the wedding?”
“The things you said kind of made sense.” Alice dabbed her eyes with a wadded up handkerchief.
“No they didn’t.”
“I’m not sure if I should get married.”
“Of course you should. You love Holace, don’t you?”
“Yes, I think so - or at least I thought I did.”
“Holace is a good man and will treat you well.” Both women turned and saw Holace, hat in hand, standing in the yard a few feet away.
Hannah stood. “I’ll see you in the shop tomorrow, and we can start designing your wedding dress.”
Alice bobbed her head and gave her an appreciative smile.
As Hannah passed Holace, she said, “I didn’t mean to cause all this trouble.”
Holace gave her a tentative smile. “Thank you.”
Hannah nodded and returned his smile, then left them alone. At least that was one thing she could fix. Other problems in her life weren’t so easy.
Monday, June 8, 2009
History & Air-Conditioning
I used to hate history. In school it was dry and boring. You would say the word history and everyone would grunt or groan as if in pain.
But now I find history fascinating. I’m not sure why. Little known stories about real people or inventions. Our history classes told us about some inventions like the cotton gin, penicillin, and the automobile. But what about all those everyday items we use that we don’t even think twice about.
I found a fascinating book call Origin of Everyday Things by Johnny Acton, Tania Adams, & Matt Packer.
Did you know that air-conditioning dates back to ancient times? People in hot environment have always sought out ways to cool their environment. The Babylonians splashed water on the outside of the dwellings to draw heat from the inside as it evaporated. Egyptians would moisten mats/veils and hang them so the warm breeze would cool as it went through them.
British scientist Michael Faraday (1791-1867) discovered air could be cooled by compressing ammonia. American physician John Gorrie (1803-1855) used tubs of ice to blow cool air over his patients during an outbreak of yellow fever. In 1902 Willis Haviland Carrier (1876-1950) built the first modern air-conditioner for a printing plant to keep the paper dry so it could be aligned correctly.
So due to these ingenious people, we can stay cool and dry on hot summer days or when traveling in our cars.
But now I find history fascinating. I’m not sure why. Little known stories about real people or inventions. Our history classes told us about some inventions like the cotton gin, penicillin, and the automobile. But what about all those everyday items we use that we don’t even think twice about.
I found a fascinating book call Origin of Everyday Things by Johnny Acton, Tania Adams, & Matt Packer.
Did you know that air-conditioning dates back to ancient times? People in hot environment have always sought out ways to cool their environment. The Babylonians splashed water on the outside of the dwellings to draw heat from the inside as it evaporated. Egyptians would moisten mats/veils and hang them so the warm breeze would cool as it went through them.
British scientist Michael Faraday (1791-1867) discovered air could be cooled by compressing ammonia. American physician John Gorrie (1803-1855) used tubs of ice to blow cool air over his patients during an outbreak of yellow fever. In 1902 Willis Haviland Carrier (1876-1950) built the first modern air-conditioner for a printing plant to keep the paper dry so it could be aligned correctly.
So due to these ingenious people, we can stay cool and dry on hot summer days or when traveling in our cars.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Faithful, ch. 20
Gerrit waited impatiently in the dressmaker shop for Hannah to return from her errand. Maybe she had gone to visit Tiny on her way back. He headed for the door.
Once outside, he saw Hannah striding toward him, but she was looking to the ground with her brows knit together and her lips pinched. What had put that scowl on her face? He had hoped she would be in a good mood to receive his news. Maybe he could fix whatever was troubling her and put a smile back on her face. He crossed the street to her. “Hannah.”
She looked up and her glare deepened.
He hesitated. “You look troubled.”
She pulled her hand back and slapped his face without breaking stride. She stepped off the boardwalk to cross the street.
He stood stunned. It hadn’t hurt. She wore gloves and hadn’t hit that hard. It was the action itself and in public that was the real affliction. He didn’t have to ask what it was for. She had found out his secret. He pulled himself together and caught up to her. “Hannah, I can explain.”
“You lied to me, Mr. Coughlin.”
That removed any doubt about her mood. “I never said my surname was Finnley. You took it upon yourself to call me that. I asked you to call me Gerrit. And my middle name is Finnley.”
She stepped up onto the boardwalk on the corner by the bookstore and turn on him. “A lie of omission is still a lie.” She swung back around and into her shop.
Gerrit stared after her a moment. He couldn’t deny he had kept the truth from her. He knew it was wrong and that it would hurt her. Leaving his heart behind, he walked to the Majestic Resort. As it said in the Bible, there is wisdom in counsel. Entering his parent’s apartment at the back of the resort, he stretched out on the couch and plopped a pillow onto his face.
“What is wrong? Are you sick?” He could hear the concern in his mother’s voice.
“Hannah found out the truth.”
“Found out? Oh dear.”
He removed the pillow. “She slapped me.”
“As well she should for keeping something like this from her. You should have told her from the start and won her from there. You are far worse off now than you would have been if you had made an honest start of it.” She handed him a cup of coffee.
He sat up. “You and father never told her.”
“That was different. We made a promise to Irene, her mother. It has not been easy. I, for one, am glad it is finally out in the open.”
In a way, he too was glad it was out in the open. Hannah was right. He’d lied. The weight of it now lifted left him with the ruins he’d created.
Once outside, he saw Hannah striding toward him, but she was looking to the ground with her brows knit together and her lips pinched. What had put that scowl on her face? He had hoped she would be in a good mood to receive his news. Maybe he could fix whatever was troubling her and put a smile back on her face. He crossed the street to her. “Hannah.”
She looked up and her glare deepened.
He hesitated. “You look troubled.”
She pulled her hand back and slapped his face without breaking stride. She stepped off the boardwalk to cross the street.
He stood stunned. It hadn’t hurt. She wore gloves and hadn’t hit that hard. It was the action itself and in public that was the real affliction. He didn’t have to ask what it was for. She had found out his secret. He pulled himself together and caught up to her. “Hannah, I can explain.”
“You lied to me, Mr. Coughlin.”
That removed any doubt about her mood. “I never said my surname was Finnley. You took it upon yourself to call me that. I asked you to call me Gerrit. And my middle name is Finnley.”
She stepped up onto the boardwalk on the corner by the bookstore and turn on him. “A lie of omission is still a lie.” She swung back around and into her shop.
Gerrit stared after her a moment. He couldn’t deny he had kept the truth from her. He knew it was wrong and that it would hurt her. Leaving his heart behind, he walked to the Majestic Resort. As it said in the Bible, there is wisdom in counsel. Entering his parent’s apartment at the back of the resort, he stretched out on the couch and plopped a pillow onto his face.
“What is wrong? Are you sick?” He could hear the concern in his mother’s voice.
“Hannah found out the truth.”
“Found out? Oh dear.”
He removed the pillow. “She slapped me.”
“As well she should for keeping something like this from her. You should have told her from the start and won her from there. You are far worse off now than you would have been if you had made an honest start of it.” She handed him a cup of coffee.
He sat up. “You and father never told her.”
“That was different. We made a promise to Irene, her mother. It has not been easy. I, for one, am glad it is finally out in the open.”
In a way, he too was glad it was out in the open. Hannah was right. He’d lied. The weight of it now lifted left him with the ruins he’d created.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Chapter 19
(Pardon the tardiness of this entry. I've been really sick and haven't had two brain cells to rub together. Enjoy!)Two days after the Howard’s house fire, Hannah received word that Duncan’s lawyer wanted to see her. She hoped it wasn’t bad news. She needed something to lift her spirits. She had been out of sorts since the Howard’s house burned down, only having seen Gerrit twice. The first was the next afternoon, but he was contemplative and in a hurry. Then this morning she had hardly been able to say good morning when he smiled and said he had some important business to attend to and would see her later.
She was ushered into Mr. Humphry’s office at his residence by his wife. His mahogany paneled office, though spacious, felt small. The heavy velvet drapes cut off half the light that struggled to gain entrance. Even on this bright, sunny day he had a lamp lit to read his papers. She resisted the urge to throw back the drapes and tie them out of the way.
He clasped both his plump hands around hers. “Miss McConnell, it’s so good to see you. I hope you are holding up well in spite of your grief.”
“I’m doing well.” She sat in the offered chair.
“Good. I haven’t much time right now, I’m expected at the courthouse, so I’ll get right to business. I have good news for you.”
That was a relief. But she couldn’t imagine what he required of her good or bad.
“I wasn’t sure how long I would have to hold on to this and am pleased to be able to turn it over to you.” He opened a file cabinet drawer and withdrew an envelope from one of the files, handing it to her.
She broke the seal and slipped the contents out. There was a smaller envelope with her name on it in Duncan’s handwriting and a document that had Majestic Resort on it. “What is all this?”
“Duncan owned a share of the Majestic Resort. Now it’s yours. He asked me to wait until I thought you were ready. I figured after how well you are getting on with Mr. Coughlin, that the reservations Duncan had were all for naught.”
She looked up sharply. “You have been misinformed. I do not get on well with any Coughlin.”
“But at the Howard fire?”
She hadn’t known any of the Coughlins were there. It surprised her that they would dirty themselves to help others.
“You have been seen about town with him.”
Had Mr. Humphry gone daft? “Not only do I not socialize with Mr. and Mrs. Coughlin, but I have never set foot in that resort and never plan to do so.”
Mr. Humphry leaned back, supporting his ample weight on the edge of his desk. “I am not referring to the senior Mr. Coughlin, but rather his son, Gerrit Finnley Coughlin. I have seen you myself in his company, smiling. I assumed you got on well with him.”
Unmoving, Hannah stared at the lawyer. Gerrit Finnley...Coughlin!
“I see I may have put the mule before the cart. But what is said is said. I have betrayed Duncan’s confidence, for that I am deeply sorry. I truly thought you knew.”
“This-this is impossible. Gerrit is Duncan’s nephew. He can’t be a Coughlin.”
“Duncan was Mrs. Coughlin’s brother.”
“No. I would have known. Duncan would have told me.”
“Your mother made him promise not to reveal his relationship to Mrs. Coughlin.”
“No, this isn’t right.” She handed the envelope and its contents back to him.
He refused it. “Whether you choose to believe or not, you own a share of the Majestic Resort. You have since Duncan’s passing.”
How could he have lied to her all these years?
She folded the papers and put everything back into the envelope. She stood and stretched out her hand. “Thank you, Mr. Humphry, for all you have done. Good day.” She turned and left.
How could she have been so blind for so long? Her mother lied to her. Duncan lied to her. And Gerrit lied to her. He was the worst of them all. The only one who hadn’t lied was Father.
No, Mr. Humphry, this was not good news at all!
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