Page 26 of Easton Island: Old-Fashioned Christmas
“Tastier than it looks,” Mrs. Arnsby beamed. “The cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves give it a holiday flair. Keep eating until you find your treasure.”
Morgan carved off another piece, this time biting into a raisin while tasting a hint of fresh lemon. She noticed a glint of something shiny poking out. “There’s something in here.” Using her fingernail, she plucked a silver coin from the moist mixture and held it up. “You baked a coin in the pudding.”
“Which signifies wealth. This is a good sign and means your next year will be prosperous.” Elizabeth dug into hers and found a ring. She laughed out loud. “This little gem is late to the party.”
“What does a ring signify?” Morgan asked.
“It represents a future marriage.”
“What about you, Mrs. Arnsby?”
The cook sliced through her piece until she hit a solid object. Cutting around the corners, she pulled out a thimble. “Woe to the recipient of the thimble.”
“It’s bad luck?”
“The thimble represents spinsterhood,” Elizabeth explained.
Mrs. Arnsby shrugged. “I’m perfectly content being single for the rest of my life.”
“This was fun.” Morgan rinsed the coin off and tucked it in her pocket. “Are there charms in the cake you made for Christmas Eve?”
“You betcha. We all have a shot at health, wealth, marriage or…in my case…spinsterhood.”
One of the kitchen helpers appeared. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but there’s someone at the door.”
“Who is it?” Elizabeth asked.
“A man and a boy. They’re asking to speak with Mr. Easton.” The woman told her Brett’s office door was closed, and she didn’t want to interrupt. “I could hear him talking, so I didn’t want to bother him.”
“I’ll find out what they want.” Mrs. Arnsby hustled out of the room.
Morgan glanced at the clock. “I need to head back to Locke Pointe and make sure the guests are packing up.”
“Don’t wait too long,” Elizabeth warned. “Once the storm starts rolling in, the roads will drift shut, especially the side streets.”
“And the airport and ferry will shut down.” Morgan grabbed her keys and purse. “Are you staying put until the storm passes?”
“I am. Jax and Mrs. Arnsby stocked up. Gerard, Quinn, and even Prissy will be coming by later to stay here until it’s over.”
Morgan shook her head in amazement. “I have to say, Priscilla is like a new person.”
“New and improved,” Elizabeth joked.
Mrs. Arnsby rushed into the kitchen, a frantic look on her face. “Thank goodness Morgan is still here.”
Elizabeth tilted her head. “Jane, you’re pale as a ghost. What is wrong?”
“The man and boy. I-I think you need to talk to them. They’re waiting in the foyer.”
“Did they tell you who they were and why they’re here?”
“I…uh.”
“Jane, you’re worrying me.”
“The man introduced himself as Jeff Blakely.”
It was Elizabeth’s turn to go pale. “And the boy?” she whispered.
