Free Bookplate Special by Lorna Barrett

Grace.
    “It’s long been one of my favorite local charities. And who could say no to dear Libby Hirt? Over the years she’s been a guardian angel to so many here in Stoneham. She and her husband are the nicest people. They took in that sick child and raised her. Others would’ve been put off by the prospect of all that surgery, but not Libby. She’s got the biggest heart in the world.”
    A sick child? “I’m sorry I didn’t get an opportunity to meet and talk with her.”
    “She’s a real asset to this community.” Grace glanced at her diamond-studded watch. “Oh, my, I must dash. I want to speak to the florist. Oh, I have so many things penciled in on my to-do list—I just hope I can accomplish them all before the end of the day.” The excitement in her voice was contagious.
    “Well, do let me know if I can be of any help. It would be an honor and a privilege,” Tricia said.
    “Don’t worry, dear. I will.” Grace crossed the store to join her fiancé and, scandalously, gave Mr. Everett a quick peck on the lips.
    “My dear!” he scolded.
    Grace grinned. “I don’t think your employer minds one bit.”
    “Minds what?” Tricia asked, and looked up at the decorative tin ceiling, pretending she hadn’t noticed a breach in store decorum.
    “Good-bye, dear,” Mr. Everett said, and Grace waved as she exited the shop.
    Tricia risked a glance at her employee. Mr. Everett’s cheeks were quite pink. He cleared his throat.
    “I think I shall go back to work,” he said, and, with head held high, went in search of his lamb’s wool duster.
    The shop door opened with the soft jingle of the bell that hung over the door. A couple of women bundled in heavy sweaters bustled in, adhesive name tags identifying them as being part of an Apollo Tour.
    “Good morning, and welcome to Haven’t Got a Clue, Stoneham’s—”
    “Mystery bookstore,” one of them finished. “We read all about you on the Internet.” She reached into her purse. “I’ve got a long list of books I need to find. Could someone help me?”
    “I’d be glad to.” Before Tricia could even inspect the list, a breathless Ginny burst through the shop door. “Sorry I’m late,” she said, already struggling out of the sleeves of her jacket. She raced to the back of the store and hung up the jacket, then hurried to join Tricia with the customers.
    “Tricia, I’m sorry, I—”
    “We’ll talk about it later. Perhaps you could help this lady here.” She pointed to the other customer.
    “Sure, I’d be glad to. What author were you looking for?”
    “Rex Stout. I’d like a copy of The Golden Spiders .”
    “I’m pretty sure we have that in stock. Follow me, please.”
    Twenty minutes and three hundred and forty dollars later, the ladies departed the store, their shopping bags bulging with books. Despite the good start to the retail day, Ginny’s anxious expression kept Tricia from mentioning her tardy entrance—at least for the time being.
    “That was an excellent couple of sales,” Mr. Everett said, approaching the register with a tray of the store’s cardboard coffee cups. “We should celebrate.”
    “I agree,” Tricia said, grateful for the opportunity to cheer her other employee.
    Mr. Everett passed around the cups. “Here’s to a wonderful day.”
    They raised their cups and took a sip. “Mr. Everett, wouldn’t you like to tell Ginny your good news?” Tricia suggested.
    Mr. Everett blushed, and he ducked his head in embarrassment. “Grace and I, we’re—well, we’ve become engaged.”
    Ginny’s mouth drooped. “Engaged?”
    “Yes, isn’t it wonderful? They’re going to get married in the next week or so,” Tricia said.
    “Married?” Ginny repeated, her voice cracking, and then she burst into tears.
    Tricia grabbed Ginny’s coffee before she spilled it onto the carpet, while Mr. Everett stood rooted, stricken.
    “Ginny, what’s wrong?”
    “We can’t afford to get married,” she wailed. “Brian’s