Summer's Growth

By Tina Gayle

In the spirit-haunted Winston estate in Ohio, rooted in time and occupied by the lingering ghosts of a great family, the torch is about to pass...

Mattie Winston, sober, sensible, and steady, has served as Keeper to the family for decades. Amber Harrison, hovering on the edge of flunking out of college, unsure what she wants out of life, has barely even heard of the Winston estate. The family, however, has decided that it's time for the changing of the guard. These two exceptional women soon find themselves dealing with violence, murder attempts and old family mysteries while each finding the love of her life. Two romances and a growing friendship, all twined around a brooding family tragedy, make for an outstanding paranormal mystery offering depth and charm beyond the commonplace. The growing love of Amber and Carter and of Mattie and Quincy offer readers a tender and engaging first novel in a winning new paranormal series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tina Gayle
• Release date: Jan 31, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301589142

Tina Gayle

Married twenty-five years, Tina Gayle and her husband love to travel and can’t wait for Mike to retire so they can do it more. Always working on perfecting her craft, Tina is a member of RWA, attends writing conferences, and can be found in a number of writing classes. She also loves to hear from her readers. You can email her at tinagayle (at) roadrunner.com.

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Blurb for Summer Growth

In the spirit-haunted Winston estate in Ohio, rooted in time and occupied by the lingering ghosts of a great family, the torch is about to pass...

Mattie Winston, sober, sensible, and steady, has served as Keeper to the family for decades. Amber Harrison, hovering on the edge of flunking out of college, unsure what she wants out of life, has barely even heard of the Winston estate. The family, however, has decided that it's time for the changing of the guard. These two exceptional women soon find themselves dealing with violence, murder attempts and old family mysteries while each finding the love of her life. Two romances and a growing friendship, all twined around a brooding family tragedy, make for an outstanding paranormal mystery offering depth and charm beyond the commonplace. The growing love of Amber and Carter and of Mattie and Quincy offer readers a tender and engaging first novel in a winning new paranormal series.

Amazon reviews of Tina Gayle’s other books

Marketing Exec’s Widow (1st book of the Executive Wives Club series)

Author Tina Gayle takes you on an intense, unbelievable journey. I look forward to a sequel in the EXECUTIVE WIVES CLUB series. That's because, I'm curious about how their lives are playing out.

IT Exec’s Baby (2nd book of the Executive Wives Club series)

IT Exec’s Baby is almost a love story in reverse. The marriage comes first, then the sex, and finally the love - at least from Brie's point of view. It is tender and poignant at times, and full of strong descriptive passages.

What I love about series books. Every book gives you more about the characters that you've fallen in love with during the first book.

IT Exec’s Baby is a riveting story of a woman with numerous problems.

Winston Family Tree

Jonathan Winston

1st Wife – Helen

Saumuel – oldest son – artist

Luke - 2nd son - doctor

Opal - oldest daughter

Troy - Lawyer/businessman

Rachel - youngest child from Jonathan’s first marriage

2nd Wife - Gwen

only daughter - Aggie

Other spirit

Juke, Beth and Molly

Mattie – (5th generation descendant of Opal)

Amber – (6th generation descendant of Aggie)

Summer’s Growth

(First book in the Family Tree Series)

By Tina Gayle

Dedication

To my family, alive or dead, they’ll live forever in my heart.

* * * * * *

Published by:

Tina Gayle

Text copyright © 2013 Tina Gayle

All Rights Reserved

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious or used fictitiously. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Adrenaline pumped through Mattie Winston’s veins. Her feet pounded the treadmill. The resounding thud of her sneakers rang through the room. Under her black spandex, her breasts tingled with sweat that trickled between them. She loved to run, but for the last few days her pace was off, her stride stuck in an awkward beat.

We’ve found a new keeper. The family council’s declaration rocked Mattie’s world.

She balked at the changes the decision would create. No longer could she hide behind the walls of Winston Manor. Her solitude for the last twenty-eight years shattered by the threat of someone else ruling her domain.

Mattie caught a brief glimpse of Beth’s iridescent figure.

Jonathan wants to see you in the basement right now. Her words floated through the air moments before the spirit disappeared.

Mattie slapped her hand against the stop button and hurried to the door. She hated it when Jonathan altered her morning routine. At the main staircase, she paused and forced her breathing into a steady rhythm.

The soft red carpet absorbed her footsteps as she descended the stairs. Her hand caressed the elegant oak curved railing.

In the entryway, the crystal chandelier reflected a rainbow of light off the white marble floor. Painful spears shot through Mattie’s heart at the idea of losing her home.

She rounded the corner and rushed to the basement door. Her habit of adjusting the ugly landscape hanging on the wall stopped her for a second. The painting, her aunt’s favorite, was estimated to be worth a fortune someday.

Her aunt had enjoyed decorating her home. The thrill of picking out carpet and selecting colors had excited her for months. Even after twenty-plus years, Mattie hadn’t altered the main design of the house.

What kind of changes would the new keeper make?

The narrow steps, which led to the basement, slowed her pace. Jonathan, the head of the family, hated to wait. His plans always overruled hers, regardless of what she might have scheduled.

Frustrated, she grumbled. For heaven sakes, I’m still in my workout clothes. Why can’t he plan ahead for these meetings, or at least give me some warning?

Not dressed in her usual professional attire, she felt out of sync with her role as the Winston’s family keeper. The façade provided her with the appearance of having some control. Her job, after all, included handling the business concerns for the family.

Inhaling several deep breaths, Mattie prepared herself for the meeting. Jonathan liked to assign chores. Without a doubt, he’d dictate a long list for the next few weeks.

Nothing new, I can handle this.

An extra part of her job stemmed from the various requests from the other council members. No matter what, they were never satisfied.

Why did she continually try to please them?

Stifling humidity greeted her when she opened the door to the main section of the basement. She eyed the man seated behind a long oak table. The air conditioner hummed. The soothing whine didn’t calm her fears or cool the subterranean room.

Dressed in an eighteenth century colonial suit and stuck at the perpetual age of thirty, Jonathan resembled George Washington ready to command his troops. His eagle-eye glare nailed her.

A drop of sweat trickled down her back. Apprehension raised goose bumps. She shivered.

I press earnestly for you to take a seat, Mattie, so we can start. In a regal colonial voice, Jonathan’s words thundered off the walls.

Mattie walked to the end of the table and sat across from him. Dread threatened like a storm on the horizon. She surveyed both sides of the table. None of the other council members were in attendance.

Mattie wiped her sweaty palms along the length of her thighs. What did he want? Jonathan didn’t usually hold a one-on-one meeting in this setting. Normally, they met in her office upstairs.

The muscles in her stomach jerked.

In a concise statement of the facts as I see them, Jonathan spoke without preamble. We have found your replacement, and we need to address the issue of your future.

Her fears were relieved as to the topic of today’s meeting. She decided to address a number of other issues that should be discussed before her future. Shouldn’t we wait until Amber Harrison accepts the job?

No.

Startled, Mattie blinked. Why?

Because no matter the outcome, you will still be replaced, Jonathan declared.

Yes, but what if Amber doesn’t work out? For days, she’d speculated on how to approach this subject. My nephew, Josh Clarkston is a lawyer. He’d make an excellent keeper.

No, Jonathan’s rough voice commanded. "The wisest council will not be misled into offering such an important post to such an unworthy candidate. His character lacks the necessary virtues to accomplish the tasks we require of our keeper.

As for your sister, Cynthia Clarkston, she never speaks of us without evidence of malice. We find no cause to reward her for her gum and insolence. The rigid set of Jonathan’s jaw indicated he refused to budge on the matter. Like a Redcoat, she only wants what she can get from us. Her son has grown into a bad egg.

But... Her stomach grumbled, mirroring her distress.

Mattie. His tone lower, he shook his head. Many hours have been spent debating the matter. You’ve been a loyal subject since the age of fifteen, and you’ve paid your dues to your family. We hornswoggled you out of your youth. It’s time for you to relinquish control. An indulging note bled through his words. No one will ever be good enough to replace you.

Yes, but…

Trust, us child, to find a soul who will honor your position. Nothing will remove your fears until you can reclaim your life’s mission and enjoy the rest of your days on earth.

But what if Amber doesn’t like it here? She’s a young college student from sunny California. Why would she move to Ohio where it’s cold? Even in the summer, we don’t have beautiful weather. The rain can last for days.

There is no dispute, Jonathan growled. Amber is a Winston. She longs to live here.

But you don’t get it. There’s no guarantee. Josh has lived here all his life. He’ll do a good job. Mattie wished Jonathan could see her point. Things might not turn out like he’d planned. Besides Cynthia will be deeply hurt when she finds out everything is under the control of a stranger instead of her son. She won’t understand.

The Council’s point exactly. Cynthia cares only for gold, not for others. It’s best for the family to have someone else as the keeper.

The havoc this decision would cause in Mattie’s life washed bitter bile through her mouth. She swallowed, hard.

Like everyone in Newark, Cynthia would call her crazy for letting someone outside the family control the family trust fund and not acquiring the Winston estate would only deepen her pain. Her sister wasn’t aware of how the family spirits guided every decision, or Mattie’s part in carrying out their tasks.

Unable to solve the problem, Mattie posed a different one. What if the girl doesn’t like the job? What then?

There’s no reason for you to fret, Mattie. She’ll take her rightful place.

Her heart sank and Mattie fidgeted in her chair. The council didn’t understand the real world. Who in their right mind would move across the country to be the keeper to a bunch of unknown relatives?

So, how soon does the council want me to leave?

That’s the issue we’re hammering out today. The council knows you’re a little anxious to start a new adventure. He brushed his hand over his sleeves. We demand you stay in the immediate area for the next year.

He paused and studied the papers on the table. Mattie couldn’t see any writing on the sheets, but Jonathan consulted one page with a raised eyebrow.

You, of course, can travel. Amber will still require your assistance from time to time, so we’re compelled to warn you not to overbook your schedule.

Mattie wanted to laugh or maybe cry. Without the job of running errands for the family, she’d loved to have more time at Winston Manor.

As long as we’re clear on the point that your first duty is to train Amber, then you’re free to receive gentlemen callers, attend school, take trips, or pursue a new career. You have a promising future. Jonathan waited for an answer.

When she didn’t, he faded out of sight.

The meeting over, Mattie slumped in her chair. My future, what a joke. The family spirits just fired me.

****

I still don’t understand why you want to go. Susan handed Amber a bottle of shampoo. It’s cold in Ohio and it rains there all the time.

Yes, well... Amber brushed her long, blonde hair back over her shoulders. It might help curl my hair.

Right. Susan sat on the corner of Amber’s bed, next to her suitcase. The white down comforter slipped closer to the carpet.

Amber wasn’t certain why she wanted to go either, but something inside demanded she check it out. I’ve given you next month’s rent, so I’ll be back in a few weeks. Just think, you’ll have the place to yourself.

I can’t believe your parents like this idea. Susan fiddled with the blue silk blouse lying inside Amber’s bag. Your mother’s probably already arranged for you to meet a number of men over the summer. How can you miss that?

Right, like I want to endure that torture again. I barely escaped my lying, cheating, testosterone driven ex-fiancé. Amber shook her head and stuffed extra socks alongside her jeans. The idea of getting away and seeing someplace new is much more appealing.

What about school?

I’ll be back before the fall semester. Who knows, with my lousy GPA, maybe I’ll try doing something else when I return. She turned and tossed the last of her drink down her throat. The sweet carbonation bubbled across her taste buds.

Her parents would probably cut off their support after they found out her grades anyway. She mentally placed another red mark on her parents’ achievement chart. She’d failed again.

Susan picked up Amber’s clothes and set them in her suitcase. I know your high-priced-lawyer father has checked out the situation, but I don’t like the idea of you leaving. Why deal with these grumpy, old people, if you don't have too?

Pictures flashed in her head of her grandparent’s home. Solid wood furniture, delicate crystal, tarnished silverware, each piece held loving memories of their life together and the happiness they had shared. Her mind suddenly switched to a different vision, the heart-wrenching scenes of her grandfather’s final days. Her chest muscles tightened. She struggled to hold in the unresolved pain of his death and glanced away from her friend. Think of all the wonderful antiques they might have.

I really don’t see the appeal of a bunch of old junk. Susan rose and grabbed Amber’s arm. And I don’t want you to go.

Smiling, she hugged her friend. Yes, well, doing what’s expected is boring. Maybe a change of scenery will get my blood pumping.

Later, she recalled the remark while sitting in the back seat of a black sedan. Was she insane? Why agree to spend time at a place she’d never been before with people she didn’t know?

Fear and eagerness warred in her stomach. Breathing rapidly, she inhaled the scent of her peppermint gum. The crisp fragrance reminded her of her grandfather’s breath mints, and she took another deep breath to calm her shaky nerves.

Past the point of no return, even if the adventure ended up to be a free trip to nowhere. Whatever happened she’d see it through.

The soft leather seat cooled her skin. Tired from her long trip to Ohio, she leaned her head on the plush headrest. She used the relaxing motion of the car to recover some of her energy and turned her head to view the landscape outside the car.

Different from Southern California, Ohio had no lollypop trees or car-packed freeways. The road supported only a few cars moving along at a steady pace. Calm pastureland lined the highway with wildflowers dancing in the wind. Large limbs darting in every possible direction, small leaves announced spring to the world with their bright green foliage. No structures marred the view or broke the serene pleasure of the unencumbered land.

Yet, they’d only left the airport a few minutes ago.

Her mind wandered to the place where they were headed. She shot her silent driver a quick glance. She’d questioned the portly old gentleman about Winston Manor when she’d first arrived. He’d said they needed to get going and refused to comment beyond that.

Once in the car, she’d tried again. Her blue eyes caught his in the rearview mirror, and he assessed her value before glancing away.

Amber brushed her long, blonde hair back off her shoulder and tugged on her cotton tee shirt to straighten out the wrinkles.

How long until we arrive at Winston Manor? she asked.

He didn’t respond, almost as if he hadn’t heard. Unwilling to be rude, she decided to settle back in her seat.

The answers would come once she arrived at Winston Manor.

****

Standing by the bay window in the front room, Mattie watched the car approach. Her new recruit’s arrival had goose bumps popping out on Mattie’s skin, adding to her anxieties.

She wanted to run, but instead glanced at the kindhearted spirit of Opal, her distant grandmother. Dressed in her best early American gown, the many layers of her petticoat swished with a soft hiss when she moved.

There’s no reason to be nervous. Once you meet Amber, you’ll see she caps the climax, Opal voiced in a soothing tone. Your Aunt Rachel is absolutely thrilled to have a descendant from her branch of the family as keeper.

Looking beyond her at the rest of the room, Mattie searched for the other members of the family council. They always offered her their support when she faced a big decision. Yet, today they were conspicuously absent.

Don’t worry. The whole family is behind you. We just thought it better if we didn’t all hover.

Shifting from foot to foot, she wrung her hands together. A simple process of a changing of the guard for them, Amber’s arrival marked the end of the life Mattie loved.

The beautiful spirits around her didn’t understand how cruel humans could be to each other. What if she screwed up and the girl left? Or the girl hated living with a house full of spirits?

Unease pricked at Mattie’s mind. She had no experience in dealing with strangers. All her business associates understood her likes and didn’t force her to attend any social events.

A quick glance out the window, and a car rounded the fountain. She wasn’t prepared to entertain Amber. How could she be? She never invited guests to the estate.

Now, Pumpkin, there’s no need to worry. It’s time another branch of the family realize what a pain it is to be keeper. Opal smiled, offering her special form of reassurance. We’re all here to help with the transition.

The high notes of Beethoven’s Fifth sprang from the piano. Mattie jumped in surprise at the sudden noise. She whipped around to see Uncle Samuel, the artist of the family, standing next to the piano.

The game is afoot. He arched his eyebrows and grinned, then disappeared.

I’d better leave. Her aunt patted Mattie’s shoulder. Just remember, the girl is uneasy too.

Opal disappeared.

With a deep breath, Mattie turned and gripped the cold metal knob in her hand.

Soon her home would belong to a stranger, and then what would she do?

Chapter Two

The potholes dotting the rough gravel driveway rocked the car. Amber woke from the sleepy haze she’d fallen into. Her driver’s gaze in the rearview mirror caught hers.

We’ll be at the house in a moment, Miss.

Through the car window, she caught a partial view of a majestic, red brick house. Like a manor from colonial times, the place contained a round ornate fountain, which sat out front with an old-fashioned stone pathway to the front door. The splashing water cut through her drowsy musing.

Her gaze landed on the polished white statue of a peasant woman. The water flowing from the jug in her hands sent prisms of light dancing around her feet. The fountain fascinated Amber and she marveled at the alluring charm of the sculpture.

She’d seen many such statues, but never one that possessed this unique quality. The glow of the setting sun painted the face of the figure, changing the expression of the woman to a soft smile, almost like a sign of pleasure or unending joy. A strange sense of peace surrounded Amber. She hugged the sensation close and absorbed the feeling of welcome emanating from the cold block of stone.

The car stopped.

Amber turned away from the fountain and gathered her things. The car door opened and she received her first full view of the imposing house.

Weathered and worn, the red brick walls stood strong and impressive against the dark evening sky. Outlined by the white trim of the eaves and shutters, the house’s eternal beauty represented generations of people. Amazed and humbled by the history, which occurred behind these walls, Amber couldn’t take it all in. She gawked like a fish, her eyes darting from one point to another, the house, the barn, the yard and back to the fountain.

So much to see.

A woman descended the long row of stairs in front of the house. Amber worked to conceal her unease. Nervous fingers brushed through her hair and she stepped forward to greet her hostess. Thank you for inviting me for a visit. My father loved hearing we still had relatives in Ohio.

Yes, we’ve been here for a number of years. The woman clasped Amber’s extended hand in welcome. I’m so glad you were able to come. I hope you had a nice trip.

The driver joined them removing the need for Amber to reply. Her bags heavy in his hand, he struggled with the weight.

Martin, put Amber’s things in the rose room. I think she’ll find it comfortable. The woman gestured toward the steps in a formal manner. Why don’t we step inside? I’m sure you’d like to settle in and have a bite to eat.

Upon crossing the threshold into the house, Amber paused, assaulted by a variety of feelings. Surprised, yet disappointed, she glanced around, expecting to see an elegant staircase like the one in Gone with the Wind. Instead, she found herself in a large space that resembled a hotel lobby. Century old objets d’art littered the room in a helter-skelter fashion.

A parlor according to her grandfather, he would’ve rejoiced at the room’s priceless furnishings. The dark eeriness reminded Amber of the Usher House in the old horror flick. Fear caused her senses to tingle and she gazed quickly around. A strange sensation crawled up her spine.

She imagined what her grandfather would say. Then, as if he was standing next to her, she heard his gravelly voice in her head. The circular sofas in plush red velvet are from a brothel. The ladies liked to entertain the local clientele. An aging gentleman would sit at the baby grand piano in the corner next to the thick velvet drapes, playing a classic tune.

The large stone fireplace sat empty, but Amber envisioned a roaring fire in its hearth. Red leather wingback chairs competed for the gentleman callers who wanted to relax. White lace doilies adorned each table. Tiffany lamps provided the only light in the room and displayed ghostly shadows on the worn ornate carpet.

Men like to amuse women in the dark, her grandfather’s words whispered through her thoughts.

In the semi-darkness, Amber noticed that other than the fireplace and a few doors, most of the wall space held ceiling to floor bookcases.

An Old World odor of dark, dank secrets hung in the air like a tomb had just been opened. The long-forgotten occupants of the room waited, breathless in their expectation, afraid their hidden mysteries might be revealed.

Chills ran over Amber’s skin. Awed by the stories behind each piece of furniture, she slid her finger around the brass knob of a Sheraton desk. A picture flashed through her mind of a man hiding a letter.

Excitement rushed through her and the loving warmth of her grandfather surrounded her. She paused and glanced around, hoping somehow to see him standing close by.

A few feet ahead of her, her hostess waited with an expression of welcome. If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you the den where I have some refreshments waiting.

The lady wove her way around the furniture and through the large archway to the left. Amber squelched her overactive imagination, choosing instead to study the architectural design of the house. She followed the crooked path and discovered the staircase she’d expected when she first arrived. The rich oak banister welcomed royal guests to climb its red carpeted stairs.

By the structural design and the position of the hall, Amber guessed at one time it must have been part of the entryway. The owner probably remodeled to enlarge the den.

To confirm her assessment, she stopped and glanced at the crystal chandelier, sparkling against the grand arched ceiling two stories above. Was this once the entrance into the house?

A few feet ahead, the hostess paused by a closed door. Yes, the house has gone through a number of changes through the years. The main entrance used to be through here, but we changed it when we added brick to the exterior.

After opening the door, the lady held out her hand for Amber to proceed inside. This is the study. I spend most of my time in here.

Amber entered the combination study/sitting room and noticed the abrupt shift in the personality of the house. From dark and mysterious to peaceful serenity, the air held the scent of homemade apple pies. Music played in the background, while a center ceiling fixture bathed the room in a soft light.

An executive chair stood in front of the only window. The desk sat along the back of a tan leather couch, positioned like a sofa table. A stone fireplace on the far wall drew the interest of all guests who entered the room. Small gnomes decorated the mantel. Two plaid chairs with an entertainment center between them sat across from the couch.

Amber strolled to the chair next to the fireplace. Once settled, she turned to observe her hostess.

With a look of concern, the lady spoke. Would you like a fire? It’s not exactly cold, but it might be a bit chilly after coming from a warmer climate like sunny California.

No, I’m fine, thank you. Amber studied her hostess for the first time. She’d been distracted by the house earlier. The tall slender woman of about the same height as herself didn’t appear to be a relative.

In a stark white shirt, straight black skirt and flat black shoes, her appearance resembled the headmistress of a correctional school. Her dark brown hair, pulled back into a tight granny bun, distracted from the lady’s fine features.

Given her dull clothes, old fashion hairstyle, lack of makeup, and total disregard for self-image, the lady appeared not to care much about fashion or the world around her.

Unable to rein in her inquisitive mind about the reason for her visit, Amber blurted out, I don’t think I know your name.

The woman blinked in surprise and sank onto the couch.

I’m sorry. The letter I received didn’t mention anything about you. A man named Jonathan signed it. My dad, I believe, talked to you. But I don’t remember him giving me your name.

Yes, I spoke to your father. My name is Mattie Winston. I’m the present keeper of the Winston Estate. It’s my job to show you how to be the new keeper.

The term puzzled Amber. Keeper? Keeper of what?

Why of the estate! The woman appeared shocked by the question.

Keeper of the estate? What does that mean?

Don’t worry. Mattie repositioned herself on the couch and patted nervously at her hair for stray strands. We’ll have plenty of time to talk later. You’ve traveled a long way and must be tired and hungry. She pointed to a platter of little triangle sandwiches on the coffee table. Please help yourself.

She leaned forward and picked up a glass.

Amber’s stomach growled. Other than a donut on the way out of her apartment, she’d not eaten much over the course of the day.

With a small sandwich in her hand, Amber considered Mattie’s comment and pressed the issue. What exactly is a keeper? I thought I was supposed to inherit the estate.

Yes, well, the keeper is also the person who takes care of the trust fund, which includes the estate. The lady’s hands didn’t settle. They fluttered in her lap without finding a resting place.

Her apparent anxiety confused Amber. She couldn’t figure out a reason for her nervousness. But sympathy for the lady enticed Amber into changing the subject. How long have you lived here?

I’ve lived in Ohio all my life. But I’ve lived in Winston Manor for about thirty years. Mattie’s mouth broke into a small, almost shy smile.

Strange after thirty years, why switch the family keeper, or caretaker or whatever they called them? The lady didn’t look old.

Why leave? Did her family want to move? Does anyone else live here?

Mattie paused for a long moment. Well, there are a few others around.

Are you married?

The woman shook her head.

Is that part of the keeper’s job—not to be married?

Mattie brushed invisible crumbs from her skirt, her hands never pausing in their endless flight around her. No. Some keepers in the past have been married. I just didn’t find the time to meet anyone. I enjoy being single and spending my time traveling and running the estate.

With so many unanswered questions, Amber searched for a reason for being selected to inherit Winston Manor. She hated to pressure the older woman but... Are we related?

Mattie folded her hands in her lap and focused her gaze just beyond Amber’s right shoulder. Yes. Our great, great, great, great grandmothers were sisters.

Intrigued, Amber marveled at the amount of time required to find family lineage information; months if not years. Wow, how long did it take you to find out we were related?

Our family keeps very precise records. Mattie lowered her eyes and sipped at her drink.

Amber waited, expecting the lady to continue. When she didn’t, Amber couldn’t keep herself from asking, Then why haven’t I ever heard from you before?

Well...the family didn’t feel it was important to ah... contact you—until now.

Finding the sandwich plate empty, Amber realized she’d been hungrier than she’d thought. She lifted her tea glass and drained it.

She couldn’t expect the answer to every question tonight. Tomorrow, she’d have more energy and could look around for herself.

After setting her glass back on the coffee table, she rose. If you don’t mind, I’d like to go to bed. It’s been a long day, and I’d like to settle into my room.

Mattie stood. Without a word, she led the way out of the room and up the curved oak staircase. At the top, she explained the layout of the second floor.

My room is right here. She pointed to a door on the left. They circled around the banister to the right, then walked down a long hall with a number of doors scattered along the way. All the rooms along here are guest rooms. Your room is the last door on the left.

Are you entertaining other guests?

No. I don’t have many overnight visitors, but you might still hear the house groaning under the weight of its age or creaking as the windows settle in the night. Don’t let the noise bother you.

Amber spotted a spiral staircase at the end of the hall, but before she could ask where it led, Mattie told her. These stairs lead to the kitchen. Your room is over here.

Mattie opened the door, flipped on a wall switch and led the way into an elegant sitting area. Amber noticed two sets of French doors. One set led out onto a small balcony, while the other stood open and showcased the bedroom beyond.

Next to the doors leading to the balcony sat a coral rose chaise lounge. A small antique table with a Tiffany lamp stood right next to