We both laughed as she continued. "Miranda and I spent so much time together in those days that we became like sisters. I made sure she was not alone. We spent a lot of time with Nathan and Sarah. Still, I knew she missed Jon. When she found out she was pregnant, I thought that would bring them closer and bring Jon home more. In fact, after Margaret was born, everything seemed fine for a whole year, but then he went back to his old ways. I remember at a dinner party, even Nathan got angry at Jon, and Nathan rarely got angry at anyone." When she smiled this time, I could see how much she loved her younger brother. "Nathan is a very affable fellow. He's so different from Father and Jonathan; he's more like mother and me. But he's married to a hard woman. Sarah can be tough as nails." I could hear the sadness in her voice. "I'm sorry, my dear. I didn't mean to go on so. You caught us all at a bad time. Would you like another cup of tea?"

"No, thank you. Please go on."

She got up and poured herself another cup of tea. "Our parents had a great deal of money. My father had a knack for buying up companies and selling them at a great profit. He made millions because he was rather ruthless at it all. When he died, Jonathan fully took over the business he'd been helping Father run for so many years. Jonathan was just as ruthless as Father, and, just like Father, Jonathan knew business, but didn't know people.

"Nathan on the other hand knew a great deal about people, but very little about business. Becoming a doctor was something he always wanted. He and Walt went to the University of Chicago together. Walt was a brilliant student-"

"Sorry, who's Walt?" I asked, feeling the conversation getting away from me.

"Dr. Walt Jenkins. He's the handsome man out there examining my stubborn niece. He's known around town as Doc, but I call him Walt," she said and I heard the affection in her voice. She then blushed and cleared her throat. "Now, where was I? Ah, yes, poor Nathan. Medical school was a little more difficult for him. He struggled, but got through. He has a small practice in Galena, mostly wealthy old women with nothing to do all day but complain," she said and shook her head. "If I ever get like that I hope somebody shoots me."

"I can't imagine you ever being that old," I said smiling. I really liked her. "So tell me, Hannah. Did you go into the family business as well?"

"Good heavens, no. I spend most of my time on the Board of Directors at the clinic, and I love charity work. My father used to tell me I'd give it all away if I could. I suppose he was right. Jon chastised me severely for the very same thing. Sarah was the brains behind getting the clinic up and running. She's also been the fund-raiser from the beginning."

"Which clinic are we talking about?"

"I'm sorry, dear. The Winfield Clinic. My father Alexander started it way back when. Anyway, I was very wise with my share of the inheritance, as was Jonathan, who had controlling interest in both the clinic and Father's business. Nathan wasn't wise at all. He and his wife Sarah spent it like there was no tomorrow. They would travel and spend. Jonathan felt he was making money for the company so Nathan could throw it away. He would tell Nathan he was weak, letting Sarah wear the pants. And make no mistake, she does to this day.

"Now, Nathan's and Sarah's son Charlie is taking up where his father left off. He takes trips abroad, alone, to have his little flings. He's lost, though. He's the wandering son of a weak father. Sarah dotes on him, as she always has. However, I notice tension between all three of them whenever we are together."

"Hannah, what was Charlie like as a kid?"

"G.o.d, when he was younger he was full of the devil-a typical boy. He and Maggie never got along. He was quite a bully actually. Sarah spoiled him and Nathan allowed it, I'm afraid. Even Jonathan tried to step in on several occasions but I think he hindered Charlie more than helped him. He should have taken such interest in his own daughter," she said with a wry chuckle. "I personally think Jon never understood or wanted to know about Margaret's lifestyle and the fact that she's gay. He was wrong and I told him so. Don't get me wrong, he loved Margaret, but as I said, he didn't know people. The fact that she is gay happens to be the way G.o.d made her. That's very liberal for an old broad, eh? But don't you feel the same way about yourself, Kate?" she asked me directly and smiled broadly.

I was caught completely off guard. I remembered when I told my family. It was a little hard on my father and mother. My father thought he had done something wrong in his parenting-like maybe they should have made me wear a dress more often, and not let me play softball, or climb trees with the boys as much. I explained to him that he did everything right, and he and my mother let me be myself. What more can you do for a child?

My sister Teri, on the other hand, knew all along. She and Mac, my brother-in-law, loved me unconditionally. They all loved me, not in spite of being gay, but because I was Kate.

I looked to see Hannah sporting a contagious smile that made me smile in return. "Boy, you're good," I said. "I'm not even going to ask you how you knew. And to answer your question, yes, I feel the very same way. I have always been comfortable with myself. I like who I am. Being gay is a part of me like my hair or my skin. It's who I am."

I told her of my family, and how they felt about my being gay. "I'm very fortunate to have a family that loves me. Maggie is lucky to have you even if you do drive around in a golf cart. Why in the world do you, by the way?"

"I was in a little accident a few months ago. I was driving Margaret's car and when I tried to stop the brakes gave way. I wasn't going too fast but I slammed into the side of a building and injured my hip. It was hard for me to get in and out of a car and I couldn't stand staying at home so Walt suggested I try a golf cart. I'm fine now, I just like riding around in the little thing. I am sorry I panicked this morning. That was close, wasn't it?"

"You lunatic, you almost ran me over." I was laughing in spite of myself. The woman made me laugh. "So, you sly thing, now we have our cards on the table. Tell me, dear Aunt Hannah, who is Allison?"

She looked at the door to see if anyone was coming. I foolishly looked as well. When she leaned forward, so did I. With a mischievous look in her eye, she said, "Well, I never cared for her. Two years ago when Margaret and she were in London-"

With that, the door banged open and we both jumped-interrupted, yet again.

Doc walked through the door. "You better go and sit with her," he told Hannah. "I can't get the waterworks to stop. Do you have any coffee?"

"Is she all right, Walt?" Hannah asked.

"h.e.l.l, she'll be fine. It's just a mild sprain. Good idea not to take that boot off," he said. I gave myself a mental slap on the back and smiled inwardly.

"She's a strong, healthy young woman, Hannah. She'll be right as rain by tomorrow. Keep her off the foot. Why don't you give her your cane? You don't need it. It's been two months. You're not Grandma Moses, yet."

Hannah blushed and ignored his last remark. "Oh, the poor child. Walt, what are you looking for? The coffee is on the stove as usual, you nut."

"That's my girl," he said affectionately.

She patted him on the shoulder as she walked by and out the door.

I got an overwhelming feeling of love. I felt at home and at ease. I turned to see the good doctor scowling at me and I took a step back. Well, so much for love and ease.

I felt like I was going to confession when I was a girl. Not knowing what you did wrong but sure you had to say something, anything.

"It was my idea to keep her boot on," I blurted, then winced. Good G.o.d, Kate.

He looked down and poured a cup of coffee as he smiled. "Would you like a cup?"

"No, but I'm sure there's a cup of hemlock here somewhere."

Doc laughed. "Don't worry. Maggie told me it was all her fault because she lost control of the horse."

"And was on a horse named Thunder I heard was supposed to be destroyed. What's up with that horse?"

"Nothing special, it trampled Bedford a year ago, and left him lame. The only one who could handle him was Maggie's father. Now, Maggie stubbornly tries to continue where Jonathon left off. Thunder is high-spirited as you can now attest. I guess she doesn't want to part with him," he said. "Hannah bending your ear?"

"No, she has quite a way about her, though. She mentioned Maggie's parents. I am sorry. That's very sad."

Doc hesitated then nodded. "Yes, it is. So Maggie told me you're a photographer-wildlife and such."

Well, I'm not going to get much information out of him. "Yes, and such." I felt like I was on an interview.

"Much money in it?"

"Enough for my lifestyle," I answered, looking right at him.

"Good girl." He drained his coffee cup. "Well, I'm off. If you stick around, make sure Maggie stays off that foot. She could use a friend about now. I know you just met, but perhaps you might keep her company for the day. It might help take her mind off things..."

"And those things would be?" I'm getting the runaround here. First, Hannah ignores my question of Miranda. Now, Doc.

Our eyes met and I could see him gauge his next words. "I think you came around at the right time, young lady. As I said, she could use a friend. She doesn't have many. In any event, I'm sure I'll see you again." He held out his hand and gave me a very hearty handshake as he looked over my shoulder. "Whose dog is that digging in the yard?"

"Oh, G.o.d!" I said. "It's mine. Excuse me Doctor, won't you?"

I let go of his hand and ran out the back door. Good grief, how embarra.s.sing. I wanted to kill the little cur.

Chapter Three.

I got out the back door in time to see my insane dog run away with something in her mouth. It looked like a bag or something-like maybe one of those burlap bags new trees come in. Like a fool, I chased her into the woods. She, of course, thought I was playing and did that dodge thing dogs do. She darted back and forth then stopped and waited for me to move.

"Chance, get over here, now!" I said, doing my best imitation of an owner in control.

Because she listens so well, she charged off into the woods. As I lost sight of her I yelled, "Good, run all the way back home you stupid cur!"

I truly loved my dog but wondered what she had dug up. As I walked back to the house, Maggie and Hannah were watching me from the deck. Maggie was smiling and Hannah looked at me as if I were an escapee from Happy Dale.

"I'm sorry, she dug something up in your yard," I said, feeling like an idiot.

"It's all right, Aunt Hannah's dog used to dig all the time," Maggie said. Her smile was genuine.

"Hey, where is your dog? Chance could have a playmate." I smiled, but it faded when I saw their faces.

"The poor thing died. He was-" Hannah began.

Maggie interrupted quickly. "Aunt Hannah, don't. It's all over."

I looked at Maggie and tried to figure out why she would cut her aunt off like that. "I'm sorry," I said, not knowing quite what to say. After a few moments of awkward silence, I tried to change the topic. "Shouldn't you be off that foot?" Nice segue, Kate.

"Yes, she certainly should. Let's all go in. What time is it?" Hannah looked at her watch. "Good heavens it's after noon, time for a c.o.c.ktail! It's getting cloudy and it'll take the chill out of our bones."

It was getting rather cool. I turned and looked for my crazed canine but she was still nowhere in sight. She'd be back in an hour or so, after she finished snooping and burying whatever she'd found.

Maggie limped into the den and I followed.

"Have a seat, anywhere," she offered, plopping on the couch while I looked around the ma.s.sive den.

"Your aunt's house is huge."

"This house belongs to me. Aunt Hannah has lived with us since my mother died. Both of my parents are gone now, so it's just the two of us."

"I'm very sorry about your parents-your aunt told me about them earlier."

"I had a feeling she was going to do that. She likes you. You have an honest face. Aunt Hannah is very impressionable."

"We had a very interesting talk, nice but interesting."

Hannah came in with a tray full of gla.s.ses and a decanter. "Pour if you will, Kate," she said.

"My pleasure, Hannah."

"You have an engaging personality, Kate. And beautiful green eyes. Doesn't she Margaret?"

"Of sorts."

"Now," said Hannah sitting down with her drink. "Tell us about yourself, Kate. How long have you been a photographer? Are you originally from Illinois?"

As soon as I opened my mouth to speak, the doorbell rang. I wonder if I can do that again? I opened my mouth again, and by golly, it worked.

"h.e.l.lo, is anybody home?" A woman's voice came from the foyer.

I watched Hannah and Maggie stare at each other-neither moved.

"Ladies, someone's at the door." I looked first at Maggie, then at Hannah, watching for any reaction.

Hannah took a long, long sip of her sherry. You could almost call it a swig. Maggie drained the contents of her gla.s.s, laid her head back on the arm of the couch, and closed her eyes. Well, when in Rome. I drained my gla.s.s as well.

"h.e.l.loo!"

"We're in here, dear," Hannah called politely.

Maggie lifted her head and glared at her aunt. I remembered that look from earlier that morning. I was grateful I was not the recipient. Hannah rolled her eyes.

In walked the most strikingly beautiful woman I had ever seen. She was 5'9" and all legs. She looked like Ava Gardner and had legs like Cyd Charisse. Okay, I'm a sucker for Hollywood. Her hair was jet black, short and wavy. Her eyes were green and somewhat almond shaped. She had high cheekbones, full red lips and long shapely legs that went "all the way to the floor" as my father used to say. She was wearing a plaid skirt and with those legs who wouldn't and a V-neck sweater with a blazer: very cla.s.sy.

All at once, I felt like a frumpy b.u.mpkin in my jeans, flannel and loafers. I thought for sure she was going to take out a cigarette and wait for someone to light it. I might have, if I smoked, and if I had a lighter.

This strange, elegant woman looked at Maggie. "G.o.d, Mags. Are you all right?"

I'd stood when she entered the room, but she breezed right past me to sit on the edge of the couch. See if I light your cigarette.

"I saw Doc, he told me what happened," she said and touched Maggie's forehead. "Are you all right?"

"Allison, there was no need to come over. I'm fine. Really," Maggie said.

My eyes widened as I realized who this woman was. I gave a questioning look to Hannah who had a mischievous smirk on her face.

Allison glanced at Hannah. "I'm sorry, Hannah, I didn't mean to be rude and ignore you."

"That's all right, my dear, you were only rude to our guest. This is Kate Ryan," Hannah said, pointing toward me. "Kate this is Allison Carson, a friend of the family."

I stood and extended my hand. "Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine," Allison said insincerely, taking my hand. I noticed the realization flash across her face.

"Yes," I said, answering her unasked question. "I'm the one who knocked her off her horse."

"Really? And you're sitting here drinking sherry? How nice."

She was beginning to annoy me. "Nothing like a gla.s.s of fine sherry after knocking someone on their a.s.s and-"

"Allison, would you like a gla.s.s of sherry, dear?" Hannah chimed in, saving the day.

Allison smiled sweetly at Hannah. "No thank you, it's a little early in the day for me." She looked at me. "But you enjoy yourself."

She so didn't mean that and I was now truly annoyed.

Allison turned back to Maggie. "You take care, and give me a call if you need anything. Anything at all." She kissed her on the forehead.