Free In Like Flynn by Rhys Bowen Page B

Molly dear?” Theresa asked. “Or will you take an eclair? Cook is most gifted when it comes to pastries.”
    I opted for the sandwich, noting that the fast-melting choco-late on the eclair would no doubt wind up on my person or my dress. Even here in the deep shade of the veranda, the heat was oppressive.
    “You've just returned from Europe, Miss Butler?” I asked Belinda. “Did you have a chance to visit my country?”
    “I'm afraid not, Miss Gaffney I was only away for a month and one only had time to visit the important places—you know, cities noted for their fine art and cultural heritage like Florence and Paris.”
    “We are not. without a cultural heritage of our own in Ireland, you know,” I said. “The castles and monasteries date back to the dawn of time.”
    She frowned, as if I was a sweet puppy that had unexpectedly bitten her. “I didn't mean to imply that the culture of your country was any less important, Miss Gaffney. Dear me, no. That was not my intention.”
    “I'm sure you didn't, Miss Butler.” I smiled sweetly at her. “And given the chance, I would also have chosen Paris and Florence over Dublin any day.”
    Theresa laughed delightedly. “Isn't she a gem? She has Barney’s wit, doesn't she? Molly—I may call you Molly, mayn't I?—I can't tell you what a joy it is to have you here. Life has been so awfully dreary and I haven't been well, you know. I have been so longing for a merry companion and now God has provided you in answer to my prayers.”
    “I trust you have not found my companionship too unutterably dreary these past years,” Cousin Clara said in her prim little voice. “And if my presence is no longer required here, then maybe I should speak to your husband about returning to the bosom of the family in Virginia.”
    “Oh Clara, don't be so silly,” Theresa said.
    “So I'm silly now, as well as boring and dull. What a pathetic excuse for a woman,” Clara said. She rose to her feet. “Maybe I should retire to my room until I am needed, since I only aggravate and bore.”
    Theresa grabbed her sleeve. “Clara, please sit down. Do. You're embarrassing my guests, and of course I am most grateful for your companionship. What would I have done without you in the bleak years of my despair? Have another eclair, do. You know how you love them.”
    She offered the plate and Cousin Clara took one, casting a black look in my direction.
    “I shall not be staying long, Cousin Clara,” I said, “and hope that my visit will not cause any disruption to the running of this household.”
    “How sweet you are, Molly.” Theresa gave me her dazzling smile. “And I do hope that we can persuade you to stay for as long as you like. This house is on the wrong side of the river so we don't get as much company as I would like.”
    Yes, it’s certainly wild over here, isn't it?” I said. “Is there no settlement on this side of the river then?”
    “There’s a small hamlet about a mile down the road in one direction, and some farmhouses in the direction of the military academy, but there are only two great houses nearby—ourselves and our neighbors, the Van Gelders.”
    You have neighbors?” I stared into the trees but saw no sign of another house.
    “Riverside, the house is called. Van Gelders have lived there since the first settlements. Not exactly the friendliest of neighbors, since Mr. Van Gelder Senior was once Barney’s political rival. But now they are no longer rivals, we are on social terms again. In fact, we are invited there to dinner tomorrow.”
    “I understand they have visitors from Europe,” Clara said, looking quite animated for her. Young men, Belinda.”
    “Clara, I am perfectly able to select my own beau, thank you,” Belinda replied.
    “Your dear mama has paid to send you all around Europe and you've come back empty-handed,” Clara said. “Not a count or a duke in sight.”
    Belinda laughed. “How quaint you are, Cousin. It was never my desire to marry