The Rightful Heir by Angel Moore

Author:Angel Moore
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-12-07T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“Mary Lou, how nice to see you.” Jasmine Willis greeted her when she entered the lobby.

“Hello.” Mary Lou scanned the room for Mr. Finch and Jared, seeing only Jared seated on a sofa near the front window. “Did you have a lovely honeymoon?” It was unusual to see Jasmine in a dress when she wasn’t at church.

“Yes, we’ve only just arrived on the afternoon train. I wanted to come say hello to Papa and Momma Beverly before we go home.”

Mary Lou tried not to be jealous of the glow of Jasmine’s joy. Would she ever know the fulfillment of a happy marriage?

Jared spoke from behind her. “Mrs. Willis, it’s nice to see you back in Pine Haven.”

“It’s good to be home, Mr. Ivy.” Doc Willis came through the front door and Jasmine excused herself.

“Why are you here, Mary Lou?” A sparkle of teasing lit Jared’s eyes.

“I might ask you the same thing, Mr. Ivy.” She didn’t look away. Couldn’t look away. The side of his jaw twitched with a suppressed smile.

“I wonder if perhaps you followed me here.” He darted his eyes in the direction of the restaurant.

“I’m sure I don’t know why you’d think that.” She looked over her shoulder and could see Mr. Finch seated in the restaurant.

“If you’re going to require complete honesty from me, I must insist on the same from you. I saw you trailing after me as I followed Mr. Finch.”

Rather than admit guilt, she asked, “Since we’re both here, would you care to join me for a piece of pie?”

With a hand on her elbow, he escorted her into the dining room. She resisted the urge to look up at him. Knowing he wore a grin was enough. She didn’t have to see it. Working with Jared was more pleasant than competing with him. If only they could come to some sort of agreement.

Naomi brought apple pie and coffee for both of them and returned to the kitchen.

Jared took a bite. “She is a wonderful cook.”

“She is, but many of the desserts are made by Mrs. Warren.” She stirred the sugar into her coffee and cast a glance at Mr. Finch. “What have you observed?”

“Nothing. He went into the general store just before I entered the bank. He was walking up the sidewalk when I returned to the crossroads in the center of town, so I followed him here.”

Naomi stopped by their table. “Is everything good here? That pie is scrumptious.”

Jared agreed with her and added in a casual tone, “Does the newsagent eat here often?”

Naomi looked over her shoulder at Mr. Finch. “He comes in most days when he’s in town. He fancies my biscuits.”

Mary Lou smiled. “Everyone fancies your cooking.”

Naomi thanked her and left them to their pie.

“When I saw the two of you in the street, I had been in the general store. There were so many passengers from the train shopping that I didn’t see him.” She hated to add the next part. “Andrew was there, too.

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