was to fall in love with him again.
I must stay focused on the job at hand. Mama and Papa must be found innocent of wrongdoing, and that is my primary purpose and goal.
She lifted the tray and headed for the front door, more than a little aware that Clint waited for her on the porch. Why did he disturb her so much? It wasn’t like she fancied him anymore. She could easily say that she wasn’t in love with him.
“But I don’t know what I do feel for him,” she muttered.
“What was that?” Bedelia Clifton asked.
Connie looked up and shook her head. “Nothing important.” At least she hoped it wasn’t.
That evening, after supper was over and Clint had gone home, Tom and Connie sat on the porch and enjoyed the chilly evening. There was still a bit of light, enough so that Connie could make out Tom’s contemplative expression.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
He shifted in his chair. “I was just thinking about Mr. Singleton. He’s a part of our investigation.”
“Of course.” Connie let the rocking chair begin to move. “What did you think of him?”
“I guess I’d rather know what you thought of him.” Tom shook his head. “You seemed quite agitated in the beginning and then grew very quiet. Not at all like the Constance Browning I know.”
She shrugged. Tom knew her far too well. “I don’t know what to think of him. I didn’t like being teased by him. It wasn’t his place to bring up the past. Not at all a gentlemanly thing to do.”
“Are you still in love with him?”
The question was asked so matter-of-factly that Connie answered with equal candor. “I don’t know. I don’t think so. I can’t say that I’ve given him much consideration these last few years. In fact, I made certain that I didn’t think about him. My love for him was that of a child for a heroic figure. It bore little basis in reality.”
“Good.”
She looked at him. “Good? Why should it matter one way or the other to you?” She got a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach. Tom sounded almost possessive of her.
“Well . . . that is to say . . .” He stumbled over his words. “I wouldn’t want it to interfere with our work.”
“No.” She shook her head and drew a deep breath. “Of course not.” For a moment she hadn’t been sure where he was taking this conversation, but now she could relax, knowing it was only his concern about work. The last thing she needed was for Tom to fall in love with her.
“This job is much too important, and if you and I don’t get to the bottom of it, I fear your parents may bear the brunt of accusation.”
“Thank you for your concern for them. It means so much to me that you care.” Connie smiled. “This is much too important to me to lose my focus. Mama and Papa are innocent, and I intend to prove it. However, I also want our work to keep a war from taking place.”
“As do I.”
A hired hack pulled up to the curb across the street. The passenger paid and spoke momentarily to the driver, then gave him a wave and started for the house. It was too dark to get a good look at him, but he definitely knew his way around.
“Captain Gratton,” Tom said, getting to his feet. “It’s good you could finally join us. I was hard-pressed to leave you any supper—it was the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”
The captain laughed. “Nancy is probably the best cook in Portland, but don’t let my cook know I said as much. Where is everyone? Are you all alone out here?”
“I’m here, Captain.” Connie got up from the rocker. She had been hidden in the shadows, as very little light was left. “I’m Connie Browning, Faith’s cousin.”
“I’ve heard so much about you that I feel I already know you well.” He stepped closer. “I’m very glad to meet you.”
“Likewise. I can’t tell you how wonderful it was when I learned of your marriage to Faith. She’s such an amazing person, and if anyone has ever deserved love, it’s her.”
“I agree and am happy to accommodate,” he replied, laughing.
The screen door opened. “I thought I heard your voice,” Faith declared, sweeping into her husband’s embrace. They kissed tenderly, completely oblivious of Tom and Connie. When Faith pulled away, she took her husband’s arm. “Come. I’ve saved you some of your favorites,