Page 111 of The Seven Rings
“In any case, it wasn’t long after this, if my memory serves, that Michael inherited the manor, and Patricia had it closed up.”
When they moved to the music room, Anna let out a breath. “The portraits. Trey told us you’d found more, but seeing them’s different than just hearing about them.”
“Pretty girls,” Paula said. “Well, this one.”
“Agatha,” Sonya supplied.
“More handsome than pretty.”
“Sonya found her wedding invitation,” Trey told them.
“I’m hoping we find others. It would be nice to display as many as we can.”
“I still have Collin and Johanna’s. You can have it.”
“Oh, Corrine, I don’t want to take—”
“You should have it. I knew Johanna’s heart very well. She’d love what you’re doing.”
Clover spoke through Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge over Troubled Water.”
“We were that to each other, whenever we needed to be. So I’ll be her bridge now.”
Because she understood the bittersweet of memories and loss, Winter slipped an arm around Corrine’s waist as they continued.
By the time they’d reached the third floor, Ace gave awhew. “You can forget how big this house is. I’d say I’ve worked up that appetite.”
“My quad muscles have muscles,” Cleo claimed.
“Let’s show off your studio first.” With relief, Sonya noted the Gold Room remained quiet and still.
“I haven’t been up here in too many years to count,” Paula said. “That magnificent view, and I love how you’ve made it yours, Cleo. It’s just—”
She turned, saw the mermaid painting.
“Oh my goodness. Oh my! I’ve heard, but as Anna said, seeing… It’s magnificent. She’s magnificent.”
“Mine,” Owen said. “When can I take her?”
“Actually, now. She dried well. I’ll get her ready for the trip tomorrow.”
“About damn time.” He draped an arm over Paula’s shoulders. “You can come see her whenever you want.”
Sonya itched to check the closet, but thought of Seth. She hung back when Cleo took the group across the hall.
Only paint supplies. “Not yet.”
Trey waited in the doorway. “It hasn’t been that long since you found Marianne.”
“I know. I’m just impatient.” Taking his hand, she walked into the gift-wrapping room.
“This is brilliant.” And one hand on her baby mound, Anna turned a circle. “Absolutely brilliant. I want one.”
“I knew it.”
She laughed at Seth, squeezed his hands. “Don’t worry. Mom will help me figure it out.”
“After TBD Kate Miller.”
