By the time the food platters had circled the table, Marisa had regained her poise, as far as he could tell.
His mother glanced around the table, blue eyes sparkling. This is nice, having a full table again. And you know, I think I can answer at least one of the questions thats perplexing Marisa.
Marisas fingers tightened on her fork. What question is that?
How the suitcase came to be in Allens house, of course.
Link exchanged glances with Trey. What was their mother up to now?
How would you be able to explain that? He had a feeling he wasnt going to like the answer.
Its simple, really. I thought of it last night, but then I never had a chance to tell you because you left so early this morning, Link.
Tell me what? Dealing with his mother required more patience than he possessed at the moment, and Marisas tension seemed to vibrate through the space between them.
Why, that Barbara Angelo was your uncle Allens housekeeper, of course.
MARISA FOUND THAT Links hand was in her line of vision, lying on the white tablecloth next to hers. Hers was clenched around a fork. His had tightened into so hard a fist that the tendons stood out on the back of it.
Did that mean he was as shocked at Genevas revelation as she was? Or did it mean that he hated the fact that it had come out?
What are you talking about, Mom? Across the table from her, Trey had found his voice.
Marisa studied him. A year or two older than Link, maybe, but his face, while serious, didnt carry those lines of tension which marked Link. At the moment Trey was staring at his mother in what seemed honest surprise.
About Marisas mother, Barbara Angelo. She worked for your uncle for a while, taking care of the house for him. Although why he needed a housekeeper, I never understood. There he was all by himself, practically a hermit. Youd think he could easily have done for himself
Give it a rest, Mom. Trey seemed to relax during his mothers wanderings. Maybe he was used to the track her thoughts took. We all know you didnt like Dads brother.
Geneva straightened, her shoulders back. Trey, that is absolutely not true. I didnt dislike your uncle. I just said he didnt need a housekeeper. He could easily have taken care of things himself. Why, your father
Dad was a paragon, Trey said, smiling a little. But you know perfectly well he never washed a dish in his life. You wouldnt let him.
You always thought Uncle Allen was lazy, Link said. Typical younger son, taking life easy while his older brother did all the work.
That sounded like a teasing comment. Certainly the others took it that way, joining in kidding the older woman. But Marisa had heard an undercurrent in Links voice that made her wonder. Was that how theyd seen Allen Morgan? Or was Link feeling guilty over something he had or hadnt done?
She expected Geneva to come back to the subject of her mother working as Allen Morgans housekeeper, but that didnt happen. At first she thought Geneva didnt care to talk about it, but as Marisa watched them, she realized that Trey and Link were steering the conversation away from that revelation.
They were protective of Geneva. Even Jessica joined in, keeping the talk light as they ate their way through the delectable chicken pot pie and a sweet and nutty squash casserole. At least, Marisa tried to eat. She ought to be hungry, but her stomach seemed tied in a permanent knot since shed come to this place.
How normal was their protectiveness? She couldnt really compare them with her family. With Daddy away so much working, family had usually consisted of just her and her grandmother.
Finally everyone was finished, and Geneva suggested a move back into the living room for dessert and coffee. Jessica sat down next to Marisa, while Geneva disappeared into the kitchen and the two men halted in front of the fireplace, heads down in a low-voiced conversation.
Dont mind them, Jessica said, nodding toward the two men. I try to tell Trey he shouldnt be so protective of his mother, but everyone does it. She smiled. I even find myself doing it sometimes, and the truth is that shes probably wiser than all of us put together, despite that scatterbrained façade.
Is it an act? She couldnt help voicing her doubts.
Jessica seemed to consider. Not entirely. I think she has the sort of mind which jumps ahead of logic, very often arriving at the right answer without apparent effort. Of course, sometimes shes completely wrong, too.
Im not sure why she thought everything would be cleared up by knowing that my mother worked for Allen Morgan. If anything, it makes the whole thing more She hesitated. Shed been going to say suspicious, but that was hardly the thing to say to Treys fiancée. confusing, I suppose.
Jessica nodded. Youve never heard anything from your mother in all these years?
No. The word had an empty sound.
Im sorry. Jessica touched her hand lightly. My mother died when I was quite young. Its so hard.
She nodded, unable to speak for a moment. There was a lump in her throat to go with the knot in her stomach.
Ridiculous. She was just exhausted, that was all. Getting that call, loading the car, rushing up to Lancaster County, and then all the turmoil of the dayno wonder she felt emotional. She needed a good nights sleep far more than she needed coffee and dessert.
She also needed to talk with Geneva at some point, to see what she actually remembered about her mothers employment by Allen Morgan. But that conversation could wait until she could catch the woman alone, without her protective sons.
Geneva came back in the room with a coffee tray, followed by the Amish teenager with another tray of dessert plates. Marisa found her gaze caught by the girl. Would her mother have looked like that, with the solid-color dress, the dark apron, the hair pulled back into a bun and covered by the white net cap? Would she have had those rosy cheeks, that shy manner? Was that what shed run away to?
Marisa stood abruptly and then bent to retrieve her handbag from the side of the chair.
This has been very kind of you, Mrs. Morgan, but Im so tired Im going to have to call it a night.
Please, call me Geneva, remember? And you cant go without dessert. Just a little piece. She sounded as if she were coaxing a toddler to eat her peas.
I couldnt eat another bite, really. Thank you, Geneva. It was nice to meet all of you.
But where are you going to stay? Geneva put the tray on a drop-leaf table and caught her hand. Wed be so happy to have you stay here with us. The guest room is always ready. You dont want to go off looking for a motel at this time of night.
I already have a reservation, she said quickly. Im staying at the Plain and Fancy Bed and Breakfast. Im sure Ill be fine there.
Youll be fine once you find it. Link rose from the chair by the fireplace, stretching as if he had to work out some kinks. Ill lead you there.
Im sure I can find it
No, no, Link is right. Its impossible to read those street signs after dark, and Ill never forgive myself if you have an accident. Geneva patted her hand. Just follow Link, and hell lead you right to the place. Rhoda Miller will make you very comfortable if youre sure you wont stay with us.
It sounded as if accepting Links guidance was the only way she was going to get out of here quickly. Thank you again.
Link was already standing in the archway. She went quickly to join him and followed him through the center hallway and out the front door.
Lights came on as soon as they stepped outside, revealing a sweep of gravel on which several cars were parked. Beyond that, the circle of light quickly petered out. The Morgan house was well out into the country, probably six or seven miles from Springville. Nothing out here but dark grass, dark trees and a chilly wind. She pulled her jacket around her.
Cold? Link said, walking beside her to her car.
Im fine. Its just been a long day.
He stood next to her while she unlocked the door and opened it. She slid in. His hand was on the door, but he didnt close it immediately.
What my mother said about my uncleI wouldnt pin too much on that, if I were you.
I dont understand what you mean. She looked at him, and his face was all craggy lines and shadows in the dim light.
He seemed to shift, as if tensing for an argument. The fact that your mother worked for my uncle doesnt lead anywhere. I dont know what you expect to find, but my mother cant help you.
I just want
He stepped away. Ill pull my car around, and you can follow me. Just remember what I said. Dont badger my mother about this. He stalked off, and the darkness swallowed him up.
CHAPTER THREE
THE NARROW BLACKTOP road spun away beyond the reach of his headlights. Link glanced in his rearview mirror to be sure Marisa was still behind him.
He probably shouldnt have said what he did to Marisa about bugging Mom on this subject. Maybe hed just given her ideas, but hed seen her watching Mom after the shock of her revelation faded.
It had been obvious Marisa saw his mother as a source of information. Still, if Mom was determined, shed most likely be the one asking the questions.
Protecting their mother was Treys job, had been from the day of Dads death, and he did it as well as anyone could. The best thing Link could do was get on with the renovation, get himself back to top shape and head out to California. How much was this issue going to set him back?
He could just leave. Deed the house over to Trey, let him renovate it or rent it or tear it down, for that matter. But Uncle Allen had left the place to him. Second son to second son, hed said once, with a wry smile. Maybe he owed Allen some loyalty in return.
He pulled up at the Plain and Fancy, frowning a little. The house, a tidy Dutch colonial on one of Springvilles cross streets, didnt show any signs of life except for the pole lamp by the gate. Marisa had said she had a reservation, hadnt she?
He slid out, walking quickly back to the other car. Hed help her with her luggage, maybe try to smooth any ruffled feathers.
Marisa was already pulling a suitcase from the trunk. He reached over her shoulder to grab the handle, lifting it out.
Ill carry this. Do you want the duffel bag as well? He paused, hand on the strap. No point in taking in anything she didnt want. And given the size of the suitcase, she hadnt planned to stay long when she left.
I can manage. Her voice was frosty.
Im sure you can, but you dont need to. He hefted the duffel bag. Besides, when I get home, Mom will ask if I helped you in with your luggage. You dont want to get me in trouble, do you?
That earned him a faint smile, but then her gaze slid away from his as if she remembered that she was angry with him.
Look, I shouldnt have said what I did about bugging my mother, okay? He slammed down the trunk lid. Its far more likely that shell be bugging you.
I take it both you and your brother think I should leave my mothers disappearance to the professionals. She marched toward the gate, and he followed.
Seems like the sensible thing to do, he said mildly. If theres anything to be found, they have the facilities. You dont.
They didnt do so well before She stopped on the porch, taking in the dark windows. Should they be closed this early?
Springville rolls up the sidewalks at eight-thirty. He put his finger on the bell, hearing it jangle beyond the frosted glass of the door. You did say you had a reservation, didnt you?
She nodded, the movement barely visible in the dim light. I saw the place listed on one of those tourist maps. The woman I spoke to said they had a room available.
By the looks of it, they have plenty. He eyed the dark windows. They wouldnt be busy on a weekday in October. He set the bags down. Maybe we should
Who is there? The gruff voice came from the dark side lawn. An instant later Eli Miller stepped into the faint light of the pole lamp, the breeze ruffling his beard, his black pants and jacket disappearing into the darkness. What do you want?
Marisa took a step back, sucking in a startled breath. She was so close Link could feel the tremor that went through her at the sight of the Amish man.
Eli, its me, Link Morgan. I brought Ms. Angelo. She has a reservation.
Ms. Angelo? Eli lifted the flashlight he held, switching it on.
Marisas face was white in the harsh beam of light. She didnt speak. What was wrong with the woman, anyway?
She called to make a reservation, he explained.
Ach, ja. I am so sorry. My Rhoda isnt so gut at talking on the telephone. She thought you were coming tomorrow. Its a mix-up for sure. Eli didnt sound put out at the prospect of an unexpected guest. Ill chust go back to our side of the house for the key. Ill be right with you. He chuckled. Ill tease Rhoda about being so ferhoodled, thats certain-sure.
He switched off the light and strode back toward the semi-detached wing where the family lived, apparently more comfortable without it.
Marisa let out an audible breath. He turned, frowning at her.
Whats going on? Youve seen Amish people before, havent you?
Her shoulders stiffened. I dont know what you mean.
When you saw Eli, you reacted as if he was some kind of monster.
I didnt. But her voice lacked conviction.
You did. And you werent natural with Katie, either, back at the house.
She might have told him to mind his own business, but she didnt. II just havent been around Amish people much, thats all.
It never surprises me how prejudiced some people can be, he said deliberately. But your mother was Amish.
Yes. She was. Marisa glared at him. And all I ever heard about the Amish was how they wouldnt leave her alone and how they lured my mother away from us. My grandmother said it was like a cult that wouldnt let her go.
Cult? He kept his voice low. Eli could be coming back at any moment. Thats ridiculous. Theyre as normal as anyone. More normal than most, in fact. If your father told you that
Not my father. He never talked about my mother. Some of the anger seemed to go out of her. My grandmother. All right, maybe Gran was a bit judgmental about people who are different.
You see
But I went out to Indiana a few years ago when I finally located my mothers family. I thought Her voice trembled and fell silent.