Part 18 (2/2)
”Oh, I don't know. Travel, probably.” He winked a blue eye at her, the twinkle in his eyes a little wicked. ”Care to join me?”
”Thanks, but no thanks,” she said with a laugh. ”I got all desire for traveling out of my system when I went to Europe.”
Quentin found himself wis.h.i.+ng that he had been the one tyD show her that continent. ”Fair enough. Then how about dinner this evening?”
”I'd like to Quentin, but I just got back yesterday. I have to read David's workbooks -”
”Do it tomorrow.”
”Honestly, Quentin. You're as bad as a little boy yourself. A very spoiled little boy who doesn't like being alone.”
”I think I've heard that somewhere before. So give in to me and make me happy.”
”I wish I could,” she said with a shake of her head.
”Tomorrow night, then. It's Friday -”
She smiled. ”I'll let you know.”
”I'll make sure you do.”
Her laughter suddenly trailed off as she looked toward the base of the cliff.
”Maggie?” he asked, concerned. ”Is something wrong?”
”No. Could you make sure that David gets back to Collinwood for dinner, Quentin?”
”Sure, but -” he slid to his feet as she did. ”Where are you going?”
”There's something that I have to do,” she said, sounding distant, as if she were in a trance - Quentin's eyes narrowed, finally noticing the scarf around her neck. ”Something I'd forgotten. Excuse me.” She moved away before Quentin could stop her.
David, seeing her leave, called her name a few times, but she didn't acknowledge his attempt. ”What's wrong with Maggie, Quentin?”
”I'm - not sure, David. Are you ready to go back to Collinwood?” He wanted to get the boy back so he could find Maggie. If what he suspected was true - then Cousin Barnabas was going to be very sorry.
”I guess so.” He lifted the bag in his hand. ”I got some really neat sh.e.l.ls.”
Quentin glanced in the direction that Maggie had gone. ”We'll look at them later.”
Julia was about to enter the cellar when the sound of music stopped her. ”Josette's music box,” she said softly as Willie came out of the parlour.40.
”Someone's up there,” he said in a shaky voice.
”Have you been upstairs?”
”Not since this mornin'. I've been busy down here all afternoon. Who do you think it might be, Julia?”
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