Searching for Irene by Marlene Bateman

Author:Marlene Bateman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: novel, fiction, LDS, clean, mystery, secret, disappear, mansion, financial advisor
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2017-06-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

“So you and Irene were sisters.” Mrs. Calder’s voice was accusing.

Anna held her head high. “Yes.”

“I should have known. You came here and lied to us all.” Mrs. Calder’s eyes glittered. “You’re no better than she was. Both of you feel entitled to take what isn’t yours.”

“What do you mean?” Disturbed, Anna gripped the newel post.

“Irene was a thief in more ways than one. I made a list of things that went missing while she was here. Gave it to the police. But worse than that was Irene setting her cap for Mr. Kent and trying to take him away from Miss Grace. And now you’re trying to steal Mr. Tyler away from Miss Lewis.”

The housekeeper’s impertinence was appalling. “I’m hardly doing that.”

“He spends a lot of time with you—you’re always riding off together, and I know he’s been teaching you how to drive a motorcar.”

“He felt I needed to learn more about driving. And one of the times we went riding, Mr. Richardson had asked Tyler to show me the estate. Another time, Tyler and I took Evan on a picnic. I’ve been encouraging him to build a relationship with his son.”

“I have noticed that,” Mrs. Calder said in a gentler manner. Then she ruined it. “I just hope you’re not using the boy to get to his father.”

That was enough. “If that’s all—and it had better be—I’m going to my room.”

Just as she took the first step, Verla came out of the dining room, carrying a tray with a teapot and a cup. Seeing Mrs. Calder’s flushed face, Verla stopped. Then, obviously feeling the need to explain her presence, she said, “Grace asked me to bring her up some tea.”

“Then do it,” Mrs. Calder snapped, before whirling around and heading to the dining room.

When the coast was clear, Verla rolled her eyes and went up the stairs with Anna. Evan was in the upper hallway. Seeing them, he ran over.

“Hello, Evan,” Anna said. “You’re just the person I wanted to talk to. Let’s go to my room.”

Evan clambered onto the chair by the window, legs dangling, while Anna perched on the edge of the bed. “What is it?” he asked eagerly. “A secret?”

“It was a secret, but not anymore. Do you remember how, when Irene left, everyone wanted to find out where she went?” Evan nodded vigorously. “I did too, and that’s why I came to work here. Irene was my sister, and I wanted to know what had happened to her.”

“And you found out she was dead.” Evan must have noticed how her eyes filled with sudden tears, for he blurted, “I’m sorry. I liked Irene. She played games with me and read me stories—just like you do.” He thought a moment. “Do you want to come with me and see the puppies?”

“That sounds fun. What kind of dogs are they?”

“Border collies. They’re black and white.”

“Swell. We can go after church. Right now, though, I need to get dressed, and you’d better too.” Evan grimaced as he slid off the chair.

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