Recluse Island

Chapter 40

February 2014

Hallelujah and Herman were up to something.

What that was, Nora Jamestown still wasn't sure, but it was obvious they were trying their hardest to keep it from her.

When Etta had begged her to watch them today because she had plans with Benedict (a friendship Nora was still leery of, as she hadn't forgotten how upset Etta had been when Benedict stopped being her friend years ago) she cautioned her to keep a close eye on the two because they had been acting very secretive lately. According to Etta they spent lots of time in the library which was most unusual for them and talking in whispers.

Today, however, they requested to go to Lincoln Ford Beach. Since Nora wasn't gifted with the same artistic abilities as her sister, she brought along Scarlett's Secret, the first book in Gustavo Landrosh's latest series, The Klingsporn Sisters of Hathaway Ridge in preparation for his upcoming novel scheduled to be released that spring. Scarlett's Secret focused on Jacob and Cecelia Klingsporn's first-born daughter, the beautiful and winsome Scarlett, as with her four sisters they struggle to come to terms with the tragic murder of their parents.

Nora spread a green beach towel out on the hot sand. Even for February it was unseasonably warm, already in the mid-seventies at a quarter after ten in the morning. She wore a black yoked skirt and a mustard-colored button up top. Her brown hair was styled in a page boy cut which nicely emphasized her hazel eyes. Next Nora slipped on her banana yellow sunglasses and after a quick glance that Herman and Hallelujah weren't in the water or involved in any suspicious activities (which from her understanding just meant they weren't bothering anyone, though the only other person currently on the beach was J.J. Jorgen as he performed his morning run) she opened her book and began to read.

Scarlett had been shopping in town for most of the day, picking up supplies for the inn and choosing a birthday present for her father (she had decided on a pocket watch) as a result it wasn't until supper that she was first introduced to Jesse Dawson.

She had just enough time to put away her purchases when her mother had called her for supper. Consequently, she was last to arrive, which meant there was only one chair remaining at the table set for twelve in the dining room and it just so happened to be beside Mr. Dawson. Not that she knew who he was at the time or the eventual influence he would have on her life.

Scarlett sat down carefully placing her white linen napkin in her lap.

"Scarlett this is Mr. Jesse Dawson. He comes to us from Gladstone Ridge. He is hoping to get a loan from the bank to start his farm. Isn't that right Mr. Dawson?" prattled her mother.

"Sure, is Ma'am and please call me Jesse." The newest guest kindly requested while revealing a heart stopping smile in the process.

Mother smiled, "All right if it pleases you I will. Now shall we say grace?"

They all bowed their heads while Scarlett's father said a simple prayer.

"Would you like some turnips, Miss Scarlett?" Jesse asked, holding out a dish toward her.

Scarlett nodded.

Jesse was very handsome. Soft brown eyes, thick wavy brown hair, a scruffy but well-kept beard and a wonderful smile. It was a kind smile, comforting and Scarlett was immediately drawn to him.

Jesse scooped some turnips onto her plate.

"Thank you," Scarlett replied.