Читать книгу Haunting at Remington House - Laura V. Keegan - Страница 37

Cassie and Mary spent the morning rearranging the furniture in Cassie and Michael’s bedroom. Cassie loved the thought of waking up to a view of the Atlantic. What a sinful luxury, pure indulgence for the soul. She smiled at Mary, wishing the young woman was more talkative and comfortable with her. She felt a little out of place. It seemed like everyone here knew everyone else.

Cassie was dying to have a good chat with someone besides her brother. She wasn’t used to the silence that seemed to prevail in her brother’s house. Besides the constant roar of the ocean, it seemed little else was going on. Oh, well. For today, she’d settle for getting acquainted with everyone.

Cassie asked, “So, what do you do with yourself here in Ravenswood?”

“I work part time at the vet clinic, and I go to the local college. I’m studying veterinarian medicine.”

“Wow, that’s great. I love animals, too. I guess you have several years of school left then?”

“Yeah, I still have another four years—I won’t be going anywhere for a while. I plan on staying here after I graduate. I love it in Ravenswood. The local vet needs a partner, there’s no one to take over his practice when he retires, so he plans on working me in.”

“Sounds like a solid plan. Good for you.” It took several hours to get everything to Cassie’s satisfaction. There was still more clothing to be unpacked, but that wouldn’t take long. Cassie could tell Mary was beginning to relax and enjoy herself. A special rapport was building between them as they worked side by side.

Mary lifted one of Cassie’s brown-suede suitcases onto the bed. “Your husband is so handsome,” Mary said.

“You’re sweet. He is, isn’t he? And wonderful to boot! I can hardly believe we’ve been married almost twelve years.”

“You’re lucky. I wish there were more guys around here. Most move to the big city or go away to school. I hope I find someone special someday,” Mary said, smiling as she unpacked Cassie’s suitcase. “Oh, wow, these are beautiful chemises. Are they silk?”

“Yes, they are and they’re part of my designer collection.” She laughed. “You look surprised.”

“What did I miss?”

“I bet Tom didn’t tell you, did he? We own the Alexa’s Boutiques.”

“He did not! Alexa’s clothing is so chic. I’ve only been to one of your stores though. The one in Concord. I heard the main store in New York is unbelievable. Wow! Do you go in and pick out what you want and say, ‘Wrap it up and send it to my place?’ Talk about lucky.”

“No, I pay for most of my clothes, like anyone else, but I do get a nice discount—after all I design many of them.” Cassie grinned realizing what a chatterbox Mary was now that they had found more common ground.

“You’re a designer for Alexa’s? I’m jealous. Would you show me your designs sometime?”

Cassie was pleased. Though well grounded, she liked it when people fussed over her. “Sure. Let’s finish up here; you and I can spend some time later today looking at my latest portfolio. I’m working on the summer line. I’d love for you to give me your opinions. Can you stay for a while this afternoon?”

“Yes. I’d love that. Thank you. This is amazing!” Mary was beaming.

Tom knocked on the door. “Hate to spoil your fun. Mary, I’ve been instructed to search you out and send you downstairs. Nellie needs your help in the dining room. Looks like you two are hitting it off. No one is safe from your charms, are they, Sis?” Tom gave her a gentle punch on the arm and left the room.

“Go on, Mary. I want to finish unpacking.” An ally. Yay! One down and . . . hmm, how many to go? I like Mary. I know we’ll be good friends. She’s a darling. She carried an armful of Michael’s shirts to the closet and began putting them on hangers. She didn’t get to ask Mary about Tom’s neighbors. She’d have her fill her in this afternoon. Mary probably knew everything about everyone in this town. Cassie hummed contentedly. Joe had taken Michael and Lizzie into Ravenswood to get a few things they’d forgotten to pack. She was glad to have them out of her hair for a while, knowing she’d get little accomplished with Lizzie running around.

As she passed the dresser, Cassie jumped. Her hand flew to her mouth. She stifled her scream. Reflected in the mirror was an old woman. She was crying, her eyes puffy and red. Her lips trembled slightly, then parted as if she was about to sob. She raised a boney hand speckled with brown liver-spots, blue veins protruded across the back. Clutching an embroidered handkerchief edged with blue lace, she brought her gnarled hand to her eyes to dab her tears. In that instant, she and Cassie made eye contact. Cassie detected the faint smell of lilac water—and something slightly rancid. She whirled around to face the woman standing beside her, ready to go to her and offer comfort. Her hand reached out to the woman. The room was empty. She ran to the hallway, there was no one there either.