rain, I could see the beauty of the lawns below us and the woods beyond. The view would be spectacular when the sun came out again. It was pleasant to be in the country, and I looked forward to some long walks along the paths and trails I spotted. Sophie joined me at the window for a moment while Marylou chatted with Leonard.
Sophie and I soon rejoined the other two. Leonard gave us a quick tour, pointing out the two bathrooms and two bedrooms. One bedroom had two double beds and the other had a queen-sized bed. Sophie and I insisted we take the room with the two beds while Marylou took the other one.
‘‘Probably just as well,’’ Marylou laughed. ‘‘Otherwise whoever roomed with me would have to put up with my snoring.’’
‘‘If you ladies will just point out which luggage belongs in which rooms, I’ll take care of it for you right now,’’ Leonard said. He gestured toward the pile of suitcases in one corner of the living room.
We each claimed our bags, and Leonard, without visible effort, carried them to our rooms. Once he had finished, he reiterated his invitation to avail ourselves of his services whenever—and whatever—we needed.
Marylou gave him a handsome tip, and he winked at her as he thanked her. Sophie and I didn’t say a word, because Marylou seemed to be enjoying what I hoped was a harmless bit of flirting on Leonard’s part.
‘‘Well, ladies, what do you say we unpack and then find something to eat?’’ Marylou said. ‘‘I don’t know about you two, but I’m starving.’’
‘‘I’m getting pretty hungry, too,’’ I said. ‘‘It won’t take me long to unpack.’’
‘‘Last one unpacked is a rotten egg,’’ Sophie said, giggling, as she sprinted for our bedroom.
Laughing, Marylou and I trailed behind her.
Chapter 4
We went downstairs about twenty minutes later and quickly found the dining room. I had checked my watch before we left our rooms, and it was just now going on eleven thirty. A bit early for lunch for some folk, no doubt, but since we had left Houston so early, the three of us were more than ready for something to eat.
There were a few other early birds already seated when a hostess escorted us to a square table near one of the large windows. ‘‘Your server will be with you in a moment,’’ the hostess informed us after handing us menus.
We sat in silence for a minute or two to scan the menu. I decided on a grilled-chicken Caesar salad, folded the menu, and placed it on the table. Marylou and Sophie were still reading their menus. Glancing around the room, I groaned inwardly. Paula Trowbridge was hovering in the doorway. The minute she spotted us, she made a beeline for our table.
‘‘Marylou, Emma, Sophie,’’ Paula said, her tone light and happy. ‘‘I’m so glad you’re here. I was hoping you’d get here early.’’ Without waiting for an invitation, she pulled out the vacant chair across from me and sat down. She picked up my menu. ‘‘The food here is excellent. Whatever you order, I’m sure you’ll just love it.’’
‘‘Hello, Paula,’’ Marylou said. ‘‘So glad you could join us.’’ She paused. Did I detect a note of irony in Marylou’s voice? ‘‘When did you get in?’’
‘‘Last night,’’ Paula said. ‘‘What are you going to have, Emma?’’
I told her my choice, and she turned to Sophie.
‘‘I’m going to have the regular grilled-chicken salad,’’ Sophie responded.
That left Marylou, who sighed. ‘‘I suppose I should have a salad, too, but I want something more substantial. So I’m going to have the chicken fettuccine Alfredo. I just love Alfredo sauce.’’
‘‘That sounds good to me, too,’’ Paula said. ‘‘I think that’s what I’ll have.’’
A young woman, who brightly introduced herself as Bree, said she was ready to take our orders whenever we wanted. She didn’t write anything down, simply nodded her head as we spoke in turn. Next she asked what we wanted to drink, and we all asked for iced tea. ‘‘I’ll be right back with your drinks,’’ Bree promised.
‘‘Do you think her parents were cheese fanciers?’’ Sophie asked. She gave us her best mock-serious expression.
‘‘Oh, hush,’’ I said, trying not to laugh. ‘‘It’s probably short for Brianna, or something like that.’’
Paula frowned. ‘‘She’s a very nice girl. Her parents own this place.’’
‘‘Is Ms. Hinkelmeier one of the owners?’’ Sophie asked. ‘‘We met her when we checked in.’’
Paula shook her head. ‘‘No, she’s the sister of the woman whose husband is the owner.’’ She hesitated.