When There Is Nothing Left But Love

I had opened the door and was ready to alight when Ashton cleared his throat rather aggressively.

Joseph immediately jumped in. “Mrs. Fuller, we’ll definitely be going to Lavelian Village. We’re only planning to make a short detour to Gold Scale Estate. Why don’t you come along with us? There aren’t many cars headed in that direction, and with the one-hour-long drive, it’ll be inconvenient for you to get a taxi.”

I looked at him uncertainly. “Really?”

Joseph nodded, then said earnestly, “I wouldn’t lie to you, Mrs. Fuller. The Lavelian project just started, so we definitely plan on heading over there to take a look. Isn’t that right, Mr. Fuller?”

Ashton made a brief grunt of acknowledgment. I turned to look at him to size up the situation, but he seemed thoroughly focused on tucking in the breakfast delicately. I guessed that Ashton hadn’t heard a word we’d said.

Seeing Ashton’s unconcerned demeanor, I decided not to put myself out unnecessarily. I slumped back into the seat and beamed at Joseph. “Thanks for the ride, then!”

Joseph smiled politely, then drove off.

The Gold Scale Estate was rather close by, and we arrived within ten minutes. We were greeted by the sight of Rachel in a white linen dress, her permed hair rippling over her shoulders. On one hand, she toted the most fashionable luxury handbag that was available this season. She looked every bit a wealthy heiress.

The car rolled to a stop just beside Rachel. She leaned over to open the door of the passenger seat. After a couple of tugs, however, the door remained stuck fast. I looked over at Joseph with concern. “Mr. Campbell, I think you didn’t unlock the door,” I reminded him.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Fuller. It must have slipped my mind.” Joseph returned. He sprang into action, suddenly getting out of the car. Before I could react, Ashton had replaced Joseph in the driver’s seat and was already calmly fastening his seatbelt.

Joseph, meanwhile, had settled into the passenger’s seat.

rather haughtily, “Is Ms. Stovall here too? Didn’t Mr. Murphy arrange a

rather heavy last night. I’m not a very skilled driver, and the roads leading to

trepidation. He looked

Rachel exclaimed sappily, “Mr. Fuller, have you had breakfast yet? I made pancakes this morning.

already eaten,”

also made breakfast this morning! Mr. Fuller just finished it,” Joseph added

look at Rachel and said goodhumoredly,

lunchbox in her hand to Joseph. “Try it, Mr. Campbell,”

if the lunchbox hadn’t already been unceremoniously dumped

smile and

for the sound of Joseph chewing. Determinedly, Rachel turned once more to Ashton. “Mr. Fuller, the Magpie Festival’s today. Do

on asking

eyes fixed firmly on the road like a model driver. “I’m

mean that he has no time

daintily. Undeterred, she continued, “You should be done with work rather quickly tonight.

Ashton observing me from the corner of his eyes. Then he inquired with sudden interest, “What are you doing

blurting out,

saying, “I’ll be going home