Page 12 of Wisteria Winds
There was something in her tone that suggested she was trying to understand the appeal of the island, and Clara found herself unexpectedly defensive about her new home.
“I lost my husband six months ago,” she said. “We spent decades traveling the world for our careers, and I felt like I needed somewhere quiet to recalibrate.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse changes everything, I would assume. Especially after a long marriage.”
Clara nodded. “It does. Suddenly, your future plans vanish, and you’re left wondering what comes next.”
“What was your career, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I was in an orchestra. I was also a conductor for twenty years. My husband as well.”
Cecilia’s eyes showed genuine interest. “Oh, how fascinating. I’ve always envied people who have musical talent. My research work keeps me firmly in the realm of science and data.”
“Research?”
“Epidemiology. I specialize in infectious disease control and pandemic preparedness.”
“Oh, wow, that sounds very important.”
“It is,” Cecilia said. “Although sometimes I wonder if I focus too much on my career at the expense of other things that are more important in life.” She looked down the road toward Danielle’s cottage. “Children grow up so quickly, and then suddenly they’re making all kinds of life decisions you never anticipated.”
Clara smiled. “So you’re here about Danielle’s wedding plans?”
“Well, I’m trying to provide guidance, yes. Though I’m discovering that my daughter and her soon-to-be husband have definite ideas of their own.”
“Well, that’s not surprising. They both strike me as people who know their own minds.”
“Well, Danielle always has,” Cecilia said with a slight smile. “Even as a child, she was determined to chart her own course. I wanted her to be a research physician just like me, but she insisted on hands-on patient care.”
They sat in silence for a moment.
“You know, Bennett seems very devoted to this place and to Danielle. They both have been so very kind to me,” Clara said. “When I arrived here, I was in a dark place, and they’ve really gone out of their way to make me feel welcome.”
“Well, I suppose that’s what matters the most, isn’t it? Finding people who truly care.”
Before Clara could say anything else, they were interrupted by the arrival of Morty, who ran up the path with his usual enthusiasm.
“Clara, good morning! Oh, Dr. Wright, what a pleasant surprise.” He smiled at both of them. “I was coming to invite Clara to our planning meeting this afternoon. Dorothy and I are discussing wedding flowers, and Clara agreed to help us with the music, so I thought she should be involved.”
“Wedding flowers?” Cecilia said, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh yes. We’re thinking wisteria, of course, but we also need other flowers. Maybe some white roses or some sea lavender for a coastal touch. Dorothy insists that we need something dramatic for the ceremony arch, but I think she’s thinking about cascading orchids to make it very cinematic.”
Clara watched Cecilia’s expression.
“Orchids would be lovely,” Cecilia said, “though they are notoriously difficult to keep fresh in an outdoor setting.”
“You know about flowers?” Morty said, his eyes widening.
“I chaired the New York Botanical Garden Benefit for five years. One picks up a few things,” Cecilia said.
“Well, then you simply must join us! Dorothy would be thrilled to meet you, and we could use your expertise. How about three o’clock at the community center?”
Cecilia hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Well, I suppose I could stop by. It’s not like I have a whole lot else to do on this island. I’d be there purely in an advisory capacity, of course.”
“Of course,” Morty agreed. “Clara, can you come too?”
Clara nodded, seeming to get caught up in Morty’s infectious enthusiasm. “I’ll be there.”
