Old Secrets by Shirley Wine

Author:Shirley Wine [Wine, Shirley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: TOSHIBA
Published: 2020-06-29T22:00:00+00:00

***

“You’re getting around like a pro.” Maura smiled as she watched Elise crutch her way into the spacious family room.

“It’s working with the physio Dr Callahan recommended. And the strapping on my ribs. The physio agreed with Ethan on that issue and sourced some strong and stretchy elastic bandage for me.” Elise settled into one of the cane conservatory chairs. “Zoe Callahan is hopeful I can soon change this plaster for a lighter walking cast.”

“That won’t be so tiring for you.” Maura glanced at her watch. “Who knew strapping your ribs would make such a difference.”

“Maybe Ethan’s experience of being stomped by a bull has worked to my advantage.”

Startled, Maura glanced at Elise. “When did that happen?”

“I don’t know when, he just happened to mention it when he was strapping my ribs.”

“It must have been when he was in Venezuela.” The older woman sighed. “We lost contact with him for years. Eventually, he made contact with Ish.”

“He said he missed his cousin.”

“I gathered as much.” Maura gave her a thoughtful look. “You’re more comfortable with Ethan now?”

Elise shrugged, unsure how to answer.

Comfortable?

The man flat-out fascinated her. She lived for those moments when Ethan revealed a flash of his sardonic humour. And those times she managed to make him laugh were pure gold.

“We’ve decided to let the past lie until my memory returns.” Elise huffed out an impatient breath. “I, for one, can’t wait.”

Maura’s smile was sympathetic. “You’ve had no glimpses even.”

“A few random glimpses, but nothing that makes any real sense.”

The mystery Ethan had uncovered together with Charlene’s insinuations were more than a little troubling.

“You’re not worrying about Charlene are you?”

“You don’t think Ethan’s father revealed more to his wife than he did his son?”

Maura considered this, and frowned. “Maybe. But I suspect that painting is the key.”

Elise jolted, stung by the reminder. “How the dickens did I, a stranger, come to have a Galloway family painting? Frankly, the whole situation scares me.”

But am I a stranger?

No stranger would have the Galloway birthmark, but what is the connection?

She darted a glance at Maura. Had Ethan told his aunt about their matching birthmarks? The older woman’s serene expression didn’t change. “Don’t worry so.”

Elise regarded Ethan’s aunt. Would the return of her memory betray the older woman’s kindness? Desperate to change the subject, she asked, “Where was Ethan a cowboy?”

“In Venezuela.”

“Why there?”

“Because it was as far away from here as he could go.” Maura made an impatient gesture with a work-worn hand. “He’s said very little about his time there. He’s revealed more to you than anyone.”

The dry words sent heat crawling up Elise’s cheeks.

Seeing her discomfort, Maura said, “I’ll leave you to rest.”

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