Page 52 of Easton Island: A Wedding to Remember

Perhaps Priscilla was still researching, putting the pieces together to make it even more scandalous. A sickening thought occurred to Morgan. “You don’t think she’s holding off, planning to print the story on Grandmother and Gerard’s wedding day, do you?”

Quinn wrinkled her nose. “Would she sink to that level?”

“I don’t know. I mean, she seemed sincere when she promised not to write a story.” Morgan sighed heavily. “I was so sure she would keep her word. This is stressing me out.”

“Maybe we should mention it to Elizabeth, to warn her.”

Morgan immediately shot the idea down. “Grandmother already tried talking to Prissy about it. She left a message asking her to call her back. As far as I know, she’s still waiting for her to return the call.”

“Intentionally avoiding her,” Quinn said.

“That’s what I’m thinking.” Morgan’s expression grew glum. “Grandmother has enough on her plate. If Prissy prints the story on her wedding day, at least she’ll be so busy she won’t know.”

After Morgan left the art gallery, she stopped by Easton Estate, as she had for the last few days, to run errands, and help with whatever needed to be done.

The estate was being transformed right before her eyes. String lights had been strategically placed throughout. The outdoor heaters were ready to keep guests warm in the event of an afternoon chill.

If anything, Elizabeth was calmer than normal. Stoic. Serene. In control—at least visibly.

“How are Chester and Esther?” she asked after assuring Morgan all the wedding details were being handled.

“I’ve never seen Chester happier. He loves Esther. They’re two peas in a pod.”

“And how is my little ring bearer doing as far as practicing for his big day and duty to carry the rings to the altar?”

“I’ve got it all figured out.” Morgan gave her a thumbs up. “We’ve done a few practice runs. Rest assured Chester will make it to the altar without getting sidetracked.”

“How did you manage that? Last time we practiced, he was all over the place.”

Morgan tapped the side of her forehead. “I have a secret weapon…or more like a few secret weapons.”

“I’ll be glad when it’s over.”

“But plan to enjoy every minute of your big day,” Morgan reminded her.

“Absolutely. At least we haven’t heard from Edward Ryze. I’m sure he’ll surface, hopefully after the wedding.”

Morgan answered with a vague reply, agreeing she hoped he would wait, and silently praying Priscilla would keep her promise and not have a change of heart.

After leaving, she had a feeling a new development was on the horizon and right around the corner. Little did she know it would play out in the way she least expected.

*****

“I’ve never seen so many people in one place at one time.” Morgan shaded her eyes, watching a small army of workers carry totes of decorations inside the tents.

A second group was assembling the walkway leading from the back of the house to the trellis overlooking Lake Huron. Even more were building the band’s makeshift stage. The wedding coordinator stood in the thick of it, barking orders, and directing the workers.

“Looking back, I should’ve rented a hall and called it a day,” Elizabeth sighed. “The entire estate is in a disarray.”

“But will be back to normal before you know it.” Morgan linked arms with her grandmother as they began making their way inside. “Brett should be on his way in from Toronto.”

“He took an earlier flight,” Elizabeth said. “He’s upstairs in his office.”

“Maybe I’ll pop in to say ‘hi’.”

They were halfway down the hall when Mrs. Arnsby hurried toward them, an anxious expression on her face. “There you are.”

“Morgan and I were outside observing the chaos.”

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