“And is Chelsea the reason he is invited to dine at the Manor tomorrow night?”
“Yes, again. The girl is self-propelling her influence into my home lately. She planned the dinner behind my back with the kitchen staff and only informed me this morning with a formal invitation – can you imagine that? A man does not like to be undermined in his own home. I liked it better when she ignored me.”
“Have you told her about Chrissy? Perhaps, she’s worried about her sister?”
“No love lost there. Barking up the wrong tree.”
“Maybe not. What would she have to gain if her sister were dead?”
Trevor straightened in his seat. “You’re accusing family of this treachery? Surely even Chelsea is beyond suspicion.”
“No one is beyond suspicion. The law will leave no clue time to grow cold.”
Including Drew. It also brought the Baxter family into the mix, and if loyalty were an issue, Melanie doubted she’d be welcome at Knight Manor for long.
“I’m familiar with the law and how it works,” Trevor said. “Please forgive my outburst.”
Melanie bit her lip. How natural it would be to bring her brother’s involvement into the case, but she was beginning to like Trevor Knight a bit too much to risk alienating him at this point – or ever.
Trevor reached for her hand. “Is something else bothering you?”
She steered the conversation back to Chelsea. “Do you have any idea why your niece would be rummaging through Chrissy’s old room – or my present room, for that matter?”
“Chelsea? You saw her in your room? Today?”
“She was coming out when I returned from the pool and took an immediate dislike to me. I wonder if she knows who I am.”
“I may have spilled the beans there. Said you were a friend of Chrissy’s. That in itself would cause her to dislike you.”
“Did you tell her I was Chrissy’s roommate?” Melanie’s face couldn’t hide her interest.
“No – that might interfere with your safety, and I would never jeopardize that,” said Trevor. Concern spreading across his features as he studied her. It broke down any remaining defenses. The speed in which she was falling for him left her breathless. Just as she debated telling him about Drew, Chelsea Knight appeared at the corner of the patio, her stance declaring war on the couple.
“Good afternoon, Chelsea,” Trevor said, getting to his feet. “Would you care to join us for tea?”
“Tea? I had to belittle myself and beg the cook for a plate of scraps because my uncle neglected to inform the kitchen I was on the premises.”
“Chelsea – do you never tire of the drama?” Trevor said, sitting down again.
“Drama! Here you sit, entertaining a Georgia girl who’s abandoned her family. This is not done in our circles, Uncle Trevor.”
“Oh? You’ve seen fit to investigate my guest? That is not done in my household, Chelsea, and you will apologize this very minute.”
Melanie rested her hand on his and shook her head. Nothing escaped the watchful glare of the woman now looming over their table.
“Look at her grovel,” Chelsea said. “She knows I’m right, and that your virtuous standards would kick her out the door in a heartbeat if you knew everything.”
“If my standards are so righteous, then I should do all I can to show the misguided woman the error of her ways. Family is sacred, although your habitual conduct causes me to doubt that theory.”
Melanie could stand no more. “Chelsea, your worldview has holes in it. You did not bother to come after Chrissy when she moved to South Carolina. I would call that abandonment.”
“Chrissy was stupid to leave. That disqualified her under the rules of conduct in our circles.”
“You used the past tense – do you know something we don’t?” Melanie asked.
Chelsea leveled a glare of pure hatred in Melanie’s direction. “I know you, and that’s all you need concern yourself about.”
“Enough!” Trevor shouted, getting to his feet. “You will not stand here a moment longer and dishonor my guest. Sit and join us for a civil cup of tea or leave the premises. I’ve heard quite enough from you today.”
Melanie watched the woman inhale deeply and cast a sugar-coated smile in her uncle’s direction. “I’d love to join your party, but I have an appointment in the city I cannot postpone. But I will be back tomorrow night for dinner. I have an important announcement.” She turned to Melanie and shed the coating to reveal her inner-loathing. “I look forward to hearing tales about my dear sister, Chrissy. Perhaps you can track her down and surprise us all with a second visit from the disillusioned child in the same month.”
As soon as Chelsea was out of earshot, Trevor reached for his cell phone. He clicked on a name in his contact list and waited. “Drake, are you in the guest house?” Pause. “I have a job. Get into your car quickly and tail my niece, Chelsea, to her afternoon appointment. Let me know where she goes or anything else she does of interest.” Pause “She should be passing by in a couple of minutes. Talk to you later.” Trevor placed his cell off to the side and looked at Melanie.
“Your hired detective, I assume?” Melanie asked.
“Yes. The man is single and lives on site for our working convenience. He was doing some online research today for our case and another I’m working on. I keep him busy enough.”
“Has he discovered anything useful?” she asked.
“Hopefully, after today, we can put some of the pieces together.” He reached for her hand again and squeezed it. “I cleared my afternoon calendar to spend time with you. My sworn bachelor status is being put through its paces since meeting you.”
“I’m surprised that women have not
