He bent and kissed her lips. “You take such good care of me.” Looking at her friends, Bennett said, “It’s great to put faces to the names at last. Make yourselves at home and I’ll see you in a couple of hours.” Winking at Rowan, he said, “There are going to be fireworks.”
“You think of everything.”
“Only with you.”
He delivered another chaste kiss and leaned subtly on James as they made their way across the yard to the rear entrance of the house. An older woman joined them as they went inside and Nina assumed she was an assistant of sorts.
Miss Jeffries stared at Rowan’s fake smile and said, “That never worked on me, honey. Sit down and tell me what’s happenin’ to flush your entire body with fear.”
“Nothing. Everything is-is wonderful.”
Gage asked softly, “Is your husband sick, Rowan?” She jerked her gaze to his. “He requires support that counters his fit body and buoyant personality.”
Lowering slowly to the chair, Rowan whispered, “No. H-he’s fine. Bennett is going to befine.” Tears filled her eyes and Nina’s chest constricted in fear for her. “He will.”
Nina moved to the chair Bennett had vacated and handed Rowan a napkin to blot her tears.
“No one knows. He-he has spongiform cardiomyopathy. It’s a genetic disease of the heart they didn’t diagnose until he was in his fifties. By then...” Rowan closed her eyes. “The tissue of his heart is too damaged for a transplant. He barely survived the minor procedures they attempted....there is no way his ravaged body could withstand the stress of options intended to save him.”
“Oh, Rowan. I’m sorry,” Nina told her.
“Thank you.” Nodding, she stared at the table. “I’m sorry. I need to be with him.” She stood. “The estate is massive. You can explore it with the golf carts.” Glancing at Gage, she tried to smile. “There’s a gorgeous stable filled with great, wild beasts.”
His expression was difficult for Nina to look at. His pain for Rowan - the woman hestillloved - was written all over him.
Gesturing to one of the regular staff, Rowan introduced a cheerful older woman as she approached. “Jess is our groundskeeper. She manages the gardens, stables, and aquatic center.” Putting her hand on Jess’s forearm, she said softly, “Please make sure my friends have whatever they need. You know the estate better than anyone. I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
“Of course, ma’am.”
Lifting her hand distractedly, Rowan walked as fast as she could across the lawn.
When she disappeared into the mansion, Jess looked at the three of them and said, “Mary-Margaret, Mr. Jefferson’s assistant, ensured that three of the guest bungalows were prepared for your stay with us. The valets took the liberty of placing your luggage there.”
Miss Jeffries asked, “They want us tostayhere?” She frowned. “I thought we’d get a hotel on the way home.”
“Ma’am, Mary-Margaret wished to speak to each of you personally on behalf of Mr. Jefferson. She’ll be along shortly. In the meantime, I have a golf cart waiting to take you over. With this heat, you might want to cool off before the evening festivities. It’s brutal today.”
Gage met Nina’s eyes and gave a slight shake of his head. Then he bent and helped Miss Jeffries to her feet. She mumbled something and he snorted.
Jess pointed out places of interest on the estate as she took a winding path around the property. A second golf cart followed them at a distance.
Rounding a corner, two rows of small houses came into view. It was as if a section of Cape Cod had been transplanted to Texas.
“Oh, this is lovely,” Miss Jeffries said happily.
The groundskeeper seemed thrilled for the opening. “We have six of these little communities set up around the estate. Two are for staff and the rest are for guests. Each has a specific theme. Rowan, I mean Mrs. Jefferson, likes guests to have their privacy. We didn’t put any other guests in this section. They’re snug but luxurious. They should have everything you need but staff can bring out anything you request.”
Parking the golf cart, she looked at them. “She’s mentioned each of you. Little pieces here and there that show how close you all are. I imagine she’sthrilledto have you visit at last.”
Stepping out on the miniature driveway, the second golf cart parked beside them driven by another member of the staff.
“Mr. Chambers, we placed you in this one. Miss Jeffries, you’re right next door. Miss Adams, you’re in the last one of this row. This golf cart is for your use. Just follow the green markers back to the house when you’ve had a chance to cool off.”
She handed each of them a small phone. “These are pre-programmed with any numbers you might need. Mrs. Jefferson, Mary-Margaret, Mr. Jefferson, and me. I believe you met James - Mr. Jefferson’s personal bodyguard - we provided his main line as well, just in case.” Smiling at Miss Jeffries, she added, “Mr. Jefferson asked that the number for your house be included so you can check on the young girls you care for. Simply go to the contact then hit the green call button.”
“I sure appreciate that, Jess.”
“Certainly, ma’am. Once you have a minute to get your bearings and soak up some air conditioning, I can take you on a full tour. Dinner will be served at seven and fireworks start at nine when it’s full dark.” Rubbing her hands together, she asked, “Any questions?” They all shook their heads. “Alright then. I’ll get out of your hair. Give a ring if you need anything. Welcome to Jefferson Wood.”