Edmund and his heirs remain the sole recipients of the property. Emma Powell’s claim was invalid.
“It’s so much to take in. This house belongs to Zig and Elizabet,” she whispered.
Emma Powell wept as the constable read the will, found where Myrtle said it would be. Mr. Powell strutted like a peacock disputing its authenticity, spouting he would sue.
While Mr. Powell continued to sputter and protest, Phebe drew the constable to the side. “Does anyone know of Lucy’s whereabouts? Is she dead?”
The constable whispered, “Myrtle told me she’s alive.”
Phebe gasped. “But where?”
The constable turned to the butler. “Winston, the jig is up, sir. Will you lead the way?”
Winston stood by the door.
There is resignation in his eyes. He knows the ugly truth will reach its bony fingers toward him.
The constable called for silence. “Winston? I’m waiting.”
The aging butler gazed at Phebe.
She expected to see hatred in his eyes, but all she saw was defeat.
He muttered, “She’s upstairs—on the third floor.”
Phebe and Zig followed the others upstairs.
They found her not in Mary’s room, but in a smaller one farther down the hall.
Disheveled, rocking in her chair, she talked nothing but gibberish. When she saw Winston, her eyes lit up. “Sister. Where is sister?”
He bent to her, smoothing her unkempt hair. “Sister had to go away, dear. And so do you. This nice man will take you to a new place. You’ll have a lovely room, people to care for you.”
“No, want sister!”
“I know best, remember? Things will turn out fine. You trust me, don’t you?”
She nodded.
The constable took her arm and gently pulled her up. “Come now, we’ll go for a nice ride in the fresh air. Won’t that be nice?”
Lucy looked at Winston who gave her a rare smile as he took her other arm and led her from the room.
Phebe watched them go. “How did I not know she was up here. I came often to see Edmund. I even went into Mary’s room next door. I never once suspected someone else lived up here.”
“They’ve hidden her for years. She must know the truth about the murders. Maybe they were afraid she would tell,” Zig said.
“Winston will go to jail, too, won’t he?” Phebe asked.
“He’s a conspirator. I’m afraid he will.”
Phebe and Zig went to the sky-parlor and watched through the window while the constable helped Lucy into the wagon. Winston climbed in beside her.
“I wonder if I will ever see them again?” she whispered.
Zig gave the Powell’s ample time to vacate Queens Court Acres. They moved their personal belongings to Martha’s until they could decide their next move.
Phebe remained the governess for as long as they took to move out, carrying out her duties to all three children.
Robert Powell’s blustering subsided over the next two weeks when he realized nothing was in his favor.
When the day arrived and the last of their belongings was loaded on the carriage, Zig stood in the doorway with his hand clasped with Elizabet’s. “She’s my daughter. I should never have let her go. She’ll live in this house with me, where she belongs.”
Mrs. Powell wept silently in the back of the carriage.
Mr. Powell said nothing, just turned on his heel and took his place beside his wife.
Phebe hung back inside the foyer. When the Powell’s disappeared, she turned and went upstairs to pack.
The mystery was solved. Justice was done.
There’s no need for me to stay. Elizabet has her father, now.
Before she hauled the heavy suitcase downstairs, she made the last trip to the sky-parlor. The emptiness of the room saddened her. She’d never see Edmund again, but it was enough to know she helped find him peace.
As she turned, a shadow darkened the doorway.
“Phebe, where are you going? Your suitcase is in the hallway.”
It was Zig. The amber shards in his green eyes shining as daylight poured through the window.
“No need for me to stay. The Powell’s don’t want me after I’ve single-handedly destroyed their lives here. I’ll go home to my family. Find another position.”
“But, what about me—and Elizabet?” he asked.
She smiled. “You have each other. You’ll be fine.”
He took her hands. “No, no we won’t. Not without you. We want you to stay.
She looked down at his strong, warm hands. “I can’t…why Zig, where did you get Edmund’s ring?
The emerald ring she first saw in Edmund’s portrait sparkled on Zig’s hand. To her, it represented a happy Edmund, when he was in love with Mary.
“It’s Edmund’s. Winston slipped it to me as he helped Lucy out the door. He whispered in my ear. “You should have this. It’s your father’s.”
“Oh, my goodness. It’s come full circle. I’m so pleased for you, Zig.
“No, not everything is complete, Phebe. There’s one more thing.” He bent to one knee. “Everyone should be with the one they love, and I love you. Will you marry me and complete the circle?”
“But, Zig, I can’t …”
“Phebe, you risked your employment to hunt for the truth; you were the one who Elizabet bonded with; you helped set Edmund free; you risked your life to expose the treachery of Winston and Myrtle; your curiosity brought our family back to life…even the sun brightens when I speak your name. Please, be my wife.”
The sky-parlor glowed with the light of a benevolent sun.
Phebe’s heart swelled as he kissed her hand while she gathered the courage to answer what she wanted to scream to the world. Instead, she whispered, “Yes, Zig, yes. I’ll marry you.”
THE END
My husband is first on my list for the support he gives me in my writing career. I could never follow my dream without him.
Many thanks to my critique partner, Nancy Hudgins, for her great ability to spot my weaknesses and bring them to my attention.
Also, thanks to Ruth Buck, my proof reader. Her eagle eyes pick up any frailties in my manuscripts and sets me back on track.
To all the many people behind the scenes who push me forward and keep me going. Thank you!
Award Winning Author Patty Wiseman is a native of the Seattle, Washington area and attended The Wesleyan College in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Northeast Texas is home, now, along with her husband Ron. She created the Vintage Mystery Series, The Velvet Shoe Collection set in the 1920’s. Intrigue with a touch of romance fuel the stories of strong women who overcome obstacles and propel them into strength and triumph.
Her books include: An Unlikely Arrangement—won 2nd place in Forward National Literature Awards, An Unlikely Beginning, won 1st place in Texas Association of Authors in Romance, An Unlikely Conclusion—won 1st place in Texas Association of Authors in Romance, a brand new book, An Unlikely Deception—Book Four of the series, and a contemporary romance titled That One Moment. She’s also written a motivational book called Success Your Way—Make a Wish, then Make a Plan.
She is the President of the East Texas Writers Association, member of Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs—Marshall Chapter, a Lifetime Member of the Worldwide Who’s Who for Professional Women, named VIP for 2013, the Northeast Texas Writer’s Organization, East Texas Writers Guild and Texas Association of Authors
Favorite quote “Find out who you are, then do it on purpose.” ~ Dolly Parton
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Velvet Shoe Collection
An Unlikely Arrangement
An Unlikely Beginning
An Unlikely Conclusion
An Unlikely Deception
Success Your Way
Rescue At Wiseman’s Pond
That One Moment<
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Somewhere Between
Somewhere Between Page 14