Page 64 of Halstead House

I should have stopped talking, but I couldn’t quite let it go. I had, after all, learned a little bit about taking a stand recently. “Honestly, that was very offensive to Ana, who is probably the best friend I’ve ever had. I don’t know what to say right now, or how to apologize to her for this.”

“Then don’t say anything. Are we going up to the next floor or not?”

She turned and gracefully began walking up. She didn’t even pause to study the gorgeous stained-glass window that had so often captured my attention. I shook my head and followed her. My stomach was churning with anger and resentment. My heart ached for the things she’d said to my friends. I wanted her gone. So much for the anchor that Lucas had promised. I was drowning here, and she’d only arrived fifteen minutes ago.

The next floor went as quickly as the first had gone. Mother showed no interest in the displays of clothing and personal Halstead family items that had been laid out in each of the bedrooms. She was untouchable and apathetic.

When we climbed to the top floor, where my private quarters were housed along with Eliza and Lucas’s, her eyes took on the first hint of interest.

“This is the family’s private floor?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Which room is yours?”

I took her down the hall to my room at a snail’s pace—a woman off to the gallows. I really didn’t want her to see it, as it was, in fact, large enough for her to have stayed with me. My jaw was tight and my stomach in knots as I opened the door. We stepped inside my personal haven.

“Ah,” she said as she fully entered and turned a circle. “I can see how there wouldn’t have been any room for me, at all. Such a postage stamp of a room.” Her eyebrows raised, and she once again faced me. I remained guiltily silent. She walked to the window and took in the view that I so loved. “The view is nice, I suppose.” She walked back toward me, lightly trailing a finger over the bed as she passed. “I can see why you love it here, Grace. This room suits you.”

“Thank you. I really do like it.”

“Still, I have to say, this isn’t all that Mrs. Reed built it up to be. I’m a little disappointed.”

It had taken her longer to go for the jugular than I’d thought it would. My back stiffened even though I’d known it was coming. Reacting to her statement wouldn’t get me anywhere, so I silently waited for her to finish what she was going to say.

“I know you loved her, and I can even understand wanting a vacation here, but to spend three months on this island? Someone of your drive and intelligence...well, you need more.” My eyes flickered, but I held my tongue. She saw and pressed on. “Oh, I’m sure you feel like you’ve made some friends here and found a nice new group, but don’t be silly.” She laughed lightly. “That fake French chef, that lazy tour guide, and that young housekeeper? You could never be truly happy with their company for long.”

“They’re lovely people, Mother.” My jaw was going to snap, but I kept my tone civil.

“Of course, you feel that way. Maybe you always will because this is a situation outside of reality, but I doubt they return that same level of affection. You are, after all, nothing more than a long-term guest. Perhaps a co-worker at best.” Mother walked toward the small desk and rifled casually through some papers. “Before you get your feathers ruffled, I think you’re a lovely person Grace. Kind, talented, and always so very empathetic with people.” She walked closer to me and gave me a soft look that I knew she thought was one of tenderness. “I’ve had a lot of time to think, and I realize that I’ve been hard on you over the years. After your father died, I was so terrified of losing you too that I held on tightly. No one could blame me for that, but I can see how you may have felt stifled on occasion. Because of this, I’m willing to take some of the responsibility for your little rebellion here. However, you must admit that the track you’re on in life is a good one. I have not led you astray in the past, and I can’t watch you throw everything away now. It’s truly time you came home, dear.” She glued her eyes on mine, which was easy as we were exactly the same height.

My hands began to shake. I’d only been away for two months, yet I’d already forgotten her special mix of loving kindness and cold maneuvering. I could hear the strain in my own voice as I responded. “I’m going to stay, Mother. I have a few more weeks until my sabbatical is over.”

She chuckled lightly. “Oh, sweet girl.” Her voice dropped back to the gentle, kind tone I knew well. “It’s been fun for you, I know. I’m happy that you’ve had a good time, but I have no intention of leaving here without you.”

I shook my head and her eyes changed from warm to cool, but she maintained her friendly expression. We needed to leave my room before she started packing my things.

“I need a few moments to think.” I stalled. Mother’s expression shifted to one of triumph. She didn’t realize I was stalling. Most likely because I’d never stalled with her, or if I’d tried, I’d always ended up capitulating.

“I understand. There were some lovely gardens outside. Why don’t you show me those and then we can go to a nice restaurant and discuss your future?” Mother looped her arm through mine, all warmth and kindness, as we walked back down the hallway to the staircase.

I followed in shuttered silence as we made our way through the home. Mother, however, having delivered her ultimatum and feeling secure in my obedience, had blossomed into generosity itself. Suddenly the house was lovely, charming, and winsome in its decor—a true historic treasure. Lavender Island was beautiful. She was grateful I’d had a nice vacation.

While she gave her victory speech, I grew more and more withdrawn. All I knew was that I was not leaving Lavender Island with her. I needed to stay. More than that, I needed it to be my own decision. I was learning to stand on my own two feet, and I couldn’t allow her to push me back down.

We strolled through the gardens for a bit, her arm in mine, before heading toward the courtyard that housed the ticket office. Lucas came from behind the carriage house as we passed from the gated fountain area into the bricked yard. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was not quite six o’clock, far too early for his day to be wrapping up. At least, I thought it was. He was still in one of his impeccably tailored suits. This one was black, which only enhanced his dark coloring, and drew attention to his lean, athletic build.

He was still too far away for talking, but relief surged through me, leaving my knees weak as our eyes met across the distance. I soaked him in, wishing he could give me some of his strength and wondering if I could talk him into spiriting me away on the back of that motorcycle of his.

“Oh,” Mother breathed. “Who is that?” Even she was impressed with his looks and the way he carried himself.

“That’s Mr. Halstead,” I replied.

“Really?” Her tone grew thoughtful as she watched him move easily toward us. “The heir?” I nodded, and her raised lips told me she saw something there worth exploring.

“Mr. Halstead,” I greeted in a cordial and distant tone before he could say anything, “may I introduce my mother, Mrs. Lillian Burke?”

He immediately understood me and showed no signs of our budding friendship. His smile was reserved. “Good evening,” he said.

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