Page 70 of Sweetwater and the Witch

She had been growing increasingly anxious, because the pair had been gone for nearly an hour. That seemed like way too much time to spend on a simple garden tour. Now the sight of them strolling along the path, deep in animated conversation, sent an ominous premonition jolting across her senses. She could not overhear what was being said, but it was obvious the two had hit it off.

Even from this distance it was clear Adelaide Chastain wasn’t just being her usual gracious self—she was delighted with Ethan’s company.As for Ethan, it didn’t look like he was simply trying to be charming. He appeared to be deeply engaged in the conversation.

As they drew closer to the veranda, it became possible to hear some of the conversation.

“...I discovered my moon orchids do better when they are exposed to the energy of shadow ferns,” Adelaide Chastain enthused. “There seems to be a symbiotic relationship that causes both to thrive.”

“Thanks for the suggestion,” Ethan said. “I don’t have any shadow ferns in my garden, but I’ll start looking for some as soon as I get back to Illusion Town.”

“You don’t want the standard variety you usually find at the commercial nurseries. They don’t have the right vibe. When I get home I’ll send you some from my garden. I’m sure they will do well in Illusion Town. There’s plenty of energy in the atmosphere and the ground there.”

“My house is right up against the Dead City Wall, so my plants get a lot of heat. Have you tried using a few chunks of green amber near your roses?”

“No, but one of the people in my garden club mentioned she’s experimenting with green amber.”

“I’ve had good luck with it,” Ethan said. “I’ll send a few rocks to you.”

“Thank you, that would be lovely.” Adelaide caught sight of Ravenna. “Oh, there you are, dear. Ethan and I have had the most interesting tour of the grounds. Several unique specimens here. The energy in these mountains produces some amazing plants.”

Ravenna pasted on a smile. “I’m glad you two found something to talk about.”

“Ms.Chastain gave me some great tips for my herbs,” Ethan said.

“How nice.” Ravenna kept the smile in place with an effort.

“Your grandfather is looking forward to chatting with Ethan about that Old World antique that has been sitting in the living room at home for years,” Adelaide said. “No one knows what it is or what it was designedto do, but it definitely has a paranormal provenance. Maybe Ethan could take a look at it when he comes for the holidays.”

“Ethan’s expertise is in rez-amber and quartz, not Old World antiques,” Ravenna said. It was scary enough that Adelaide and Ethan had bonded over their shared passion for gardening. It would be catastrophic if Mark Chastain developed a similar rapport with a fake future grandson-in-law.

“You know how it is with engineers,” Ethan said. “We love gadgets of all kinds, and Old World paranormal engineering is fascinating. I’d like to get a look at that antique.”

The hum of a small engine drew everyone’s attention. A golf cart whizzed around the corner of the lobby. Brix, one of Ravenna’s nephews, was at the throttle. The little vehicle was crammed with an assortment of young relatives.

Harriet was on the dashboard. She chortled when she saw Ravenna.

Brix spotted Ethan and brought the golf cart to a halt. “Mr.Sweetwater, we’re taking Harriet down to the lake for a swim. Want to come with us?”

“Sure,” Ethan said. “Let me grab my swim trunks and a towel.”

He came up the veranda steps and paused to give Ravenna a quick, proprietary kiss on the cheek.

“See you at the barbecue,” he said.

He disappeared into the lobby.

Adelaide beamed at Ravenna. “What a charming young man. Congratulations, dear. Ethan is perfect.”

I’m doomed,Ravenna thought.

•••

In spite of forebodings and premonitions, Ravenna clung to a few wispy scraps of hope throughout the barbecue, even though it had become clear her parents were as thrilled with Ethan as her grandparents.

“It’s impressive that he’s determined to step away from Amber, Inc., and build his own business,” Dean Chastain remarked during the interlude between the barbecue and the ball. “It would have been very easy for Ethan to remain embedded in the family business. I admire a man who has the grit to take a few chances and find his own way.”

Natalie Chastain smiled at Ravenna. “It’s obvious the two of you have a lot in common.”

“Well—” Ravenna began.

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