“That would be great,” Tara said, hurrying away to busy herself at the counter.
By the time they were seated around the table, Wally and Jem were reminiscing about their days hauling lobsters in the old dory that belonged to Wally’s dad. Not surprisingly, Jem did most of the talking. Tara had recovered and had gotten cups down from the cabinet above the stove.
“Wally is a fine craftsman,” Annie said. “You can be proud of your brother. What line of work are you in, J.C.?”
“Real estate,” he replied, and then he stroked his jaw thoughtfully as though contemplating what to say. “As you know, things have been a little slow, what with banks not wanting to make loans, but it will pick up. Already has, as a matter of fact. I look for the market to rally any day now.”
“Ayuh,” Wally put in. “J.C. had an import/export business before that. He …”
“So, I thought it would be a good time for a little R and R,” Jem said, ignoring Wally’s remark. “And what could be better than the coast of Maine in the good old U.S. of A.?”
Annie noticed the way Tara’s fingers trembled on the coffeepot. If a couple of visitors could get her so rattled, how did Tara cope with Carla Calloway, pit bull of the animal shelter? Or was it just men who unnerved her? She had said something about a marriage and being abandoned. Once burned …
“I’ve heard that Mrs. Holden’s become famous these days,” J.C. rambled on. “When I saw that gorgeous picture in the Brown Library I wondered if it was done by the same Mrs. Holden I knew. Sure enough, there was a plaque right next to it telling all about her being from Stony Point and all.”
Was it odd that a man like Jem would notice a hand-worked canvas? Maybe he was a collector besides a real estate broker. Annie was sometimes surprised when a stranger spoke glowingly of Gram’s talent—surprised but eminently pleased. She felt a lump in her throat and missed Gram anew.
“I suppose there are galleries where you can buy one,” he continued. “Sure would be honored to have a Betsy Original hanging in my home someday.” Jem’s eyes wandered about the room as though he might see one hanging on the kitchen wall. The term “Betsy Original” seemed strange on this young man’s lips; it almost seemed that he intruded on some private territory. Perhaps Gram’s work was more widely known than she had thought.
“And where is home?” Annie asked, mildly unsettled.
“Portland right now,” he said matter-of-factly.
“That’s not so far. Do you get over to see Wally and Peggy often?”
Wally, lips pursed, was about to say something, but Jem quickly took over. “I keep pretty busy—lots of travel—but it’s something I’m planning to change. I’d forgotten what a first-rate town you’ve got …” he paused, “and what charming citizens live here,” he added, giving both Annie and Tara a meaningful smile.
“Well, I hope you enjoy your visit.” Annie nodded to Wally who had said little. He wasn’t much of a talker on any occasion, but he was unusually quiet next to his gregarious brother. Annie felt somehow protective of him and a little sorry to see him lost in this man’s larger shadow. “Wally’s a regular around here. I couldn’t get on without him,” she said. “His work is in great demand these days. Maybe he’s shown you the model boats he builds?”
As though he hadn’t heard, Jem leaned forward in a decisive gesture. “Well, I should be off and let Wally get his work done.” He laid a hand on the table just a hair’s breadth from Annie’s hand. “Thanks for the coffee and for letting me have a look at the old place. You’ve really fixed it up great.”
“Thanks to Wally,” Annie amended, unnerved by his intrusive manner and by the blush she felt rising in her cheeks. She sometimes offered her guests a tour of the house, but in J.C.’s case, she decided against it, for no reason that she could name. She rose, and the men did too. “It’s been a pleasure,” she said. “I’m sure you and Wally will get some fishing in while you’re here. And I bet you’ll fall in love with that delightful Emily. You won’t want to be such a stranger.” She led them to the door.
When she turned around, Tara had already started upstairs. “I’ll get back to work on the cross-stitch pieces,” she called over her shoulder.
Annie cleared away the coffee and cookies, wondering about Wally’s smooth-talking brother. Mostly, she wondered about Tara’s reaction to the two men. Jem could certainly be a bit overwhelming, but why did she act as though the two were about to swallow her up? What was it that troubled Tara so?