Lanterns and Lace Read Online Free PDF Page A

about Jessica’s grave site. “I believe that is an excellent idea. I’ll just take the coffeepot with us into my office, as long as Mimi doesn’t mind keeping an eye on Rebecca.”
    With the housekeeper’s consent, Grant ushered Jenny from the dining room, down the hallway, and into his office near the front door. Breathing a prayer for wisdom, he shut the heavy oaken double doors behind them. Two windows had been opened earlier, providing a pleasant breeze and lightly scenting the room with the fresh, lingering fragrance of roses. He needed something pleasant this morning to divert his gathering apprehension.
    “Do sit down, Jenny.” Grant pointed to one of the two chairs normally used by patients. Once she seated herself, he sat across from her. “I admit this discussion is of concern to me. Before I get started, is there anything you need to ask or tell me?”
    Jenny paused as though contemplating his request. “I need to know the amount of my bill. I’m planning to move into the boardinghouse this afternoon, and I don’t want to leave owing you money.”
    “There’s no charge.”
    Jenny sat more rigid than the ladies he knew. She clutched her hands so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
    “Why?” she said.
    “I don’t charge family.” He stared straight into her huge brown eyes, too much like his beloved daughter’s. “I’m assuming Jessica was your sister.”
    She fidgeted, and Grant waited.
    “I always pay my obligations,” she said.
    “Not this time.”
    “Did my sister?”
    “She didn’t have an opportunity.”
    “Are you Rebecca’s real father?”
    “The adoption papers state so.” Grant fought to gain control of a slowly rising irritation with the woman before him. “Jenny, why are you in Kahlerville?”
    Silence permeated the room—so quiet that Grant heard the wind rustling through the trees.
    “Do I need to repeat my question?” He allowed a moment for her to reply. “My intentions are not to be rude. I simply want an answer.” He leaned back in his chair and ignored the pounding of his heart.
    She squeezed her hands together more tightly than before. “I came to see my sister’s grave . . . and to escort my niece back to Cleveland where she belongs.”

Chapter 4
    Jenny realized she’d spoken rashly the moment the words escaped her lips. Color rose in Grant’s face. A twinge of fear twisted inside her, as though Father sat opposite her. She hadn’t planned to be insensitive or cruel but logical. Surely Rebecca was a burden to him and Miss Mimi. Jenny pushed aside the scene of Rebecca and Grant sharing lunch yesterday. The memory tugged at her heart with a longing for someone to love and be loved as she saw with them. But sentiments were for another time. She’d come this far with the quest for her niece, and she must continue.
    Grant cleared his throat. “Excuse me, Miss Martin, but Rebecca is my daughter. I would be more than happy to show you Jessica’s grave and relate to you those final moments of her life, but you are not taking your niece anywhere.” Grant spoke with control, but his gaze challenged her. “She is my daughter.”
    “I know she’s legally yours. My parents hired a Pinkerton to locate Jessica after she left home. He informed us of my sister’s social status.” She lifted her chin. “And of her passing after she gave birth to an illegitimate daughter. Surely, Dr. Andrews, you can see that, as Rebecca’s aunt, I am the proper guardian. Perhaps you need some time—”
    “I don’t need any time to consider your ridiculous, unreasonable request.” The color in Grant’s face now resembled a ripe tomato.
    Deep inside, Jenny wanted to cease speaking. She sounded cruel, uncaring, not even diplomatic. “But you have no wife, only a housekeeper. Rebecca takes her meals in the dining room instead of in the kitchen where she needs to learn proper etiquette until age fourteen before joining adults.” Perspiration dotted her forehead and