Free Moonshadows by Mary Ann Artrip

shared opinion.
    “Miss Janet,” Trent spoke. “Do you intend to keep the house open?”
    “I think not, Trent. Not for a while anyway.” She smiled. “That is unless you all want to continue living here. That would be fine with me.”
    Lettie laced her fingers together. “It wouldn’t be the same with Madam.” She glanced around the table. “We’ve all decided to leave Heather Down . It will be a sad going, but that’s what we decided.”
    Janet nodded. “All of you have earned a much-needed rest. So do things you want to do, for a change. Travel, visit friends and families—whatever you want.”
    Lettie smiled. “Duffy and I have always longed to see Ireland.” She reached over and patted his hand. “Now we can afford it—and we’ll certainly have plenty of time.”
    “Trent,” Janet asked. “Any plans?”
    The old face brightened and Janet realized that he wasn’t nearly the frail fossil that she always thought him to be.
    “Going south—someplace warm the year around,” he said and winked at Cook. “The Keys, most likely. I have a brother there. Me and Daisy are going together.” He laughed. “Might even get married.”
    Janet frowned. “ Daisy ? This is the first time I’ve heard your name. Isn’t it strange that I never thought to ask.”
    Cook trilled a sort of off-key melody, self-conscience at being the center of attention.
    “It’s all settled then,” Janet declared. “But I would appreciate it if you’d keep in touch. If I should decide to reopen the house I’d be more than honored to have you return.” She smiled. “That is, if retirement ever gets to be too much of a burden, and you need something to do. Besides, I’d hate to have to break in a whole new staff when you all know the place better than I do.” She looked at Duffy. “And I’d never trust the Rolls to anybody but you.”
    Duffy blushed and lowered his head.
    Lettie laid a hand upon Janet’s arm. “I never could stand slovenliness,” she said. “You can always depend on me. You must remember that.”
    Later that afternoon, Janet packed her clothes for the return trip to Middlebrook. After she put her room to rights, she walked down the flight of stairs and stopped outside the closed door of her grandmother’s room. Reaching for the knob, she touched it lightly before changing her mind. She withdrew her hand and turned away to continue down the stairs. The staff moved on silent footfalls, draping furniture with white dustsheets and closing off rooms. The house was stirring with veils of shadows that whispered murmurings of death. In the black and white tiled salon, the late evening sun cast a pale shimmer though the windows and played an eerie light against the hulking ghost-like shapes that sat poised as if upon a giant chessboard. The game was over; the queen was dead.
    Lettie approached.
    “We’ll be gone in the next few days,” she said to Janet. “I’ll leave the key with Mr. Newkirk.”
    “Thanks Lettie. You’ve been indispensable these last few days.”
    “Didn’t do more than I wanted to, Miss Janet. Now you take care of yourself.”
    Tears brimmed in her eyes. She stepped forward and gave Janet a hug. The rest of the staff came from other rooms. Cook moved on tiny feet to Janet’s side and took her hand.
    “God bless you, Miss. I always did like for you to come up so I could cook for you.” She smiled. “I love to see a hearty appetite.”
    Janet laughed. “I have that, all right.”
    Duffy joined the farewell gathering. He put out his hand and Janet smiled.
    “Thank you Duffy, for all the trips you made to the Point—and always with a shopping list.”
    “Didn’t mind, Miss. Didn’t mind at all.”
    “I’ll carry your bag out to the car,” Trent volunteered.
    “That would be nice.” Janet smiled as she allowed the faithful butler one last chance to serve.
    They went through the door and across the porch. Janet turned and looked back at the remaining three standing framed